Sea turtle nesting season begins along Broward County beaches as thousands of nests expected this year
Broward County, Florida – Along the quiet stretch of Broward County’s shoreline, a familiar and remarkable cycle has begun once again.
Sea turtle nesting season is now underway, marking the start of a months-long natural event that unfolds across the county’s 24 miles of coastline each year.
The season officially runs from March 1 through October 31, when the region’s sandy beaches transform into important nesting grounds for several species of sea turtles.
Last year’s numbers offered a powerful reminder of how vital these beaches are to marine wildlife. In 2025, the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program recorded 3,341 nests along the county’s shoreline, including those located within Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.
The nests represented three species known to regularly return to Broward’s beaches to lay their eggs: leatherback turtles, loggerhead turtles, and green turtles.
Each nesting season follows a careful rhythm. Under the cover of darkness, female sea turtles emerge from the ocean and slowly make their way up the sand to dig nests and deposit their eggs. Weeks later, tiny hatchlings break free and instinctively crawl toward the water, guided largely by the natural glow of the horizon over the ocean.
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Because these fragile moments can easily be disrupted, the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program keeps a close watch on the beaches. From March through the end of October, staff monitor the shoreline daily for signs of nesting activity. When a nest is found, it is clearly marked with stakes and colorful flagging tape to ensure it remains protected.
Officials remind residents and visitors that disturbing sea turtles or their nests is illegal. Even well-intentioned actions can create problems for the animals, which rely on a safe and undisturbed environment during both nesting and hatching periods.
Community awareness plays a major role in protecting these endangered creatures. One of the most important steps involves reducing artificial lighting near the shoreline. Bright lights can confuse hatchling turtles, causing them to move inland instead of toward the ocean. Property owners near nesting beaches are encouraged to use shielded amber lighting designed to be safe for sea turtles.
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Visitors who encounter nesting turtles or newly hatched turtles are asked to watch quietly from a distance. Flash photography, cell phone lights, and flashlights should be avoided, as sudden bursts of light can disrupt the animals during critical moments.
Keeping the beach clean is another simple but powerful way the public can help. Trash left behind after a day in the sand can become hazardous to wildlife, and removing litter ensures turtles can move freely between the ocean and their nests. Beach furniture should also be stored off the sand at the end of the day, since chairs and other items can trap or block nesting turtles.
Even the small details matter. Sandcastles, holes, and trenches created during beach outings may seem harmless, but they can become obstacles for both nesting mothers and tiny hatchlings trying to reach the sea. Smoothing the sand before leaving the beach helps keep the shoreline safe for turtles making their nightly journeys.
For those looking to learn more or make their homes more turtle-friendly, information is available through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s certified wildlife lighting program. Residents can also contact the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program for guidance on installing appropriate lighting or retrofitting existing fixtures.
As nesting season unfolds over the coming months, the county’s beaches will once again host one of nature’s most delicate and remarkable processes. With continued monitoring and a little help from the public, Broward County’s coastline can remain a safe place for sea turtles returning year after year to begin the next generation of life in the ocean.
