Sea Turtle Protection Act (H1053) Summary

• Wildlife Resources Commission shall designate coastal areas used or likely to be used by sea turtles for nesting and publish designated areas on a public map.

• Prohibits artificial light from illuminating oceanfront beaches in designated sea turtle nesting areas; requires new construction and remodeling to use turtle-friendly lighting (amber wavelength of at least 560 nanometers) or shielded fixtures.

• Existing structures must comply with oceanfront lighting restrictions including turning off decorative lights after 10:00 P.M. between May 1-November 30 or using turtle-friendly lighting; window treatments required above first floor of multistory structures.

• Appropriates $400,000 in nonrecurring funds for 2024-2025 to provide cost-share grants (up to 50%) to homeowners and builders for turtle-friendly lighting and support grants to law enforcement for enforcement and public education.

• Violations result in 5-day notice to comply, with first offense warning and $200-$500 fines for subsequent offenses; effective dates vary by section starting July 1, 2024, with construction restrictions effective January 1, 2025, and existing structure requirements effective January 1, 2026.