Best Landscape Lighting Installation in Florida Ranked

Enhancing your Florida home with outdoor lighting is about more than just visibility; it's a way to extend your living space, highlight your property's best features, and increase safety and security. Professional landscape lighting installation transforms your yard into a welcoming evening retreat and adds significant curb appeal. Finding the right expert for the job ensures your system is beautiful, functional, durable, and compliant with Florida's specific climate and regulatory environment. This guide will help you understand your options, local considerations, and what to expect when planning your project.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Jacksonville

589 Levy Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Jacksonville is a landscape and architectural lighting company serving Jacksonville, FL. They specialize in designing and installing custom low-voltage outdoor lighting systems for residential, commercial, and hospitality properties. Their work includes lighting for palm trees, pool enclosures, docks, and beach houses, with expertise in highlighting the unique vegetation and architectural features of Northeast Florida. The company is part of a larger network with over 20 years of experience and more than 150,000 lighting designs installed nationwide. They also offer maintenance services to keep lighting systems performing well after installation.

5.0

242 Reviews

The Landscape Guy LLC

jacksonville

The Landscape Guy LLC is a landscaping company based in Jacksonville, FL, offering a wide range of outdoor services. Their expertise includes custom landscape design, irrigation system installation and repair, hardscaping with features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls, as well as lawn care, fertilization, sod and artificial turf installation, fence installation, landscape lighting, tree services, and pressure washing. Founded by Alex, who has a lifelong passion for landscaping inspired by his grandfather, the company serves Northeast Florida and surrounding areas. They focus on creating functional and attractive outdoor spaces tailored to clients' styles and needs.

5.0

153 Reviews

Earth Works Plant Nursery

12501 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246

Earth Works Plant Nursery is a full-service landscaping company based in Jacksonville, FL. Since 1988, they have provided landscape design, installation, and maintenance services, including lawn care, fertilization, weed and pest control, and custom hardscaping such as paver patios, retaining walls, and fire pits. Their offerings also include landscape lighting, water features like ponds and waterfalls, and drainage solutions. The company operates a garden center that supplies plants and pond products, supporting their comprehensive approach to outdoor living spaces. Earth Works has over 34 years of experience serving the greater Jacksonville area and maintains a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

4.9

1.6k Reviews

Pro Designs Landscaping

jacksonville

Pro Designs Landscaping is a landscaping company based in Jacksonville, FL. They offer a variety of services including landscape design and installation, lawn care, hardscaping, landscape lighting, and outdoor construction. Their team focuses on personalized landscaping solutions tailored to each client's vision and needs. Pro Designs Landscaping is capable of paver installation and design, as well as creating outdoor living spaces. They provide free estimates and aim to deliver detailed craftsmanship in their projects.

5.0

119 Reviews

Hulihan Territory Outdoor Solutions

1177 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

Hulihan Territory Outdoor Solutions is a Jacksonville, FL-based company providing a range of outdoor services including irrigation, landscape lighting, drainage, well and pump systems, and seasonal Christmas lighting. They specialize in sprinkler installation and repair, yard drainage and grading, and outdoor lighting solutions to enhance and maintain residential and commercial properties. The company offers estimates for new installations and serves clients throughout the Jacksonville area.

4.9

579 Reviews

See more providers in Florida

Understanding Your Lighting System Options

The first major decision in any outdoor lighting project is choosing between low-voltage and line-voltage systems. Each has distinct advantages, applications, and regulatory implications in Florida.

Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting (12V/24V)

Low-voltage systems are the most popular choice for residential landscape lighting across Florida, and for good reason ¹. They operate by using a transformer to step down standard 120V household current to a safer 12 or 24 volts.

Key Advantages:

• Safety: The significantly reduced voltage presents a minimal shock hazard, making these systems ideal for homes with children and pets ².
• Ease of Installation: Wiring can often be buried at shallow depths (around 6 inches) without conduit, making installation less invasive and more flexible for design changes ³. In many cases, if the system uses a plug-in transformer and doesn't alter the home's main electrical wiring, a licensed electrician or permit may not be strictly required, though professional installation is always recommended for optimal results ^{4 5}.
• Design Flexibility: There is a vast array of fixture styles, from path lights and spotlights to well lights and deck lights. LED bulbs, which are standard, offer excellent energy efficiency, long life, and a range of color temperatures ⁶.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While high-quality fixtures can be an investment, the lower installation labor and energy consumption typically make low-voltage systems cost-effective over time ⁷.

Best For: Creating ambiance, accenting architectural features and specimen plants, illuminating pathways and garden beds, and providing general perimeter lighting.

Line-Voltage Landscape Lighting (120V)

Line-voltage systems use the standard household current directly, requiring a different approach to installation and safety ⁸.

