Lighting Regulations in Hollywood, Florida: Preserving Coastal Beauty & Protecting Marine Life

Introduction

Founded in the 1920s by visionary developer Joseph W. Young, Hollywood, Florida was designed to rival the glamour of its California namesake. Today, this vibrant coastal community balances urban development with environmental stewardship, particularly evident in its thoughtful lighting regulations.

Hollywood's position along the Atlantic coastline makes it a critical nesting ground for marine turtles, influencing many of the city's lighting ordinances. The establishment of the sea turtle hatchery and preserve on North Beach demonstrates the city's commitment to conservation, which extends to how properties throughout Hollywood are illuminated.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Marine Turtle Protection: Strict regulations limiting light visible from the beach during nesting season (March 1 - October 31)
• Light Specifications: Low wattage (50 watts or less) amber or red LED lights required in coastal areas
• Fixture Height: Low-profile luminaires no higher than 48 inches in turtle-sensitive areas
• Light Direction: Downward-directed, shielded fixtures required in many zones
• Window Requirements: Tinted glass with 45% or less light transmittance for windows visible from beach
• Motion Detectors: Preferred for safety/security lighting with 5-minute maximum on-time
• Historic Areas: Special requirements for Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and Historic Overlay District

Marine Turtle Protection Lighting Requirements

Hollywood's comprehensive Chapter 108 regulations aim to reduce the impact of artificial coastal lighting on nesting marine turtles and hatchlings.

Nesting Season Restrictions

During marine turtle nesting season (March 1 through October 31):

• No artificial light may illuminate the beach during nighttime
• Lights must use wavelengths of 560 nanometers or longer
• Activities involving direct illumination of the beach are prohibited
• Unnecessary lights between sunrise and sunset must be turned off

New Development Requirements

Properties with lighting that directly illuminates the beach must meet these specifications:

• Fixture Design: Downlight or recessed fixtures completely shielded from beach side
• Light Source: Must be low wattage amber or red LED, LPS, Bug Type Bulb, or True Neon Light
• Interior Surfaces: Non-reflective to prevent light reflection toward beach
• Mounting Height: As low as possible without compromising public safety
• Prohibited: Decorative, accent, or recreational lighting visible from beach during nesting season

Existing Property Compliance

Properties had until March 2, 2015 to implement these measures:

• Repositioning: Adjusting fixtures so light source isn't visible from beach
• Bulb Replacement: Switching to low wattage bulbs
• Shielding: Installing opaque shields to prevent light visibility from north, east, and south sides
• Fixture Replacement: Replacing pole lamps with low-profile, low-level luminaries

Window and Glass Requirements

For properties with windows visible from the beach:

• Tinted Glass: Must achieve inside-to-outside light transmittance value of 45% or less
• Window Treatments: Blinds or curtains must shield interior lights from beach view
• Furniture Arrangement: Lamps and fixtures should be positioned away from windows

Downtown and Beach District Standards

The Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) has specific requirements for streetlights in two key districts:

Downtown District Specifications

For east-west city streets from 21st Avenue to Federal Highway (from Johnson St. to Washington Street):

• Required Fixtures: LED Holophane acorn style fixtures
• Required Poles: Holophane black fluted poles

Beach District Specifications

• Required Poles: Round fluted white etched lighting poles
• Special Considerations: Additional turtle-friendly requirements apply

Residential Property Lighting Regulations

Light Pole Regulations

In single-family districts:

• Maximum Height: 10 feet
• Setback Requirements: 7½ feet from any property line (except when abutting public right-of-way or waterway)
• Light Containment: All light must be contained on-site or on any public right-of-way

Tennis Courts and Sports Lighting

• Direction: Must direct light only on the premises
• Height Restrictions: Maximum 10 feet when in required yard; otherwise maximum 20 feet
• Spillover: Light is permitted to be cast on public right-of-way

Commercial Property Standards

Service Station Lighting

• Design Requirements: Must be designed and arranged to avoid direct glare into residentially zoned property

General Commercial Standards

• Glare Prevention: Lighting must be arranged to prevent glare or excessive light on adjacent property
• Prohibited Signs: Those with intensity or brilliance causing glare or impairing driver vision
• Also Prohibited: Flashing signs, running lights, electronic message centers, bare bulb signs, and neon banding

Energy Efficiency Requirements

Hollywood encourages sustainable lighting practices:

• Recommended: Energy-efficient outdoor lighting, including:
• Fluorescent bulbs and fixtures with electronic ballasts
• Low pressure sodium or mercury fixtures
• LED lighting and low voltage landscape lights with timers
• Verification: All energy-efficient outdoor lighting must be verified by electrical inspector at final inspection

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Priorities

1. Coastal Properties: Marine turtle protection requirements are strictly enforced during nesting season
2. Historic Areas: Additional requirements apply in Hollywood Beach Broadwalk and Historic Overlay District
3. Easy Fixes: Start with low/no-cost compliance measures like repositioning fixtures, closing draperies, and switching off unnecessary lights

Permits and Exceptions

• Properties with Florida Department of Environmental Protection-approved lighting plans are exempt from Chapter 108 if in compliance
• Special events with lighting needs during nesting season require FDEP permits

Supporting Hollywood's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Hollywood's commitment to balancing safety, aesthetics, and environmental protection.

Our experience with coastal communities has given us unique insight into the challenges of implementing turtle-friendly lighting while maintaining the distinctive character of areas like Hollywood's historic downtown and beachfront districts.

We understand the importance of Hollywood's sea turtle conservation efforts and can serve as a resource for property owners navigating these specialized lighting requirements. Our focus on responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Hollywood's vision of preserving its coastal beauty while protecting the marine habitat.

As a manufacturer committed to community values, Bock appreciates Hollywood's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that respect both architectural heritage and environmental needs.

Conclusion

Hollywood, Florida's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a coastal city committed to environmental stewardship while maintaining its historic charm and urban vibrancy. The city's comprehensive approach to lighting—particularly its marine turtle protection measures—demonstrates how thoughtful illumination policies can balance development needs with conservation priorities.

Property owners should pay special attention to location-specific requirements, especially those near the beach or in historic districts. By understanding and implementing these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Hollywood's vision of a beautiful, safe, and environmentally responsible community.