You want your Palm Beach oceanfront property to feel inviting at night without running afoul of turtle season rules. You also want clarity on what counts as compliant, from bulb color to fixture height. This guide gives you the essentials to stay safe, stylish, and in step with local requirements. You’ll learn the season dates, the “Keep it Long, Keep it Low, Keep it Shielded” standard, what to buy, how to aim lights, and how permits and inspections work. Let’s dive in.
Palm Beach turtle-lighting basics
Season dates and lights-out rule
Sea-turtle nesting season in Palm Beach runs March 1 through October 31. During this period, lights that can be seen from the beach are generally prohibited or tightly controlled. The Town publishes seasonal reminders that reinforce this requirement and direct owners to shield or turn off seaward lighting at night. You can review the town’s updates in the seasonal notice on lights-out for sea turtles.
The three-part standard
Florida’s guidance and many local codes follow a simple rule: Keep it Long, Keep it Low, Keep it Shielded. Use long-wavelength lamps, mount lights as low as safely possible, and shield or redirect light so it is not visible from the beach. You can see this principle summarized in the state-aligned overview of sea-turtle-safe lighting.
What the rules require
Color and wavelength
Use true long-wavelength sources that minimize blue and green light. Many Florida references call for lamps measuring at or above roughly 560 nanometers, often described as amber, orange, or red. Filters and gels are not a substitute, since they can shift or leak short wavelengths. For the technical backdrop, see Florida’s coastal construction lighting guidance in the administrative code reference.
Fixture design and shielding
Inspectors look for fixtures that direct light downward and hide the bulb or glowing lens from view on the beach. Recessed fixtures, full cut-off housings, baffles, and louvered designs are commonly used. FWC’s guidelines stress shielding and not relying on filters. Review the FWC-approved lighting guidelines summary for what inspectors expect.
Mounting height and brightness
Keep fixtures as low as practical and use the least light needed for safety. Local codes often limit heights and lumens for beach-visible areas, with specifics varying by property type. For Palm Beach County’s framework, consult the ULDC Article 14, which governs sea turtle protection and lighting performance.
Interiors, windows, and pools
Interior light that spills to the beach counts. Many permits require tinted glass or film, window treatments, and nighttime practices so indoor light is not visible from the sand. Pool deck and underwater lights are typically turned off after sunset during nesting season. These measures are reflected in the County’s ULDC Article 14.
Permits, approvals, and inspections
Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM) oversees beachfront lighting permits and inspections within the Sea Turtle Protection Zone. Plans often need fixture specs, mounting heights, spectral data, and mitigation steps. Start with ERM’s Beachfront Lighting guidance.
The Town of Palm Beach reinforces the no-visibility rule and asks owners to work with Code Enforcement on specific questions, as noted in the town’s seasonal notice. Many jurisdictions reference the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Lighting Certification program, which reviews products for long-wavelength output and shielding. Learn how fixtures are evaluated in the FWC certification criteria.
Florida law also protects marine turtles and nests. Serious violations can carry criminal penalties under the Marine Turtle Protection Act. You can review the statute at the Florida Senate’s site.
A practical plan for your property
Quick actions for this season
- After sunset, turn off or cover nonessential exterior lights on seaward sides.
- Close curtains or blinds on beach-facing windows and doors.
- If needed, use temporary shields to block light visible from the beach.
Safety and security lighting
- Use motion-activated fixtures that switch off quickly after activity.
- Aim light downward and onto your property, not toward the beach.
- Add shielding and consider landscape screening that does not disturb dunes.
Selecting compliant fixtures and bulbs
- Choose true amber, orange, or red LEDs with manufacturer spectral data at long wavelengths. Ask for LM-79 spectral output for LEDs.
- Avoid filters, gels, or bulbs marketed only by color name. Seek fixtures that align with FWC criteria.
Where to place and aim lights
- Use full cut-off fixtures so the bulb or lens is not visible from the beach.
- Mount at the lowest safe height and use the minimal lumen output necessary.
- Avoid uplights, spotlights, and decorative accent lighting on seaward facades.
Windows, balconies, and pools
- Install window film that meets local visible light transmittance limits or use opaque window coverings at night.
- Turn off pool and deck lights after sunset during nesting season or place them on timers.
- Keep balcony fixtures off or shielded so the source is not visible from the sand.
When to bring in pros
- For new builds, substantial remodels, or complex multi-story sites, hire an electrician and lighting designer with FWC and County compliance experience.
- Ask your team to provide fixture cut sheets, photometrics, and spectral reports for permitting and inspections.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using “bug” bulbs or gels. They often leak short wavelengths and are not accepted.
- Leaving interior shades open at night on beach-facing glass.
- Mounting bright fixtures high on walls or eaves that create beach-visible glow.
- Installing uplights or unshielded accents on seaward facades or walkovers.
Make turtle-safe lighting part of your real estate plan
Turtle-safe design is not just about compliance. It protects wildlife, avoids fines, and sets the tone for a serene oceanfront experience. If you are buying or preparing to sell an oceanfront property, build these upgrades and permits into your timeline so there are no surprises at closing.
For guidance on how lighting rules affect due diligence, value, and listing prep in Palm Beach, connect with Brosda and Bentley Realtors. Our team helps luxury buyers and sellers navigate coastal requirements with confidence.
FAQs
When is Palm Beach turtle nesting season and what does it mean for my lights?
- March 1 through October 31, oceanfront lights must not be visible from the beach at night, as highlighted in the Town’s lights-out reminder.
What color or wavelength do my bulbs need to be?
- Use true long-wavelength sources, commonly around 560 nanometers or longer, and avoid filters or gels. See the state’s technical context in the administrative code reference.
Do I need a permit to change exterior lighting at an oceanfront home?
- Many projects inside the Sea Turtle Protection Zone require plans and permits. Start with ERM’s Beachfront Lighting page.
Are interior lights really covered by the rules?
- Yes. If interior light is visible from the beach, you will likely need tinting, window coverings, or controls. See Palm Beach County’s ULDC Article 14 for requirements.
Who do I call if I see a nesting turtle or disoriented hatchlings?
- Keep your distance and call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Guidance is available on the FWC sea turtle nesting update.
Is there an approved list of turtle-safe fixtures?
- The FWC runs a Wildlife Lighting Certification program that reviews fixtures and lamps against long-wavelength and shielding criteria. Ask for products that meet those FWC certification criteria.
