Nassau County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- Zero foot-candles at adjoining, differently owned property lines
- Tools required
- Downcast lights, light shields, landscaping
- Applies to
- Agritourism uses on agriculturally classified land
- Related standard
- Amplified sound must be 500+ feet from nearest residence
- Reviewer
- Nassau County Planning Department
Summary
Any agritourism operation on land classified agricultural by the Nassau County property appraiser has to design its lighting so it measures zero foot-candles at the property line of a neighbor who does not share ownership. Downcast lights, shields and landscaping are the tools the code names to hit that mark.
E.Lighting:1.Lighting levels shall be limited to what is necessary to provide security and safety for users. All lighting installations in connection with an agritourism use shall be designed to minimize light trespass and interference with vehicular traffic on adjacent rights-of-way and properties, which shall be achieved through the use of downcast lights, light shields, landscaping, or other elements. Lighting associated with the agritourism use shall measure zero foot-candles along adjoining property lines unless such property is in common ownership.
Full Breakdown
Article 46 of the Land Development Code governs agritourism uses, meaning agriculture-related activities open to the public for recreation, entertainment or education on land the Nassau County property appraiser classifies as agricultural. 01(E) sets the lighting standard: lighting levels are limited to what is necessary for the security and safety of users, and every lighting installation connected to the agritourism use has to be designed to minimize light trespass and interference with traffic on adjacent rights-of-way and properties, achieved through downcast lights, light shields, landscaping or other elements.
The standard is absolute at the boundary line: lighting associated with the agritourism use must measure zero foot-candles along adjoining property lines, unless the adjoining property is in common ownership with the agritourism site. That zero-foot-candle line sits alongside other agritourism standards in the same article: amplified sound has to originate at least 500 feet from the nearest residence not in common ownership, traffic generating 150 or more vehicles per day triggers a traffic impact analysis under BOCC Resolution No. 06 buffer requirements. The Planning Department reviews agritourism uses, consulting with other county and state agencies as needed, to confirm off-site impacts like light spillover are addressed before the activity gets underway.
Violations & Fines
An agritourism operator whose lighting spills onto a neighboring, differently owned property above zero foot-candles is out of compliance with section 46.01(E), even if the lights were installed for safety. LDC section 4.01 gives the code enforcement officer authority to investigate; section 4.02 requires written notice naming the violated section and the remedial steps needed, such as adding shields or downcast fixtures; and section 4.03 lets the county sue in circuit court to enjoin continued use of noncompliant lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strict is Nassau County's agritourism lighting rule?
What counts as an agritourism use under this rule?
Does this rule apply to normal farm lighting, or just event lighting?
What other standards come with the lighting rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nassau County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Nassau County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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