Sea Turtle Nesting Season

If you have never seen a sea turtle or witnessed their hatchlings making their way to the ocean for the first time, it is truly a sight to behold. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is at risk as the development of the coast poses increasing danger to the animals. When you're visiting St. Augustine, it's important to do your part to help the turtle population.

The majority of sea turtle nesting season in Florida occurs between May 1st and October 31st, and about 90 percent of all sea turtle nesting in the United States takes place on Florida’s beaches. Because of this, it's vital that both residents and visitors do their part to keep our beaches safe for these creatures. The following tips will help you and our marine life coexist safely.

Tips for Protecting Turtle Season in Florida

Use Sea Turtle-Friendly Lights 

Because hatchlings head for the brightest light source, artificial lighting can cause them to begin a fatal trek in the wrong direction, away from the ocean. If you live in or are a guest in a beachside property, close drapes and blinds at night, shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach. Doing these things not only leads hatchlings in the right direction but also encourages females to come ashore to dig nests and lay their eggs.

Flatten Sandcastles and Fill In Holes

Your little one might be unhappy when that happens, but it’s extremely important to remove any obstacles that might injure or entrap hatchlings on their way to the water. These obstacles can also make it difficult for females who are crawling up on the beach to nest. Make sure all beach accessories are taken off the beach when you leave, as well, since they can also cause problems.

Take All Food and Trash with You

There are many animals (raccoons, foxes, coyotes, etc.) that love our leftovers. Raccoons are one of the chief causes of sea turtle deaths on our beaches. Leftover trash, especially plastic bags, is extremely hazardous to marine animals. Turtles will think a plastic bag is a jellyfish (one of their favorite foods) and swallow it, often causing a fatal obstruction. Also, don’t place beach furniture close to a marked nest. It should be a minimum of 5 feet away.

Know the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Wildlife Alert Number

Program 1-888-404-3922 into your phone, so if you see a dead, sick, injured, or stranded sea turtle, you can quickly call for assistance. It is also important to report any harassment of turtles or disturbance of nests. They are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Florida's Marine Turtle Protection Act (379.2431, Florida Statutes). Florida Statutes restrict the take, possession, disturbance, mutilation, destruction, selling, transference, molestation, and harassment of marine turtles, nests, or eggs. Even if you think you're helping by carrying a turtle to the water, it is essential that hatchlings make the journey by themselves. Scientists believe this trip to the water lets them imprint on their own beach.

Don’t Use Fireworks on the Beach

It may seem like harmless fun, but loud noises and bright lights can disturb nesting females. Fires on the beach also pose a danger to sea turtles. Any fireworks beyond the sparkler type (shoot up in the sky) are also illegal in the state of Florida.

Respect All Wildlife

St. Augustine beaches are home to a variety of beautiful sea animals: sea turtles, jellyfish, stingrays, sea urchins, saltwater catfish, algae blooms, barnacles, sharks, dolphins, manatees, and lizards. It is important not to touch any marine life you encounter because it may bite, sting, or carry bacteria like Salmonella.

If you would like to watch a nesting turtle, join an organized sea turtle walk. You can check online to see if these walks are available and how to register. 

Types of Sea Turtles in Florida

Several species of sea turtles come ashore in Florida each year:

• Loggerhead Sea Turtle: Florida's most common sea turtle species.
• Green Sea Turtle: Known for larger body size and rounded shells.
• Leatherback Sea Turtle: Florida's (and the world's) largest species.
• Kemp’s Ridley: Rarely seen, but occasionally nests in Florida.
• Hawksbill: Even rarer, with a beautifully patterned shell.

Local Patrols & Nest Evaluations

In St. Augustine and across Florida, local turtle patrols walk the beaches daily during nesting season. These dedicated volunteers:

• Locate and mark new nests.
• Record data such as how many eggs were laid, how many hatched, and how many didn’t survive.
• Share educational information with the public.

One of the most fascinating facts about sea turtles is that females return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs. Careful monitoring of nests today means more turtles will survive to come back to Florida’s shores in the future. 

Reminders of Marine Life Laws

• Manatees: Touching a manatee is a misdemeanor, penalized with up to 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.
• Sea Turtles: Touching a sea turtle is illegal and can result in up to one year in jail and fines of up to $25,000.00. This law is taken very seriously because sea turtles are an endangered species.
• Infractions of these laws are taken very seriously because they are both endangered species.

Marine animals are an important part of our local ecosystem, so we want to keep them safe and protected, and we are sure our visitors do as well! See our full guide to sea turtle nesting season here. 

Planning Your Stay During Turtle Season

Visiting St. Augustine during turtle season is an opportunity to enjoy a natural wonder. Just remember: the beach belongs to wildlife, too. If you want to safely witness turtles nesting or hatching, your best option is to join an organized sea turtle walk led by licensed guides.

And when you book your vacation with Coastal Realty Vacation Rentals, you’ll find beachfront homes and condos that keep you close to the magic while giving you the comforts of home. From family-friendly spaces to romantic getaways, we make it easy to experience the best of St. Augustine—responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turtle Season in Florida

Can you touch a sea turtle?

No. It is illegal to touch a sea turtle. Penalties for doing so include imprisonment for up to one year and fines up to $25,000. 

Where to see sea turtles in Florida?

The best way is on guided sea turtle walks offered along many Florida beaches during nesting season. Never approach turtles on your own.

When do sea turtles nest in Florida?

Sea turtles nest from March through October, with peak activity in summer.

When do Florida sea turtles hatch?

Hatchlings usually emerge two months after eggs are laid, often from July through late fall.

When do sea turtles come to shore?

Females come ashore at night to lay eggs during nesting season. Hatchlings also emerge at night to head for the ocean, which is why it's so important to reduce light pollution and use red lights when on the beach.