Florida Sea Turtles Smash Nesting Records in 2026

Florida's beaches are buzzing with hope as sea turtles return in record numbers, defying the destruction left behind by three major hurricanes just two years ago.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute announced in May that the 2026 nesting season is already outpacing previous record-breaking years. By mid-May, researchers counted 1,450 loggerhead nests, an 82% jump from the same time in 2025.

Leatherback turtles are also thriving with 1,008 nests, up 4% from last year. Even the world's smallest and most endangered sea turtle, the Kemp's ridley, showed progress with three nests compared to just one at this point last year.

The comeback is especially meaningful after the devastation of 2024. Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton reshaped Florida's coastline, washing away countless nests and destroying the dunes where sea turtles typically lay their eggs. Scientists had expected record numbers that year, but the storms erased much of that potential.

Instead of giving up, wildlife experts doubled down on conservation and restoration efforts throughout 2025. Biologists, interns, volunteers, and permit holders worked tirelessly to protect nesting sites and monitor turtle activity across the state's beaches.

Their dedication paid off. In 2025, green sea turtles achieved 66,476 nests, the second-highest season ever recorded. Leatherbacks set a new statewide record with 2,012 nests, breaking the previous high from 2022.

The Ripple Effect

This sea turtle success story extends far beyond Florida's shores. Healthy sea turtle populations indicate thriving ocean ecosystems, benefiting countless other marine species. These ancient creatures help maintain seagrass beds and coral reefs, playing a vital role in ocean health that impacts fisheries and coastal communities worldwide.

The volunteer network that makes this monitoring possible has grown stronger too. Thousands of Floridians now participate in conservation efforts, creating a culture of environmental stewardship that will protect beaches for generations to come.

Nesting season runs through October 31, and green sea turtles haven't even started their peak nesting period yet. When concerned residents asked about the apparent absence of green turtle nests, the FWC reassured them that greens nest later in summer, typically beginning in late May or early June.

With more than five months of nesting season ahead and multiple species already breaking records, Florida's beaches are set for an extraordinary year that proves nature's resilience when people choose to protect it.