Turtle Friendly Lighting

Turtle Friendly Lighting

Protecting Sea Turtles While Beautifying Coastal Properties

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast — especially in areas like 30A, Destin, and Panama City Beach — coastal development and beachfront lighting can have a direct impact on the survival of endangered sea turtles. At Impact Lightscapes, we specialize in designing and installing Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Certified turtle-friendly lighting systems that strike the perfect balance between environmental responsibility and stunning outdoor design.

What Is Turtle Friendly Lighting?

Turtle-friendly lighting is specially designed to minimize the impact of artificial light on sea turtle hatchlings and nesting mothers. Hatchlings use the moonlight reflecting on the Gulf to find their way to the water — but artificial lighting from homes, boardwalks, and resorts can disorient them, leading them inland instead of out to sea.

Turtle-safe lighting must follow three key principles:

1. Low – Keep lights as low to the ground as possible
2. Long – Use long-wavelength (typically amber or red) lighting
3. Shielded – Shield fixtures to prevent direct visibility from the beach

Why It’s Needed Along the Emerald Coast

• Florida hosts 90% of all sea turtle nesting in the U.S., and 30A’s beaches are a key nesting ground
• Improper lighting is one of the leading causes of hatchling disorientation and mortality
• Local ordinances and conservation efforts require FWC-compliant lighting for new and existing beachfront properties

Our FWC-Certified Lighting Solutions Include:

• Amber LED Fixtures approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Shielded and Downward-Directed Designs to eliminate beach glare
• Dune Walkover & Pathway Lighting for safe, compliant access to the beach
• Custom Lighting Retrofits for homes, resorts, and commercial properties
• Automatic Controls & Timers for seasonal adjustments

Who Needs Turtle-Friendly Lighting?

• Beachfront Homeowners & Custom Builders
• HOAs & Property Management Companies
• Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants Along the Gulf
• Cities, Townships & Coastal Communities
• Architects & Landscape Designers Working in Coastal Zones

We help you meet local and state guidelines while enhancing the nighttime beauty and usability of your property.

Benefits of Turtle Friendly Lighting

• Compliance with FWC and local ordinances
• Protects threatened sea turtle populations
• Reduces environmental liability
• Enhances property value with eco-conscious upgrades
• Creates warm, attractive ambiance without polluting the beach with light

Your Partner in Coastal Conservation & Design Excellence

At Impact Lightscapes, we believe that luxury and responsibility can go hand in hand. Our turtle-friendly lighting designs are both beautiful and biologically respectful — ensuring that your property stands out for all the right reasons.

[Schedule a Turtle-Friendly Lighting Consultation] or call 850-333-5828