We are in the midst of the 2023 nesting season’s final stretch, and both loggerhead and green turtles continue exceeding their record-breaking nest numbers.

The preliminary statewide totals as of September 30th are as follows:

• 133,941 loggerhead nests (previous annual record was 122,707 in 2016)
• 76,543 green turtle nests (previous annual record was 53,102 in 2017)
• 1,711 leatherback nests
• 10 confirmed Kemp’s ridley nests

Most sea turtle nesting for this year has ended, but we may still see a few more green turtle nests in October.

Beachgoers should avoid using lights and keep curtains closed at night during nesting season. Hatchlings will continue to emerge through October and November.

Every year, the Sea Turtle Nesting Team monitors sea turtle nesting in Florida, collecting valuable species data. 

Please report any sick, injured, dead, entangled, or endangered sea turtles to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-3922).