FAQ

Q: When is Sea Turtle Season?

A: In Florida, sea turtles come ashore to nest beginning in May and hatching continues until late October.

 

Q: What kinds of light bulbs can be used?

A: The FWC has revised this standard in April of 2011. The ONLY light bulbs that can be used are:
  • Approved Red, Orange or Amber LED Light Bulbs with colored diodes – No Color Filters
  • Low Pressure Sodium in 18 watt or 35 Watts only
  • True Red Neon
  • Approved Red or Orange Internally Phosphor-ed Fluorescent Tubes
  • Any other bulb that produces only 560 nanometers or longer wavelengths

Q: Can I use Yellow Bug Light Bulbs or Bug Light CFL bulbs?

A: No, these are no longer acceptable light bulbs for Sea Turtles. They were authorized previously due to lack of better alternatives, but they are no longer accepted.

 

Q: Can I use blue or green tube guards on fluorescent bulbs in parking areas?

A: No, blue and green are just as bad as white light and the spectrum of light produced. Further, tube guards and filters are non-compliant with the FWC guidelines.

 

Q: Can I use fixtures that have not been approved by the FWC

A: Yes, so long as they meet the requirements of beachside shielding and approved light bulbs.

 

Q: Can my municipality, city or county make us turn off all lights that face the beach?

A: Yes, each municipality is allowed to have ordinances that are stricter than the State Ordinances and Regulations. Your municipality is the final authority and you must follow their guidelines and final recommendations.

 

Q: If I buy from Seaturtlelighting.net, am I guaranteed to meet all of the requirements for Sea turtle Lighting on my property?

A: No, we never guarantee that just because you purchased from us that you will meet all guidelines. We strongly recommend that you consult on-site with one of our Professionals to make sure you buy the right products and meet all local ordinances. Our staff works closely with the local municipalities and Sea Turtle Folks to ensure full compliance.

 

Q: What happens if I ignore the requests of Sea Turtle Conservationists or Code Enforcement if they say I need to change our lighting?

A: Many property owners have an intial rejection or anger towards these requests. However you must remember that when one of these folks make that request, it is a nicer way of giving an absolute order that must be followed. Property Managers are often concerned with the costs associated with the change and the impact to residents financially, and therefore faced with a choice:
  • Option A: Make The Change – When you divide the cost of the change amongst the residents of the building equally, the impact is very small and less than most residents spend on Cable TV in a month
  • Option B: Hire An Attorney – By the time you consult with an Attorney and pay a retainer and their time to investigate the matter, you have sacrificed a large portion of the cost of change. In 99 out of 100 cases, the Attorney comes back with a final recommendation that the property follow the original request. Federal and State Laws empower the local authorities to enforce the Environmental Species Act and all sub-parts including Sea Turtle Lighting Guidelines as a higher level. You can take our word for it, or learn more by clicking here. ESA LAWS AND SEA TURTLE INFORMATION
  • Option C: Do Nothing – This results 100% of the time with a Court Date and Notice To Appear. This notice is accompanied by a large fine up to $25,000 dollars for the first occurance, and will ultimately cost you time, money and headaches that force you to option A.

Q: Are there other requirements for Sea Turtles regarding lighting that must be followed?

A: Yes, interior spaces can not shine out on to the beach. Night Draw Curtains and Special Windows/Window Films are also an integral part of Sea Turtle Lighting, and Beachside Shielding.