Noise Ordinances in Winter Haven, FL (2026)
4 verified noise ordinances for Winter Haven, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Barking Dogs
Winter Haven Code of Ordinances Section 4-5 declares any animal that barks, whines or howls habitually, frequently or at an untimely hour a public nuisance. Owners are responsible for stopping the noise, and the city's animal control officers can act on repeated complaints under the same nuisance provision that covers loose or destructive pets.
Winter Haven Barking Dog Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Code of Ordinances § 4-5
Sec. 4-5. - Public nuisance. Any animal shall be declared a public nuisance which: ... (6)Barks, whines, howls, or emits any other noise associated with any breed of animal, habitually, frequently, or in an untimely fashion; or(7)Scratches, digs, urinates or defecates upon any lawn, tree, shrub, plant, building, or any other property, private or public, other than the property of the owner.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Winter Haven separately bans amplified sound sources, including radios, record players, and musical instruments, that disturb the peace and comfort of neighbors, even when a device would otherwise pass the numeric decibel tables. Sec. 12-35 expects quieter operation at night, and a signed sworn complaint is required before police will pursue a violation.
Winter Haven Amplified Sound Restrictions
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Code of Ordinances § 12-35
Thus, the following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this article, but this enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive, namely: ... (2)The using, operating, or permitting to be played, used, or operated of any radio, television, tape or record player, amplifier, musical instrument, or other machine or device used for the product...
Decibel Limits
Winter Haven caps outdoor sound at fixed decibel ceilings that vary by zoning district and time of day: 61 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) at night in residential areas, 66/50 in commercial zones, and 71/65 in manufacturing zones. Violations of Table II in Sec. 12-31 draw a warning followed by fines under the city's general penalty section.
Winter Haven Noise Decibel Limits by Zone
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Code of Ordinances § 12-31
Table II specifies noise levels which represent limits which if exceeded interfere with the peace, quiet, and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants. No noise shall be permitted within the city which exceeds the noise level limits of Table II, except as expressly authorized by this article. ... These levels may not be exceeded for more than three (3) cumulative minutes out of any conti...
Vehicle Noise
Winter Haven enforces a Polk County ordinance, codified as Sec. 12-39, banning a car radio or other sound device loud enough to be plainly audible 50 feet or more from the vehicle. Fines escalate from $100 for a first offense to $500 for a third or later offense, and officers judge audibility by ear rather than a meter.
Winter Haven Vehicle Stereo Noise Ban
Some RestrictionsWinter Haven Code of Ordinances § 12-39
Plainly audible means any sound produced by a radio or other mechanical or electrical sound making device or instrument from within a motor vehicle, including sound produced by a portable sound making device, that can be clearly heard outside the motor vehicle by a person using his or her normal hearing faculties at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more from a motor vehicle. ... (d)Prohibited a...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Winter Haven city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Polk County →