Pinellas County controls light trespass through Chapter 138 zoning performance standards requiring shielding of nonresidential fixtures from adjacent residential lots, supplemented by sea turtle lighting rules and general nuisance provisions in Chapter 58.
Pinellas County uses Chapter 138 (Land Development Code) performance standards to limit light trespass and glare from nonresidential and multifamily uses onto adjoining residential properties, generally requiring fixtures to be shielded, downcast, and located so direct illumination does not cross the property line. There is no countywide foot-candle cap, so compliance is judged by glare visibility and shielding configuration. Beachfront parcels also follow the sea turtle lighting overlay derived from Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62B-55. General nuisance disputes that fall outside zoning standards may be addressed by code enforcement under Chapter 58 environmental provisions and common-law nuisance principles.
Unshielded fixtures spilling light onto residential lots can be cited as zoning violations under Chapter 138, with fines, compliance orders, and possible site-plan revocation for repeat offenders.
Pinellas County, FL
Sound from commercial or industrial zones reaching nearby residential property lines may not exceed 55 dBA between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weekdays and Satu...
Pinellas County, FL
Aircraft operations at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and other airfields are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration; the county cannot ...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County treats a dog that barks for 15 or more sustained minutes within an eight-hour window on two separate dates in a three-day period as a public ...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County does not restrict gas-powered leaf blowers specifically; their use is governed by the general residential noise limits in Chapter 58, Article...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County has no countywide overnight parking ban, but Sec. 122-37 limits overnight residential storage of prohibited vehicles and Sec. 138-3220 govern...
Pinellas County, FL
Florida Statute 366.94 preempts local regulation of electric vehicle charging stations to the state; Pinellas County issues permits based solely on standards...
See how Pinellas County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.