Sea turtle research and lighting technology are constantly evolving. Recent research has shown sea turtles are less likely to become disoriented from artificial light producing a visible wavelength of 560 nanometers (nm) or greater. This is what gives the lighting the amber/red colors we have come to know on the Key. Thankfully, with the advancement of LED bulbs, these wavelengths are being achieved with increased market availability and affordability. The Town of Longboat Key code of ordinances ensures the protection of sea turtles in accordance with these advancements.

All artificial lighting, direct or indirect, visible from the beach shall utilize turtle-friendly bulbs and fixtures. Turtle-friendly bulbs are defined as bulbs that are FWC Certified Wildlife Lighting, or a bulb that produces only long wavelength light (560 nanometers) without the use of filters, gels, or lenses, and meet the same lighting standards for FWC Certified Wildlife Lighting. Turtle-friendly fixtures are defined as fixtures that are FWC Certified Wildlife Lighting, or fixtures that are fully shielded, downward direct, meet and exceed full cut-off, and with non-reflective opaque interior surfaces, and meet the same lighting standards for FWC Certified Wildlife Lighting.

Code Enforcement can test bulbs and conduct property lighting surveys to verify compliance, call at (941) 316-1966 x2520 for more information.

*All links below are external websites which will redirect you away from the Town of Longboat Key website.

FWC Certified Wildlife Lighting

Click HERE to view the approved FWC Certified Wildlife Lighting bulbs and fixtures.

Locally Sourced Turtle-friendly Bulbs

ACE Hardware

FEIT Electric A19 E26 LED Bulb Red

FEIT Electric PAR38 E26 LED Bulb Red

Home Depot

FEIT Electric A19 E26 Bulb Red

Yansun A19 E26 LED Bulb Red

Lowe's

Utilitech A19 LED Bulb Red

Utilitech PAR38 LED Bulb Red

Local Lighting Specialist

Frontier Lighting

SESCO Lighting

Synergy Lighting USA