Noise Ordinances in Okaloosa County, FL (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Okaloosa County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Unincorporated Okaloosa County caps single-family residential noise at 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. under Land Development Code Chapter 9. Destin and Fort Walton Beach run their own noise codes.
Okaloosa County Noise Limits & Nighttime Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsOkaloosa County Code (LDC) § 9.02.03(2)(b)(iv)
Any noise which can clearly be heard on any other lot zoned for residential use beyond the property line of the property where the noise is being produced between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for a duration of more than ten (10) consecutive minutes.
Construction Hours
Okaloosa County exempts construction activity under an active development permit from its noise ordinance only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or if the work produces less than 86 dBA. Land Development Code Sec. 9.01.07(15) is the exemption; work that runs later, starts earlier, or exceeds 86 dBA outside that window falls back under the county's ordinary 60/55 dBA noise limits.
Okaloosa County Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsOkaloosa County, FL, Land Development Code § 9.01.07(15)
9.01.07. - Exemptions. The provisions of section 9.01.04 above shall not apply to the following sounds: [...] 15.Construction activities for which Okaloosa County has issued a development permit, as defined by Section 163.3164, Florida Statutes, provided such activity occurs between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or produces less than 86 dBA; and16.Organized athletic contests.
Barking Dogs
In unincorporated Okaloosa County, an animal that makes continuing or intermittent noise for more than 30 consecutive minutes, clearly heard across the property line, is a prohibited unnecessary noise under Land Development Code Chapter 9.
Okaloosa County Barking Dog Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsOkaloosa County Code (LDC) § 9.02.03(2)(b)(ii)
The sound produced by any kept or raised animal or bird which, by causing continuing or intermittent noise for a duration of more than thirty (30) consecutive minutes, disturbs the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of any reasonable person when such noise can be clearly heard outside the property line of the premises where the animal or bird is being kept or raised.
Leaf Blower Rules
Okaloosa County sets no leaf-blower-specific rules. Household tools and equipment meeting the manufacturer's sound specifications are exempt from the county sound-level limits, so daytime blower use is effectively unrestricted. General noise limits still apply.
Okaloosa County Leaf Blower Rules
Few RestrictionsOkaloosa County Code (LDC) § 9.01.07(3)
Household or farming tools, appliances and equipment meeting manufacturer's specifications as to sound, if applicable
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Okaloosa County bars playing any radio, music player, TV, sound system, or instrument, including live bands, loudly enough to disturb reasonable neighbors. Amplified music also loses five dBA from the general limit.
Okaloosa County Amplified Music & Sound Device Rules
Some RestrictionsOkaloosa County Code (LDC) § 9.02.03(1)(a)
No person shall play, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., any radio, music player, television, audio system, musical instrument (including "live band" music) in such a manner or at such a volume as to annoy or disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of other reasonable persons or in a manner which could be anticipated to offend other reasonable persons.
Decibel Limits
Okaloosa County caps outdoor sound at fixed decibel levels tied to zoning and time of day. Code of Ordinances Sec. 11-104 sets 60 dBA as the daytime limit and 55 dBA overnight at single-family and multifamily residential lots, noise-sensitive zones, and the B1/B2-restricted part of Santa Rosa Island Subdivision, measured at or inside the property line.
Okaloosa County Noise Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsOkaloosa County, FL, Code of Ordinances § 11-104
(a)Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the following applicable sound level limits are established for the following applicable times when measured at or inside the property lines of the following applicable land use categories: Single-family residential dwelling lot not in an agricultural, business, or industrial zoning district, any other lot zoned for residential use, property south and east...
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