BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Sea turtle nesting season is underway in Broward County. In 2025, the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP) documented 3,341 nests on the County's 24-mile coastline (including the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park). Three species of sea turtles typically nest on Broward's beaches: leatherbacks, loggerheads, and green turtles.
The BCSTCP monitors the beaches (excluding the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park) daily from March 1 - October 31 for sea turtle activity. Each nest is marked using colorful flagging tape and stakes. Remember, it is against the law to disturb a sea turtle or its nests.
The public can help sea turtles in Broward County continue to thrive by following these tips:
• Keep it dark. Bright lights can confuse hatchling sea turtles, so opt for sea turtle-friendly shielded amber property lights.
• Do not disturb. If you see a nesting female or hatchlings on the beach, observe from a distance and refrain from taking photos; turn off flashlights and cell phones.
• Stash the trash. Pick up all litter after a day at the beach.
• Stow all furniture. Beach furniture can entangle nesting sea turtles, so be sure to store it off the beach at the end of the day.
• Leave no trace. Sandcastles and holes may be fun to build, but they are obstacles to nesting and hatchling sea turtles. Knock down sandcastles and fill in holes before leaving the beach.
Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission certified wildlife lighting website for a list of certified fixtures that can be safely installed near sea turtle nesting beaches. Alternatively, you can contact the BCSTCP for assistance with light retrofitting or additional information.
For turtle nesting updates throughout the season and other environmental news, follow @BrowardCountyEnvironment on Facebook and @BrowardEnv on X and Instagram.
About
Natural Resources Division
Broward
County's Natural Resources Division protects, restores, and enhances the
quality, abundance and diversity of the County's natural resources through
coordinated management efforts in water conservation, urban and natural lands
management, air planning and monitoring, marine resources, sustainability,
environmental monitoring and outreach. For more information call 954-519-1270,
visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
*The Natural Resources
Division is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
March 10, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica Price, Environmental Project Coordinator
Natural Resources Division
954-519-1255
jeprice@broward.org