Collier County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- LDC 3.04.02(B) sea turtle protection
- Coverage zone
- Within 300 ft of coastal MHW
- Floodlights/accent lights
- Prohibited
- Fixture rule
- Hooded; not visible from beach
- Nesting season
- May 1 to October 31
Summary
Collier County's coastal lighting rules protect nesting sea turtles. Within 300 feet of the Gulf's mean high water, outdoor lighting must be minimal, floodlights and accent lighting are banned, and all fixtures must be hooded or positioned so no light or reflection is visible from the beach.
Outdoor lighting shall be held to the minimum necessary for security and safety. Floodlights and landscape or accent lighting shall be prohibited. All lighting ... shall be of low intensity, and shall be fitted with hoods or positioned so that the light sources, or any reflective surfaces illuminated by such sources, shall not be visible from the beach.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
LDC 3.04.02(B) applies to development within 300 feet of coastal mean high water and to parking lots, dune walkovers, and reflective surfaces visible from the beach. Outdoor lighting must be held to the minimum needed for safety, and floodlights and landscape or accent lighting are prohibited. All fixtures must be low-intensity and hooded or positioned so the light source, or any illuminated reflective surface, is not visible from the beach. Parking lots use low-profile shielded luminaires, and windows visible from the beach need tinted glass. This is Collier County's dark-sky standard; there is no general inland dark-sky ordinance. Nesting season runs May 1 through October 31.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant coastal lighting is enforced by Collier County Code Enforcement and can carry daily fines; LDC 3.04.04 provides penalties, and disturbing sea turtles also violates state and federal wildlife law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Collier County have a dark-sky lighting law?
What lighting is banned near the beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collier County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Collier County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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