Keep visible light wildlife-friendly
Any light directly or indirectly visible from the marine beach must use wildlife-friendly lighting.
Protecting coastal wildlife
Artificial lighting can affect nesting and hatchling sea turtles and the Perdido Key Beach Mouse. Excessive light can deter nesting turtles from coming ashore or disorient turtles, leading them toward parking lots, pools, roads and other hazards. Hatchlings that do not reach the water quickly have a lower chance of survival and may face dehydration, starvation and predation.
The Perdido Key Beach Mouse is a small, nocturnal animal that lives in coastal dunes. It relies on darkness to avoid predators while foraging. Excessive artificial light can disrupt its movement and increase its risk of predation.
As coastal communities grow, we can work together to protect native wildlife and ecosystems from the impacts of development.
Rules for barrier island properties
The amended ordinance passed in July 2023. New-construction requirements are effective immediately. Existing properties on both islands have until January 1, 2028, to comply.
Read the Barrier Island Lighting OrdinanceAny light directly or indirectly visible from the marine beach must use wildlife-friendly lighting.
All exterior lighting must be wildlife-friendly. No light may be visible outside the development footprint, which includes the home or structure, driveways and parking areas, pools, decks and other man-made features.
Three rules for wildlife-friendly lights
Mount fixtures as low as safely possible and use the lowest wattage or lumen output needed for the intended purpose.
Use long-wavelength light greater than 560 nm, with no wavelengths below 560 nm. Amber, orange and red LEDs are common options. Avoid yellow bug bulbs, color-changing bulbs and coated novelty bulbs; they may look amber but may not meet the wavelength criteria.
Use a full-cutoff fixture that directs light downward, does not broadcast light above the horizontal plane, and shields the bulb or glowing lens from direct view.
Some products marketed as wildlife-friendly, sea turtle-friendly or Dark Sky may not meet the required criteria. Check the fixture specifications and look for FWC-certified lighting.
Want more detail?
Download the workshop presentation for an ordinance overview, lighting basics and retrofit examples.
Annual monitoring
Staff conduct annual surveys on the barrier islands, documenting non-compliant or problematic lighting on residential and commercial properties. Use the map to view the latest survey results or search for your property.
View the Lighting Survey Map
A simple nighttime inspection
Turn on indoor and outdoor lights and inspect your property from several angles at night. If your home is on the Gulf, check from the beach as well. Note lights that are directly visible and any glow reflected from other surfaces.
One or more of these adjustments may help bring your property into compliance:
Reposition or replace fixtures so the bulb is no longer visible.
Shield the top and sides of exterior fixtures so light is directed down onto your property and away from the beach.
Replace incandescent, fluorescent and high-pressure sodium lights with amber or red LEDs that meet wildlife-lighting criteria.
Plant or improve vegetation buffers between your property and natural areas.
Tint beach-facing windows and cover windows visible from the beach with opaque curtains or blinds after sunset.
Lighting examples
Shielding fixtures and switching to amber bulbs can reduce unnecessary light while keeping light focused where it is needed.
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Need help?
Contact Kindall Butler for more information.
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