Sea Turtle Care & Conservation Specialists

Stranding Information

Sea Turtles Are Federally Protected

Sea turtles in Florida are protected federally and at the state level. The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and Florida's Marine Turtle Protection Act (379.2431, Florida Statutes) ensure their conservation. Five out of the seven sea turtle species regularly inhabit Florida's waters and nest on its beaches.

For sea turtle strandings, only permitted individuals can directly engage in rescue efforts. However, non-permitted individuals may assist under the direct supervision of a permitted rescuer. This collaboration ensures adherence to the Federal Endangered Species Act and Florida's Marine Turtle Protection Act, safeguarding these endangered and threatened animals. For more information check out FWC and FWS.

Sea Turtles on Our Beaches

If you are concerned about a sea turtle, please call FWC's 24-hour Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922). Responders will determine if action needs to be taken.

Nesting season in southeast Florida is March 1st to October 31st. Turtles typically nest at night, but may appear during the day.

If you encounter a nesting female at night or hatchlings, enjoy from a distance. Avoid disrupting their natural behavior by keeping lights off.

Trained biologists monitor nesting activities daily. Healthy nesting and hatchlings don't need reporting.

Sea turtles are found offshore, nearshore, inshore, and in the Intracoastal Waterway, foraging along rocky edges, near docks, and in shallow waters.

Which Sea Turtles Need Our Help

If you are concerned about a sea turtle, please call FWC's 24-hour Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922). Permitted responders will determine if action needs to be taken.

Possible Indicators of a Sick or Injured Turtle

A female turtle nesting during the day, at risk of overheating in the Florida sun.
Sea turtle trapped in rocks or man-made objects on the beach.
Hatchling crawling away from the ocean or found in an inaccessible location.
Turtle found in the surf or on the beach not attempting to return to the ocean.
Turtle with injuries from a boat strike or shark bite.
Turtle floating on the water's surface, unable to dive and stay submerged.
Turtle consistently seen in the same location near a dock with an abundance of barnacles, suggesting limited movement and potential illness.
Turtle hooked while fishing.
Turtle entangled with fishing line or other debris.

Sea Turtle Rescue in Palm Beach County

Sea Turtle Rescue in Palm Beach County

For most of the wild things on earth, the future must depend upon the conscience of mankind.

Stranding Information

Sea Turtles Are Federally Protected

Sea Turtles on Our Beaches

Which Sea Turtles Need Our Help

Possible Indicators of a Sick or Injured Turtle

Information to Have Ready

While You Wait

Sea Turtle Rescue in Palm Beach County

Sea Turtle Rescue in Palm Beach County

For most of the wild things on earth, the future must depend upon the conscience of mankind.

Stranding Information

Sea Turtles Are Federally Protected

Sea Turtles on Our Beaches

Which Sea Turtles Need Our Help

Possible Indicators of a Sick or Injured Turtle

Information to Have Ready

While You Wait

This website uses cookies.