Amplified Music & Events: Sarasota vs Venice
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Sarasota, FL and Venice, FL?
Venice has fewer restrictions than Sarasota.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota County
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.
View full Sarasota rules →Venice, FL
Sarasota County
Venice Code Ch. 34, Art. II prohibits operating any loudspeaker, musical instrument, drum, or sound-reproduction device at a place of public entertainment at a level that allows the sound to be heard in any residential or noise-sensitive area.
View full Venice rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sarasota | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Sec. 20-5(b)(1) | Venice Code Ch. 34, Art. II |
| Night Cap (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.) | 65 dBA / 70 dBC | - |
| Day Cap (7 a.m. - 11 p.m.) | 75 dBA / 80 dBC continuous | - |
| dBA-dBC Spread Limit | <5 dB difference | - |
| Lemon Ave Mall Exception | 11:00 p.m. (Th-Sun), 11:59 p.m. (F/Sa) | - |
| Special Permit Path | Sec. 20-6 (City Manager, 15 days) | - |
| Public-Entertainment Test | - | Audible in residential/noise-sensitive area |
| Multifamily Cap (Night) | - | 45 dB(A) inside adjacent unit |
| Special Events | - | Require City permit; exempt under Sec. 34-37 when permitted |
| Penalty | - | Up to $500 under Sec. 1-14 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sarasota FAQ
Can a Sarasota restaurant have outdoor live music after 10 p.m.?
Only within Sec. 20-5(b)(1)(a) limits - 65 dBA / 70 dBC at the property line. To exceed, the venue needs a Sec. 20-6 special permit issued by the City Manager. The Lemon Avenue Mall has a unique 11 p.m. / 11:59 p.m. exception built into the code.
How do I get a noise exception for an outdoor wedding in Sarasota?
File a Sec. 20-6 special permit application on the City Manager's form. Decision within 15 days; appeal to the Special Master within 7 days; the permit sets the time period and conditions to mitigate effects on neighbors.
Venice FAQ
Can a Venice restaurant have outdoor live music?
Yes, but the sound cannot be plainly audible inside any residential or noise-sensitive area under Ch. 34, Art. II, and inside an adjacent unit it cannot exceed 45 dB(A) after 10 p.m.
Are permitted special events exempt from the noise ordinance?
Yes, under Sec. 34-37, City-permitted parades, festivals and similar events are exempt from the Art. II limits for the duration and scope authorized by the permit.
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