The Walton County Board of County Commissioners adopted a Wildlife Lighting Ordinance (No. 2009-03), which provides guidelines for proper light management to minimize disturbances to nesting sea turtles, their hatchlings, and other coastal wildlife. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that all lighting along the beach is controlled so as not to directly or indirectly illuminate the beach.
All properties within the Wildlife Conservation Zone (750 feet from the Mean High Water Line of the Gulf of Mexico) must comply with the Wildlife Lighting Ordinance. In order to assist property owners, homeowners associations and resort facilities to become compliant with current lighting regulations, we have put together some informational materials available for download. These materials can be distributed to help inform residents and visitors of the general provisions of the ordinance and the importance of light management for sea turtle conservation.
Please submit all wildlife lighting reviews associated with building permit applications to the Walton County Planning Department. For questions on permitting, contact the Walton County Planning Department at (850)267-1955.
For more information, contact Melinda Gates, Environmental Manager, at (850) 892-8108.