Sea turtle nesting season in Miami-Dade County is from April 1 to October 31 each year. It's not uncommon to see a few dozen sea turtles nest on Surfside's beaches throughout this time. To maintain the best habitat for our turtle hatchlings, the Town of Surfside has put in place a number of measures from turtle-safe lighting to a ban on single-use plastics and plastic straws.

Learn more below about what to do if you encounter hatchlings or nests on the beach.

What to do if you see a sea turtle:

Sea Turtle NestIf you observe an adult sea turtle or hatchling sea turtle on the beach, please adhere to the following rules and guidelines:

  1. It is normal for sea turtles to be crawling on the beach on summer nights. DO NOT report normal crawling or nesting (digging or laying eggs) to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, unless the turtle is in a dangerous situation or has wandered off the beach. (on a road, in parking lot, etc.) 
  2. Stay away from crawling or nesting sea turtles. Although the urge to observe closely will be great, please resist. Nesting is a critical stage in the sea turtle's life cycle. Please leave them undisturbed. 
  3. DO REPORT all stranded (dead or injured) turtles to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  4. NEVER handle hatchling sea turtles. If you observe hatchlings wandering away from the ocean or on the beach, call: 1.888.404.3922 or *FWC (Mobile Phone)