Key Considerations:

• Power & Brightness: These systems deliver full, bright illumination, making them suitable for lighting large areas, driveways, or for applications where high levels of security lighting are needed ⁹.
• Professional Installation Required: All work on a line-voltage system must be performed by a licensed electrician. Wiring must be installed in approved conduit and buried at a minimum depth (typically 18 inches or more) to meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Florida Building Code standards ^{10 11}. A permit is always required.
• Less Flexibility: Once installed, relocating fixtures is difficult due to the buried conduit infrastructure. Fixture options designed for direct line-voltage connection can be more limited than their low-voltage counterparts ¹².

Best For: Large property security lighting, illuminating substantial structures like pergolas or outdoor kitchens, and commercial applications.

Florida-Specific Codes, Ordinances, and Environmental Considerations

Florida has unique regulations governing outdoor lighting, designed to promote safety, conserve energy, and protect the environment-particularly in coastal regions. Adherence to these rules is not optional.

State and Local Lighting Ordinances

The Florida Building Code incorporates the NEC, but individual counties and municipalities often have additional ordinances ¹³. Key common themes include:

• Light Trespass & Glare Control: Most local codes mandate that outdoor lighting be fully shielded and directed downward to prevent glare and "light spill" onto neighboring properties or public rights-of-way. A common residential standard is to limit light at the property line to 0.5 foot-candles or less ^{14 15 16}. This protects your neighbors' right to enjoy their own dark skies.
• Coastal Turtle Protection: In coastal counties, especially during sea turtle nesting season (March-October), lighting rules become much stricter. Beachfront properties often must use "turtle-friendly" lighting-typically long-wavelength (amber or red) LEDs that are low-mounted, shielded, and directed away from the beach to prevent disorienting hatchlings ¹⁷. Always check with your local government for specific seasonal requirements.
• Permitting: As noted, line-voltage work always requires a permit and licensed electrician. For low-voltage systems, permit requirements vary. Some jurisdictions require permits for all permanent electrical installations, while others exempt low-voltage landscape lighting under a certain wattage or if it's plug-in ^{5 18}. It is your responsibility to verify requirements with your local building department.

The Florida Climate Factor

The humid, salty, and storm-prone Florida environment demands durable materials. Look for fixtures with the following characteristics:

• Construction: Solid copper, brass, or heavy-gauge aluminum with a high-quality, corrosion-resistant finish (e.g., powder coating).
• Sealing: Fixtures should have robust gaskets and seals (IP65 or higher rating) to withstand driving rain and irrigation spray.
• Wiring & Connections: Use only direct-burial rated cable and waterproof wire connectors (often gel-filled) to prevent corrosion and failure at connection points.

Planning Your Installation: Design and Cost Expectations

A successful lighting project starts with a thoughtful plan. Consider what you want to achieve: safety for steps and paths, security for dark corners, ambiance for entertaining spaces, or drama to highlight your landscape's beauty. A professional designer will employ techniques like uplighting, downlighting, silhouetting, and grazing to create depth and interest.

What Impacts the Cost?

Installation costs in Florida vary based on several factors ^{19 20}:

• System Type & Scale: A basic low-voltage system with 5-6 path lights may start around $2,200, while a comprehensive design with dozens of fixtures, multiple transformers, and advanced controls can range from $5,000 to over $10,000 ^{21 22}.
• Fixture Quality & Quantity: High-end, commercial-grade fixtures made from solid materials cost more than basic models. The per-fixture installed cost typically ranges from $100 to $500, depending on complexity ^{23 24}.
• Site Complexity: Installing lighting in established landscapes with mature plantings or hardscapes requires more care and labor than a new construction site. Wiring runs over long distances or under driveways also add cost.
• Controls: Simple mechanical timers are inexpensive. Adding smart controls (Wi-Fi/app-based systems, photocells, motion sensors, or zoning systems) increases the project cost but offers greater convenience and energy savings.

The Professional Advantage

While DIY low-voltage kits are available, hiring a professional specializing in landscape lighting offers significant benefits:

• Expert Design: They create a cohesive lighting plan that balances function and artistry.
• Code Compliance: They navigate local permitting and ensure the installation meets all safety and environmental codes.
• Quality Materials: Professionals have access to higher-grade, longer-lasting fixtures and components not available at retail.
• Proper Installation: They ensure correct transformer sizing, voltage drop calculation, and secure, weatherproof connections for a reliable system.
• Warranty & Service: Professional installers typically offer warranties on both labor and products and can provide ongoing maintenance.

Maintaining Your Landscape Lighting System

To keep your Florida lighting looking and performing its best, plan for simple annual maintenance:

1. Clean Fixtures: Wipe lenses and housings to remove dirt, salt spray, and debris that can reduce light output.
2. Trim Vegetation: Plants grow quickly in Florida. Regularly trim back foliage that may be blocking or touching light fixtures.
3. Check Connections: After major storms, visually inspect fixtures for proper alignment and check for any exposed wiring.
4. Professional Tune-up: Consider a yearly service call from your installer to check transformer function, replace any failed bulbs (even long-life LEDs), and adjust fixtures as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Sources