One of the greatest joys of living where we do here in Florida, is sharing our beaches with some of nature’s most extraordinary visitors—sea turtles. From March through October, our coastline transforms into a vital nesting ground for several species of sea turtles, including the beloved loggerhead. If you’re lucky, an evening stroll along the sand might reward you with a glimpse of a nesting mother or newly hatched turtles making their way to the ocean.
However, these tiny hatchlings face an uphill battle from the moment they’re born. Among the biggest threats to their survival is artificial lighting. As more homes and communities use bright LED lights, there has been a growing concern over their impact on wildlife, particularly sea turtles. While efficient and long-lasting, standard LED lights can create disorienting light pollution that mimics the natural glow of the moon.
Newly hatched turtles instinctively crawl toward the brightest light source, which should be the moon reflecting off the ocean. However, when a bright porch light, streetlamp, or parking lot fixture outshines the moon, these vulnerable hatchlings often head inland instead—sometimes ending up in roads, yards, or storm drains, far from the safety of the sea.
Turtle-safe lighting has become a top priority in our coastal communities. These specialized lights use red or amber bulbs and are shielded and downward facing to minimize their impact on wildlife while still keeping our homes safe and functional. Many areas in Palm Beach and Martin Counties now require turtle-friendly lighting codes for beachfront properties.
As a local real estate professional who cares deeply about our community and coastal environment, I encourage homeowners to learn more about implementing turtle-safe lighting. Whether you’re buying, building, or updating your home in Jupiter, making eco-conscious choices like this helps protect the very beauty that draws so many of us here.
If you have questions, I am happy to connect you with trusted local resources. Let’s help keep our local areas turtle-friendly—one light at a time!
