Jacksonville, FL Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]

When are quiet hours in Jacksonville, FL?

10:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.

Who To Call (Non-Emergency)

904-630-0500How to file a complaint →

Jacksonville, FL Noise Rules

Verified 2026

What is the noise ordinance in Jacksonville, FL?

Jacksonville, FL noise ordinances, under Chapter 368 and Environmental Protection Board Rule 4, prohibit excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noises impacting public welfare. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM. Residential decibel limits are 65 dBA day and 60 dBA night, with penalties up to $500 fine or 90 days jail per offense.

Decibel Limit Comparison

Decibel limits for residential and commercial zones in Jacksonville, FL
Zone TypeDayNight
Residential65 dBA60 dBA
CommercialNot specifiedNot specified

Note: Maximum permissible sound levels are measured at or within the real property boundary of the receiving land use. Construction and maintenance equipment, excluding generators, mudhogs, and well point pumps, cannot exceed 60 dBA during nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Leaf or trash blowers and lawn maintenance equipment must not exceed 80 dBA at the complainant's property line between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Specific Restrictions

  • Construction:

    Construction activities are generally prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Exceptions exist for concrete pours with a development permit, where no construction equipment will operate before 3:00 a.m. under specific conditions related to proximity to occupied buildings. Nighttime construction with a permit shall not exceed 60 dBA.

  • Amplified Sound:

    A permit is required for amplified sound equipment in public rights-of-way if it exceeds 70 dB(A) ten feet or more from speakers between 9 AM and 10 PM, or 60 dB(A) between 10 PM and 9 AM. Permits are not granted if sounds exceed 70 dB(A) at the boundary of the nearest residentially occupied property. Businesses licensed under Chapter 250 are prohibited from using sound amplifiers audible greater than 50 feet. Special event amplified sound hours at Metropolitan Park are restricted (e.g., Friday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.). Not-for-Profit Establishments with a Class E Land Use permit can operate between 9 am and 11 pm and not exceed 75 dB(A).

  • Animals:

    It is unlawful to allow animals to bark, meow, whine, or howl persistently or continuously for 20 minutes or longer if not contained within an enclosure sufficient to baffle loud noises.

  • Vehicles:

    Florida Statute 316.3045 prohibits vehicle music that is plainly audible from 25 feet or more, especially near sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jacksonville, FL Noise Rules

What are the designated quiet hours in Jacksonville, FL?

10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.

How loud can I play music in Jacksonville, FL?

Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dBA during the day and 60 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 Jacksonville, FL?

For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Jacksonville, FL police non-emergency line at 904-630-0500. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 904-255-7000.

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