Coral Gables, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielded lumen cap
- 2,000 lumens (SFR/MF1)
- Unshielded entrance cap
- 1,000 lumens at entrance
- Max pole height
- 14 feet
- Color temperature cap
- 3,000 Kelvin
- Glare rule
- Not visible from neighbors
Summary
Coral Gables caps shielded outdoor security lighting at 2,000 lumens in residential zones, requires glare stay off neighboring yards, and limits pole height to 14 feet under the zoning code's Article 12 lighting standards.
All light sources shall not exceed a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) of 3000 Kelvin. Fully shielded outdoor light fixtures shall be controlled and directed to the object intended to be illuminated. The direct glare of shielded flood lighting shall not be visible from adjacent properties. The maximum allowed lumen output for shielded fixtures in SFR and MF1 zoning districts shall not exceed 2,000 lumens. Partly shielded or unshielded light fixtures in SFR and MF1 zoning districts shall not exceed 1,000 lumens at the main entrance. All other partly shielded or unshielded light fixtures shall be limited to 500 lumens. Low voltage landscape lighting shall be directed away from abutting or adjacent properties and not exceed 1,000 lumens. Maximum pole height shall be fourteen (14) feet. Light poles greater than seven (7) feet are subject to zoning setbacks, as set forth in Article 2. Illumination of multi-family building facades, displays, sculptures, signs, and other specific objects shall be lit from above, unless the light fixture does not exceed 3,500 lumens. Potential glare from below shall be avoided. Reports of certified results of lighting tests or specifications of light fixtures may be required by the owner after installation to confirm compliance. (Ord. No. 24-8057, 12/10/24)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Coral Gables' zoning code requires outdoor light fixtures in SFR and MF1 residential districts to be fully shielded and directed only at the object intended to be illuminated, with the direct glare of shielded flood lighting not visible from adjacent properties. Shielded fixtures, including security flood lights, are capped at 2,000 lumens; partly shielded or unshielded fixtures are limited to 1,000 lumens at a main entrance and 500 lumens elsewhere. Light poles taller than 7 feet trigger zoning setbacks, and no pole may exceed 14 feet. All light sources are capped at 3,000 Kelvin color temperature.
Violations & Fines
Zoning violations, including noncompliant security lighting, are enforceable by the code enforcement board or special magistrate under Sec. 1-7, carrying fines up to $1,000 per day for a first violation and $5,000 per day for a repeat violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a bright security floodlight in my Coral Gables yard?
How tall can a residential security light pole be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Coral Gables to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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