St. Lucie County, FL

Sea turtle nesting season in St. Lucie County runs from March 1 – Nov. 15. Below are some practices residents and visitors can do to help keep our beaches sea turtle friendly.

• During the nesting season, please modify or turn off exterior light sources so illumination is not directly visible from the beach or illuminating areas seaward of the primary dune between sunset and sunrise. 
• Information about sea turtles and lights is available online at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Sea Turtle and Lights webpage.
• Window treatments are required on all windows of single and multi-story structures if these windows are within the line of sight of the beach.  Blackout draperies or shade screens are preferred. Alternatively, approved window tint may be applied to beachfront windows.  People within line-of-sight of the beach are encouraged to turn out all unnecessary interior lights during nesting season and close curtains and blinds at night.
• Flashlights and bonfires are discouraged during nesting season.
• Beach furniture should not be left on the beach overnight.
• Pits, holes and sandcastles made by beachgoers can turn into pitfalls that entrap sea turtle hatchlings.Please leave the beach in the same condition you found it in (or better).
• Dispose of trash in proper trash receptacles.
• Walton Rocks Beach is the only dog-approved beach in St Lucie County. Dogs should be on leashes to avoid digging up sea turtle nests.