Frequently Asked Questions

Please report injured or dead sea turtles by noting the exact location on beach, by street number or by the name of the property owner/condo to:

• Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - 561-338-1587
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)/Marine Research Institute - 561-575-5407
• FWC Law Enforcement - 888-404-FWCC
• Joanne Ryan, Highland Beach Permit Holder - 561-441-4375

If you encounter an injured or dead sea turtle, please report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Research Institute at 561-575-5407, or to the FWC Law Enforcement at 888-404-FWCC.

For more information about how to contact the FWC about sea turtles or other animals, please visit the FWC website.

Additional information about how to help injured or dead sea turtles is available by viewing the Found an Injured or dead Sea Turtle website.

There are a number of products on the market that are low-level, amber lighting that may be used as an alternative to traditional white lighting. These products are available at area home improvement stores. All beach-side property owners are encouraged to either turn out their lights, or install replacement low-level, amber lighting during turtle nesting season. The public's cooperation is strongly encouraged.

The key to complying with the Town ordinance is that during this eight month period (March 1st through October 31st), from dusk to dawn, all external light sources (such as pool, deck, patio or security lighting) must not be visible from the beach, or may not illuminate directly or indirectly areas seaward of the crest of the sand dune vegetation.

Sea turtle nesting season begins March 1st of each year and lasts until October 31st. (Ordinance Number 554)