Five species of sea turtles inhabit both the Gulf & East Coast regions of Florida: loggerhead, green, Atlantic hawksbill, leatherback, and Kemp's Ridley. Loggerhead turtles, which are classified as threatened, are the predominant species on our beaches. Excluding the Big Bend area of Florida, all Florida beaches support nesting activities from April through September.
You can help to protect Sea Turtles!
Never approach sea turtles coming ashore or disturb nesting sea turtles or hatchlings. Biologists estimate that only about one out of every 2,500 hatchings survives to the age of sexual maturity.
Beachfront property owners should turn off exterior lights in areas where nesting takes place. Bright artificial lights discourage nesting sea turtles from coming ashore and disorient hatchlings, preventing them from reaching the sea.