Lee County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Property-line cap
- 0.5 footcandle
- Onto residential property
- 0.2 footcandle at ten feet
- Required fixtures
- Fully shielded, full cutoff, flat lenses
- Applies to
- All new luminaires
- Beachfront overlay
- Sea turtle lighting rules also apply
Summary
Lee County does regulate light spilling off your lot. Outdoor lighting may not exceed 0.5 footcandle at the property line, or 0.2 footcandle ten feet inside adjacent residential property, and fixtures must be fully shielded.
A rebuttable presumption that there is a violation of this division exists when: A shadow is created or cast by artificial lighting directly or indirectly illuminating an opaque object in sea turtle nesting habitat during the nesting season.
Full Breakdown
Land Development Code Sec. 34-624 requires every use in every zoning district to keep light from a point source from being directed, reflected or refracted beyond the parcel onto adjacent residential property or a public right-of-way, and to shield, filter or direct all artificial light so it does not cause light trespass. Sec. 34-625 applies to all new luminaires whether or not a development order is required. Illumination may not exceed 0.5 footcandle at the property line, and no more than 0.2 footcandle measured ten feet inside adjoining residential property. Fully shielded, full cutoff luminaires with recessed bulbs and flat lenses are the only permitted fixtures, with narrow low-lumen exceptions.
Violations & Fines
Lighting violations are enforced under the Land Development Code, where the Hearing Examiner may impose fines of $25.00 to $1,000.00 per day for a first violation and $50.00 to $5,000.00 per day for repeats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lee County limit light shining onto a neighbor's yard?
What proves a beachfront lighting violation in Lee County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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