Hollywood's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Hollywood, Florida, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Barking Dogs

Barking dogs that create unreasonably loud noise crossing property lines violate Hollywood's Noise Ordinance. Complaints must be signed affidavits by the complainant. Outdoor animal tethering is prohibited between 10 AM–5 PM per city code.

Key details: Standard: Unreasonable noise crossing property line. Tethering: Prohibited 10 AM–5 PM. Fine: $100 / $500 / $1,000 (escalating). Report: 954-764-4357 or CodeCompliance@hollywoodfl.org.

Noise violations under Chapter 100: $100 first offense, $500 second, $1,000 third within six months. Animal nuisance violations under Chapter 92 handled through Code Enforcement.

Leaf Blower Rules

Hollywood FL does not have a specific leaf blower ban. Leaf blowers are subject to the general noise limits of Chapter 100: 65 dBA at the property line during the day (7 AM-10 PM), 55 dBA at night (10 PM-7 AM). Gas-powered leaf blowers are not banned. Commercial landscaping must comply during permitted hours.

Key details: Gas Blower Ban: No ban in effect. Day Limit: 65 dBA at property line. Night Limit: 55 dBA at property line. Landscaper Waste: Must remove own waste. Governing Code: Ch. 100 general noise limits.

Noise exceeding the decibel limits at the property line is subject to the standard fine schedule: $100 first offense, $500 second within 6 months, $1,000 third and subsequent.

Amplified Music & Events

Hollywood FL has a comprehensive noise ordinance (Chapter 100) with specific decibel limits for amplified music. Residential properties: 65 dBA/dBC daytime (7 AM-10 PM), 55 dBA/dBC nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). On public property, sound from radios, instruments, or devices must not interfere with peaceful enjoyment beyond 30 feet from the source.

Key details: Residential Day (7AM-10PM): 65 dBA/dBC max. Residential Night (10PM-7AM): 55 dBA/dBC max. Nonresidential Peak: 80 dBA/dBC max. Public Property: Not audible beyond 30 feet. 1st Violation Fine: $100.

First violation: $100 fine. Second violation within 6 months: $500. Third and subsequent: $1,000 per occurrence. Extended hours licenses may be denied or closing hours adjusted for repeat offenders.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Hollywood actively enforces its amplified music & events requirements.

Construction Hours

Hollywood's noise ordinance governs construction noise. All construction must obtain appropriate building permits. Construction activity that violates noise standards during quiet hours (11 PM–6 AM) is subject to enforcement. Permits required for all construction.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 11 PM–6 AM (no construction). Permits: Required for all construction. Enforcement: Hollywood Code Compliance: 954-921-3061. State Law: FL §877.03 (breach of peace fallback).

Construction outside permitted hours: noise violation under Chapter 100. First violation $100, second within six months $500, third and subsequent $1,000 per occurrence.

Quiet Hours

Hollywood's Noise Ordinance (effective May 1, 2021) defines Quiet Hours as 11 PM–6 AM. Noise is prohibited when it is plainly audible across a property line with windows/doors closed and interferes with peaceful enjoyment. Sound measurements taken at or beyond property line. Fines: $100 (1st), $500 (2nd within 6 months), $1,000 (3rd+ within 6 months).

Key details: Quiet Hours: 11 PM–6 AM. Standard: Plainly audible across property line with doors closed. Fine: $100 / $500 / $1,000 (1st/2nd/3rd+ violations). Report: 954-764-4357 (non-emergency, 24/7).

1st violation: $100. 2nd within 6 months: $500. 3rd+ within 6 months: $1,000 per occurrence.

Aircraft Noise

Hollywood is near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). FAA rules preempt local aircraft noise regulation. The Broward County Aviation Department manages noise abatement programs for FLL.

Key details: Airport: FLL (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International). Authority: FAA preempts local aircraft noise rules. Program: Broward County Aviation Dept. manages abatement. Complaints: Broward County Aviation: 954-359-6100.

No local enforcement over aircraft noise due to federal FAA preemption. FLL noise complaints: BCAD at (954) 359-6100. Noise mitigation email: RSI@Broward.org.

Industrial Noise

Industrial and commercial noise in Hollywood is regulated under Chapter 100 with specific decibel limits. Nonresidential properties must not exceed 80 dBA/dBC during peak hours or 75 dBA/dBC during off-peak hours. Noise measured at or beyond the property line of the receiving property is the enforcement standard.

Key details: Nonresidential Peak: 80 dBA/dBC max. Nonresidential Off-Peak: 75 dBA/dBC max. At Residential Line: 65/55 dBA limits apply. Measurement Height: 5 feet above ground. Governing Code: Ch. 100 §100.02.

First violation: $100 fine. Second violation within 6 months: $500. Third and subsequent: $1,000 per occurrence. Extended hours licenses may be revoked.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Hollywood actively enforces its industrial noise requirements.

The Bottom Line

Hollywood is tougher than many cities when it comes to noise ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Hollywood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Hollywood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.