What are the quiet hours in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

In Fort Lauderdale, FL, designated quiet hours are typically 10PM-7AM. During these times, noise must be kept to a minimum.

What is the residential decibel limit in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Daytime limit: Noise not plainly audible beyond 50 feet (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM); 65 dBA or 75 dBC if within 200 feet of commercial/industrial/mixed use.. Nighttime limit: Noise not plainly audible beyond 25 feet (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM); HVAC systems must stay below 40 dBA.. Special Entertainment Overlay District has specific dBA/dBC limits that vary by day and time (e.g., Mon-Thu 12 PM - 12 AM: 85 dBA or 95 dBC; Fri-Sun & Holidays 12 PM - 1 AM: 85 dBA or 95 dBC, measured 5 feet from the source building). The ordinance differentiates between dBA and dBC for low-frequency sounds.

Fort Lauderdale, FL Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]

When are quiet hours in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Regulation	Details for Fort Lauderdale, FL
Quiet Hours	10PM-7AM
Weekends	Typically same as weekdays
Enforcement	Police Non-Emergency: 954-764-HELP (4357)

Residential quiet hours are generally from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, during which noise should not be plainly audible beyond 25 feet from the property line.

Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.

Who To Call (Non-Emergency)

954-764-HELP (4357)How to file a complaint →

Fort Lauderdale, FL Noise Rules

Verified 2026

What is the noise ordinance in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Fort Lauderdale, FL noise ordinances, outlined in Chapter 17 of the City's Code of Ordinances, establish specific regulations for sound levels in residential and commercial areas. The ordinance includes quiet hours and decibel limits, particularly addressing amplified sound, construction activity, and animal noise, aiming to balance urban activities with residents' peace and quiet.

Decibel Limit Comparison

Decibel limits for residential and commercial zones in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Zone Type	Day	Night
Residential	Noise not plainly audible beyond 50 feet (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM); 65 dBA or 75 dBC if within 200 feet of commercial/industrial/mixed use.	Noise not plainly audible beyond 25 feet (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM); HVAC systems must stay below 40 dBA.
Commercial	Amplified sound not to exceed 60 dBC (12:00 PM - 10:00 PM, measured at complainant's premises).	Amplified sound not to exceed 55 dBC (10:00 PM - 12:00 PM the following day, measured at complainant's premises).

Note: Special Entertainment Overlay District has specific dBA/dBC limits that vary by day and time (e.g., Mon-Thu 12 PM - 12 AM: 85 dBA or 95 dBC; Fri-Sun & Holidays 12 PM - 1 AM: 85 dBA or 95 dBC, measured 5 feet from the source building). The ordinance differentiates between dBA and dBC for low-frequency sounds.

Specific Restrictions

Construction:
Construction, repair, alteration, or demolition work is unlawful Monday through Saturday before 8:00 AM or after 7:00 PM, and Sunday before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. Exceptions for public works transportation projects or special permits may apply.
Amplified Sound:
Residential amplified sound should not be plainly audible beyond 25 feet between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, and 50 feet between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Commercial/mixed-use/industrial amplified sound has specific dBC limits depending on time of day (e.g., 60 dBC day, 55 dBC night, measured at complainant's premises).
Animals:
Unlawful for domesticated animals to vocalize (howl, yelp, bark, squawk) plainly audible at a complainant's property line for more than five (5) continuous minutes, or two (2) or more times per minute for twenty (20) consecutive minutes, unless provoked.
Vehicles:
Sound from a motor vehicle or any other sound source in rights-of-way shall not be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more.
Landscaping and Yard Maintenance:
Power tools or motorized equipment for landscaping and yard maintenance are restricted between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, and between 6:00 PM and 8:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
Emergency Generators:
Testing of emergency generators is limited to a maximum of one (1) hour per day, between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, with sound emissions not exceeding 68 dBA when measured 23 feet from the generator.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Lauderdale, FL Noise Rules

What are the designated quiet hours in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Residential quiet hours are generally from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, during which noise should not be plainly audible beyond 25 feet from the property line.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.

How loud can I play music in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Residential areas typically have a limit of Noise not plainly audible beyond 50 feet (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM); 65 dBA or 75 dBC if within 200 feet of commercial/industrial/mixed use. during the day and Noise not plainly audible beyond 25 feet (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM); HVAC systems must stay below 40 dBA. at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.

Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Fort Lauderdale, FL police non-emergency line at 954-764-HELP (4357). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 954-828-5207 (Community Enhancement and Compliance Customer Service); 954-828-8000 (Customer Service for after-hours noise)..

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