VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — While sea turtle nesting season begins May 1 in Volusia County, officials say three sea turtle nests are already incubating on county beaches.
The county recorded a new record for the earliest laid leatherback nest on March 9, officials said in a media release, signaling a busy nesting over the next few months.
After a two-month incubation in the sand, officials say hatchlings will emerge and navigate their way to the ocean.
The county said it is estimated that only about one in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood, which can take 10 to 25 years, depending on the species.
The county’s environmental management division continues to educate residents, visitors, and beachfront property owners about sea turtle-friendly practices, which include:
- Do not touch or disturb turtles and their nests
- Limit lights/turn off lights at night on the beach
- Use designated beach access points
- Drive only in designated areas
- Avoid flash photography and cellphone lights at night
- Use red LED flashlights
- Flatten sandcastles
- Fill in holes on the beach
- Remove beach gear from the sand
- Pick up trash and properly dispose of it
- Minimize fireworks
The county said they typically see over 580 sea turtle nests laid, resulting in tens of thousands of hatchlings.
In 2023, the county recorded a record 1,516 nests. In 2024, they documented 902 sea turtle nests on county-managed beaches.
Sea turtle nesting season continues through Oct. 31.
For more information about Volusia County’s sea turtle program, visit here.