What is Turtle Glass and Does Your Southwest Florida Home Need It?

The turtle hatching season lasts from May 1 to October 31. When the baby sea turtles hatch they instinctively make their way across the sandy beach to the ocean on their tiny newly hatched flippers. This is done under the protection of night. Since they are very vulnerable to predators during the daytime.

The turtle hatchlings use the light of the moon to make their way to the safe coverage of the ocean waves.

Unfortunately, sometimes the artificial lights from homes and businesses along the beach can confuse the baby sea turtles. They get distracted and head int the wrong direction. Some end up dying due to exhaustion, dehydration, being crushed, or eaten by predators.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening. You can help save the sea turtles by following these legal guidelines.

The Florida Department of Natural Resources requires home and business owners along the coast to adhere to the Model Lighting Ordinance for Marine Turtle Protection.

This ordinance was created in 1993 and requires lighting to be controlled in order to protect the habitat of marine turtles. There are over three dozen counties affected by this ordinance, which applies to more than just spotlights, floodlights, and exterior fixtures.

It also applies to bonfires on the beach, flash-photography, and prevents vehicles from going on the beach. 

In some counties, such as Fort Myers, it is expected that exterior lighting is concealed from the beach between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. during turtle hatching season. If they are seaward facing or perpendicular walls, they must be completely shielded, downward-facing, full cut-off fixtures.  

They must be downward directed fixtures otherwise. Unless they can be seen from the beach, in which case they should be completely cut off. You can do this by setting motion detectors, using amber LED lights, or planting dense vegetation to protect the beach.

You should read the specific regulations for your county to ensure you meet all requirements, as they can vary.

Some alternatives to closing blinds are to use turtle glass or add a film to existing windows. This is a green or gray tinted window glass that can be installed in order to reduce the amount of light projection from windows. 

It can reduce interior light to about 45% or less of visible light transmission. In some counties, all new windows and replacement doors with windows must use tinted turtle glass or film if they are visible from the beach.

If you are planning to install new window panes, you may be required to use turtle glass. Be sure to check and see if these regulations apply to your county as well as if the windows are visible from the beach.

The same goes for local businesses. You and your customers will still be able to enjoy the window views without worrying about interior light emissions. This is especially true for rental apartments or condos.

Sometimes tenants are not aware of local laws. This ensures that you won't have to worry about someone accidentally violating the regulations.

Again, if you are replacing or adding new windows then turtle glass or any tinted glass that is industry-approved as having a 45% or less light transmittance value is a requirement.

This can be more cost-effective. It also reduces the amount of heat input and can reduce glare as well as dangerous ultraviolet rays that cause skin cancer and have other harmful effects.

It's also a quick solution that can help you become compliant almost instantly!

Sea turtles help support coral reef ecosystems by transporting nutrients from oceans to beaches and coastal dunes. The endangerment of sea turtles has already threatened our oceans. Their diminished numbers are due to pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, and also overfishing.

Since the decline in the turtle population centuries ago, we still do not fully understand the extent of their role in the ocean's ecosystem. This lack of historical data makes it difficult to understand the extent of damage that their low numbers are causing.

Luckily, turtles are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and with steps to increase their population, we can begin to heal our oceans. 

If you're not sure where to start, then you can take a look at our many options. We also offer a free estimate for your home or business. Or you can contact us with any questions you have!