Gainesville, FL Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Gainesville, FL?
| Regulation | Details for Gainesville, FL |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-8AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 352-955-1818 |
10 PM to 8 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Gainesville, FL Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Gainesville, FL?
Gainesville, FL noise ordinances, under Chapter 15, prohibit sounds disturbing a reasonable person or exceeding specific decibel limits between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.. The ordinance defines quiet hours and sets restrictions on various noise sources like construction and amplified sound, with enforcement leading to warnings, citations, and potential fines.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 60 dB (7 AM - 10 PM) | 55 dB (10 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: The ordinance refers to Table II for continuous airborne sound decibel limits based on land use categories, measured 200 feet from the property line; however, Table II content is not fully available in provided search results. Permitted entertainment functions are limited to 70 dB(A) at 200 feet.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operation of tools or equipment for construction, drilling, repair, alteration, or demolition work is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day, if it creates a noise disturbance across a property boundary. Exceptions are made for emergency work or work approved by the city manager. Domestic power tools are exempt from these specific hours but must not cause a noise disturbance during nighttime hours.
- Amplified Sound:
Operating or playing radios, televisions, electronic audio equipment, musical instruments, sound amplifiers, or similar devices to create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary is prohibited. Loudspeakers and public address systems are prohibited during nighttime hours if they create a noise disturbance. Florida law prohibits vehicle sound systems plainly audible from 25 feet or more near churches, schools, or hospitals.
- Animals:
Owning, possessing, or harboring an animal that howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds that create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, are of frequent or continued duration for 10 or more consecutive minutes, or are intermittent for 30 or more minutes, is prohibited.
- Vehicles:
Operating a motor vehicle or towed combination of vehicles that creates a sound exceeding specified limits (referencing Table II) when not on public streets, highways, driveways, or parking lots is prohibited. Florida law also prohibits loud car stereos that are plainly audible from 25 feet or more near churches, schools, or hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gainesville, FL Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Gainesville, FL?
10 PM to 8 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Gainesville, FL?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 60 dB (7 AM - 10 PM) during the day and 55 dB (10 PM - 7 AM) 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 Gainesville, FL?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Gainesville, FL police non-emergency line at 352-955-1818. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 352-334-5030.