Just moved to Jupiter Inlet Colony and wondering how to enjoy the beach while protecting sea turtles? You’re not alone. As a new resident, you share a coastline that hosts one of the world’s most important nesting habitats. In a few minutes, you’ll know the season dates, lighting and beach rules, dog etiquette, who to call, and how permits work so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Turtle season and who’s in charge
Sea turtle nesting season in Palm Beach County runs from March 1 through October 31. During this window, special lighting and beach-use rules help prevent disorientation for nesting females and hatchlings. You’ll see these protections in effect across Jupiter Inlet Colony.
Several agencies play a role:
- Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM) enforces beachfront lighting rules and issues permits within the Sea Turtle Protection Zone that includes JIC. See ERM’s program page for details and contacts: Palm Beach County ERM Beachfront Lighting.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets statewide guidance on turtle-friendly lighting and reporting. Review FWC’s best practices here: FWC sea turtles and lights.
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach is a local rescue and rehab partner with a 24-hour rescue line and public guidance: Loggerhead contact and rescue info.
- The Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony enforces local ordinances, including dog rules on the beach. Read town guidance here: JIC leash law and beach etiquette.
Note: While nesting activity is concentrated in season, it can occur slightly outside those dates. Keep lights and beach behavior turtle-friendly whenever you notice posted nests.
Make your lights turtle-friendly
Light visible from the beach can disorient turtles. During nesting season, ERM enforces lighting standards in the Sea Turtle Protection Zone, and permits are required for replacing or adding exterior light sources that are visible from the beach. Start with FWC’s Three Golden Rules for wildlife lighting:
- Keep it LOW. Mount fixtures low and use only the light you truly need.
- Keep it LONG. Choose long-wavelength bulbs such as amber, orange, or red.
- Keep it SHIELDED. Use full cut-off fixtures that direct light downward so the bulb or lens is not visible from the beach. See details at FWC’s lighting guidance.
Practical steps you can take now:
- Turn off decorative or non-essential exterior lights after dark, or use short-timer motion sensors.
- Close drapes and blinds at night to block interior light from reaching the beach.
- Swap visible white or blue LEDs for low-watt amber options, and shield or replace globe and carriage fixtures that scatter light.
- For pool lighting, switch to an amber setting if available or angle/cover fixtures so they do not shine toward the beach.
- Planning any exterior lighting changes? Check permit needs with Palm Beach County ERM before you buy or install.
Nighttime beach etiquette
Keeping the beach dark and clear helps turtles nest and hatch safely.
- Avoid bright lights on the sand after dusk. Skip flash photography and bright phone lights. If you need a light, use a red or amber filtered flashlight per FWC recommendations.
- Remove or secure obstacles each evening. Take chairs, umbrellas, canopies, toys, and coolers off the sand, and fill in holes. These items can block or trap turtles. See practical guidance from Mote’s environmental updates.
- Stay off dune vegetation and use designated walkovers. Dunes stabilize the shoreline and provide nesting habitat.
- Do not touch, approach, or attempt to help nesting turtles or hatchlings. Keep distance and quiet. Interference can be illegal and harmful.
Dogs on the beach in JIC
Town guidance states that dogs are allowed “off leash at the public beach area so long as the dog is sufficiently near its handler to be under his or her control and to be obedient to his or her handler’s commands.” Owners must pick up and dispose of waste properly. Review the town’s page and Ordinance 09-2014 here: JIC leash law and beach etiquette.
Best practices during turtle season:
- Keep dogs under immediate voice control at all times.
- Avoid bringing dogs on the beach after dark, especially during active nesting or hatching.
- Give marked nests a wide berth.
Fires, vehicles, and beach gear
- Vehicles on nesting beaches can crush nests and leave ruts that trap hatchlings. Driving on the beach is widely discouraged and often prohibited. If you have a question about vehicle access for any reason, check with JIC Police or Palm Beach County ERM first.
- Bonfires and open flames are often restricted. Confirm what is allowed with the Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony before planning a beach fire. Contact JIC Police for the latest guidance: JIC leash law and contacts.
- Remove temporary structures and gear nightly so the beach is clear for nesting activity.
Permits, enforcement, and who to call
Here are the key numbers and contacts to save:
- FWC Wildlife Alert hotline for injured, disoriented, entangled, or dead sea turtles: 1-888-404-3922 (or dial *FWC or #FWC from a mobile). Source: FWC hotline reference.
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center 24-hour Sea Turtle Rescue Line: 561-603-0211. Main line: 561-627-8280. See Loggerhead contact.
- Jupiter Inlet Colony Police non-emergency: 561-746-3787. See town contacts at JIC Police.
- Palm Beach County ERM for beachfront lighting permits and guidance: start at ERM Beachfront Lighting and Sea Turtle Protection.
About permits: If you plan to add or replace exterior lighting that could be visible from the beach, a permit may be required under the county’s Sea Turtle Protection rules. Contact ERM before you purchase fixtures so your plan aligns with the zone’s standards.
About penalties: Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Act makes it unlawful to disturb or possess sea turtles, eggs, nests, or hatchlings except as authorized. Violations can carry significant fines and criminal charges. Read the statute here: Florida Statute 379.2431.
Protecting turtles is part of everyday life in JIC. When you keep lights compliant, keep beaches dark and clear, and know who to call, you help preserve this remarkable shoreline for everyone.
If you want a local guide to coastal living, neighborhoods, and property decisions in Jupiter Inlet Colony, reach out to Kevin Keogh, Lighthouse Realty Group, Inc for trusted, concierge-level support.
FAQs
When is sea turtle nesting season in Jupiter Inlet Colony?
- Palm Beach County’s nesting season runs March 1 through October 31, and JIC follows these dates to guide lighting and beach-use rules.
What exterior lights are acceptable during turtle season?
- Use FWC’s Low, Long, Shielded approach with long-wavelength amber lighting and shielded, low-mounted fixtures that are not visible from the beach.
Are dogs allowed off leash on the beach in JIC?
- Town guidance allows dogs off leash on the public beach if they remain near and obedient to the handler, and owners must pick up waste.
Who should I call if I find disoriented hatchlings or an injured turtle near JIC?
- Call FWC Wildlife Alert at 1-888-404-3922, or Loggerhead’s 24-hour Sea Turtle Rescue Line at 561-603-0211 for local help.
Do I need a permit to change my beachfront lighting in JIC?
- If lights could be visible from the beach, contact Palm Beach County ERM first, since permits and turtle-friendly standards apply in the Sea Turtle Protection Zone.
What are the penalties for disturbing turtle nests or hatchlings in Florida?
- The Marine Turtle Protection Act provides for significant fines and possible criminal charges for unlawful take or disturbance of turtles, eggs, nests, or hatchlings.
