No statewide law
South Carolina
Last checked October 29, 2026
South Carolina has no statewide outdoor or sea-turtle lighting law. Sea Turtle Protection Act bills were filed in 2010 (S.979), 2021 (S.184) and 2023 (S.133), and each stayed in the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee. S.133 would have barred light on designated nesting beaches and required hooded, shielded fixtures. Sullivan's Island already regulates this locally.
Municipal codes
- Sullivan's Island (opens in new tab): Code 132.23, Beach Lighting: during nesting season (May 15 to October 31) new beachfront development may not use floodlights, wall fixtures must be hooded or yellow bug lights, and existing decorative lights are shielded or off after 10 p.m. A first offense gets a warning.
Sources
- https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/bills/133.htm (opens in new tab)
- https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess124_2021-2022/bills/184.htm (opens in new tab)
- https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess118_2009-2010/bills/979.htm (opens in new tab)
- https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sullivansislandsc/latest/sullivansisland_sc/0-0-0-3027 (opens in new tab)