Sea turtle nesting season gets off to strong start with over 2,400 nests reported in Florida

The 2026 sea turtle nesting season is yielding promising numbers in Florida, as researchers say the loggerhead and leatherback species are outpacing their recent record-breaking years.

The preliminary statewide totals recorded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as of April 30 are pictured below with annual comparisons dating back to 2022:

Sea turtles typically begin nesting on the Gulf Coast and North Florida beaches in April or May and in March along Florida's southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County, according to FWC.

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