Noise Ordinances in Sarasota, FL (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Sarasota, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
City of Sarasota Code Chapter 20 (Sound Regulations) - known as the 'City of Sarasota Sound Control Ordinance' - sets objective dBA/dBC sound caps at the real property line. Quiet hours for amplified outdoor sound run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (extended to 11:00 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday near the Lemon Avenue Mall).
Sarasota Quiet Hours and Sound Control Ordinance
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
City of Sarasota Code Sec. 20-4(a)(2)(g) and the Sec. 20-7(6) exemption together set construction hours at 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekends and holidays. Construction noise outside that window is prohibited except for emergency public service utility work or by special permit.
Sarasota Construction Hours and Noise
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Sec. 20-4(a)(2)(e) of the City of Sarasota Sound Control Ordinance makes it unlawful to own, harbor or maintain any animal that frequently or continuously howls, barks, yelps, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds that disturb a reasonable person of normal sensibilities. Public zoos and licensed animal attractions are excluded.
Sarasota Barking Dogs and Animal Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
City of Sarasota Code Sec. 20-4(a)(2)(j) prohibits operation of any mechanically powered saw, drill, grinder, lawn or garden tool - including leaf blowers - between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. weekends and holidays, unless operating inside a completely enclosed structure.
Sarasota Leaf Blower and Power Tool Rules
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Amplified outdoor sound in Sarasota is held to the Sec. 20-5(b)(1) cap of 65 dBA / 70 dBC at the real property line during 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. (with an extended 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. carve-out on Thursday-Sunday and federal-holiday eves for City-owned leasehold property on the Lemon Avenue Mall). Daytime amplified sound runs under the continuous-source cap of 75 dBA / 80 dBC.
Sarasota Amplified Music and Outdoor Sound Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is largely preempted by federal law (49 U.S.C. §40103 / FAR 91), but Sarasota Code Sec. 3-1 specifically prohibits acrobatic flying over any part of the city. Sec. 20-7(11) exempts aircraft operating in conformity with federal regulations from the city's noise ordinance.
Sarasota Aircraft Noise and Acrobatic Flying
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial noise in Sarasota is governed by Sec. 20-5(b)(2) (continuous source) and Sec. 20-5(b)(3) (impulsive source). Air conditioners operating per manufacturer specs with proper mufflers are exempted under Sec. 20-7(4), but only if the equipment is in proper operating condition.
Sarasota Industrial and Mechanical Equipment Noise
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Sec. 20-5 of the City of Sarasota Sound Control Ordinance sets objective dBA/dBC caps at the real property line for three sound categories: amplified outdoor sound, continuous source sound, and impulsive source sound - with the strictest caps applying to amplified sound during quiet hours.
Sarasota Maximum Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor amplified music must meet Sec. 20-5(b)(1) caps, with the Sec. 20-6 special permit and Chapter 29.6 Special Event Permit framework as the legal paths to exceed those caps. Sec. 20-7(21) exempts road festivals, parades, fireworks displays, and special events for which an appropriate City permit has been obtained.
Sarasota Outdoor Music and Special Event Sound
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sarasota County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sarasota city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Sarasota County →