Sarasota County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential property line
- 0.2 footcandles max
- Commercial / right-of-way
- 0.5 footcandles max
- Street glare
- Prohibited
- Rec-area lighting
- Off after 10:00 p.m.
- Code
- Sarasota County UDC (Sec. 7.5)
Summary
Sarasota County's outdoor-lighting standards cap light spilling onto neighbors: illumination at the property line may not exceed 0.2 footcandles on adjacent residential uses and 0.5 footcandles on commercial sites and public rights-of-way. Lighting cannot glare onto streets, and outdoor recreation areas next to homes cannot be lit after 10:00 p.m.
The maximum illumination measured in footcandles at the property line shall not exceed 0.2 on adjacent residential uses, and 0.5 on adjacent commercial sites and public rights-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 98).
Full Breakdown
Under Sarasota County's outdoor-lighting regulations (Unified Development Code, formerly Zoning Section 7.5), all outdoor lighting must be designed and located so that the maximum illumination measured in footcandles at the property line does not exceed 0.2 on adjacent residential uses and 0.5 on adjacent commercial sites and public rights-of-way. Lighting shall not be oriented to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets in a way that may distract or interfere with drivers' vision. Fixtures accenting architectural features, landscaping, or art must be located, aimed, or shielded to minimize light spill into the night sky, and lighting must meet on-site needs without intrusion onto adjacent properties.
Violations & Fines
Lighting that exceeds the footcandle limits at the property line, glares onto streets, or illuminates recreation areas after 10 p.m. is a code violation subject to correction orders and code-enforcement fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can spill onto my neighbor's yard in Sarasota County?
Are there limits on lighting sports fields at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sarasota County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Sarasota County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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