March marked the start of sea turtle nesting season in South Florida, and the City of Fort Lauderdale is committed to protecting these incredible creatures.

Every year, five species of sea turtles make about 60,000 nests along Florida’s coast—each with around 100 eggs. Of the species that nest on Broward County beaches:

• Green and leatherback turtles are federally listed as threatened or endangered.
• Loggerhead turtles, Florida’s most common nesting species, are also considered threatened.

Sea turtles can live 60+ years and grow to weigh hundreds of pounds, but only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. Their biggest threats include:

• Natural predators
• Pollution and litter
• Commercial fishing
• Artificial lighting, which can confuse hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean

How the City Helps Protect Sea Turtles

From March 1 through October 31, the City works closely with:

• Broward County Natural Resources Division
• Sea Turtle Conservancy
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

Together, we identify and correct lighting that violates sea turtle protection regulations.

Turtle-Friendly Lighting Solutions

Simple changes make a big difference:

• Install window tinting on beach-facing windows
• Use low-mounted, shielded lights
• Choose amber or red LED lighting, which is less disruptive to turtles

These strategies help hatchlings find their way to the ocean while still keeping walkways and properties safely lit.
Check out our before-and-after photos to see the difference turtle-friendly lighting makes!

Raising Public Awareness

Before each nesting season, City staff visits businesses, hotels, and residences along the beach that are visible from nesting areas. Each location receives a Sea Turtle Awareness Package, including:

• A copy of the Sea Turtle Nesting Protection Ordinance
• A flyer with approved lighting fixtures and bulbs
• A window tint info card
• A Broward County lighting regulation door hanger
• A copy of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program
• A tabletop lighting guide for restaurants
• Contact info for the Community Enhancement & Compliance Division

Code Enforcement on the Beach

Our enforcement team takes a proactive and responsive approach:

• Routine inspections are conducted at least twice a week
• Complaints are also investigated

If a violation is found:

1. The property receives an Inspection Notice with 10 days to comply.
2. If resolved, the case is closed.
3. If not, the case goes to a Special Magistrate Hearing, where the city may request an additional 10 days for compliance or seek a daily fine until the issue is corrected.

Ongoing Compliance & Education

We’re expanding efforts by:

• Distributing window clings and lighting surveys to high-rises like condos and hotels
• Hosting meetings with property managers and HOA presidents to find lighting solutions and promote compliance

Some local retailers and major chains offer approved fixtures, labeled Wildlife-Friendly, Sea Turtle-Friendly, or Dark Sky.
Visit the FWC’s website for a list of certified lighting products.

How You Can Help: Make Your Home Turtle-Friendly

If your home is visible from the beach, especially at night, you can help reduce light pollution:

1. Inspect your lighting—Turn on all lights and view your property from the beach.
2. Look for visible light or glow and take steps such as:
• Repositioning fixtures so bulbs aren't visible from the beach
• Shielding lights to point downward
• Switching to amber/red LED bulbs or low-pressure sodium lights
• Planting or enhancing native vegetation as a natural buffer
• Applying window tinting and using blackout curtains at night

Questions? Need Assistance?

📞 Call us at 954-828-8000
📧 Email cenhancement@fortlauderdale.gov

📺 Click the image below to watch a video of sea turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea!