St. Lucie County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Inland trespass rule
- None; nuisance/zoning path
- Coastal ordinance
- SLC LDC 6.04.02
- Turn-off time
- After 11:00 P.M. nightly
- Windows
- Blackout treatment required
- Fixtures
- Shielded from the beach
Summary
Along St. Lucie County's coast, the sea-turtle ordinance (LDC 6.04.02) is the strongest light-trespass rule: exterior lights visible from the beach or illuminating seaward of the dune must be turned off after 11:00 P.M., and beachfront windows need blackout treatments.
Exterior light sources directly visible from the beach or illuminating areas seaward of the primary dune shall be turned off after 11:00 P.M. each night.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Land Development Code: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
St. Lucie County has no general residential light-trespass ordinance for inland lots; spillover between inland neighbors is handled through zoning or Florida common-law nuisance. Along the coast, however, LDC 6.04.02 imposes strict controls to keep light off the beach. Exterior light sources visible from the beach or illuminating areas seaward of the primary dune must be turned off after 11:00 P.M. each night throughout nesting season. Balcony and low-intensity lights must be shielded from the beach, and pole and pedestrian lights recessed or shielded so the source is not visible. Window treatments, such as blackout draperies, shade screens, or approved tint, are required on windows within line of sight of the beach.
Violations & Fines
Beachfront lights left on past 11:00 P.M. in season or shining seaward of the dune violate LDC 6.04.02, drawing corrective orders and Code Compliance action. Inland light-nuisance disputes are resolved through zoning or civil nuisance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's floodlight shines in my inland window. What can I do?
When must beachfront lights be turned off?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Lucie County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Lucie County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.