As crowds descend on Florida’s beaches for the Labor Day weekend, state wildlife officials are urging visitors to protect nesting sea turtles and shorebirds by giving them space, keeping beaches clean and dark, and removing gear at night.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued a reminder on Thursday, noting that sea turtles and their hatchlings continue to use sandy shorelines as nesting habitats. Shorebirds, including flightless chicks and migrating species like piping plovers and red knots, also rely on the beaches year-round.
“Beachgoers can help by taking a few simple actions,” the commission said in a statement. Those include staying at least 50 feet away from turtles and birds, leashing dogs and keeping them away from wildlife, and watching for disoriented animals on sidewalks or roadways.
Artificial lights from buildings, flashlights, or cellphones can confuse hatchlings, preventing them from reaching the ocean, officials said. They recommended closing curtains after dark and using long, low, and shielded exterior lighting near nesting areas.
Visitors should also fill in sand holes, remove toys and furniture, and properly dispose of trash and fishing line to avoid attracting predators or creating obstacles. Monofilament recycling stations are available statewide; locations can be found at mrrp.myfwc.com.
All sea turtle species, their nests, and eggs are protected under state and federal law, making it illegal to harm, harass, or take them. If a distressed turtle is spotted, the public should call the commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
For more details on sea turtles, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle or the “Be a Beach Hero” brochure. Information on shorebirds is available at MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure.
