Noise from Specific Sources in Sarasota County, FL (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Sarasota County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Sarasota County's decibel-based Sound Control ordinance caps how loud a property can be at the property line, but Section 54-118(d)(5) carves out residential heating and cooling equipment, along with pool and spa equipment, entirely: an air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace running in proper working order cannot be cited for noise at all, no matter how it compares to the county's usual daytime and nighttime limits.
Sarasota County Exempts Home AC From Noise Limits
Few RestrictionsSarasota County Code Sec. 54-118(d)(5)
(d)Exemptions. Sounds produced by the following shall be exempt from the provisions of this section:(1)Airports, landing fields, and aircraft.(2)Railroads and railroad operations.(3)Emergency devices and vehicles used for the purpose of alerting persons to an emergency or the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work...(5)Residential heating and cooling devices, and residential poo...
Car Alarm Limits
A car alarm, burglar alarm, or other emergency signaling device in unincorporated Sarasota County is exempt from the county's decibel limits, but only if it shuts off within 15 minutes of triggering. An alarm that keeps sounding past that window loses the exemption under Sec. 54-118 and becomes a normal noise violation.
Sarasota County Car and Burglar Alarm Noise Rule
Light RestrictionsSarasota County Code Sec. 54-118(d)(3)
(3)Emergency devices and vehicles used for the purpose of alerting persons to an emergency or the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work. This shall include, but not be limited to fire/burglar alarms, motor vehicle alarm sounds or similar emergency signaling devices provided that such sounds are terminated within 15 minutes after response.
Generator Noise
A generator or pump run during a power outage, flood, or other emergency in unincorporated Sarasota County is exempt from Sec. 54-118's decibel limits, but only while its manufacturer mufflers and sound-reduction equipment stay installed and in proper working order. An unmuffled generator loses that protection at any time.
Sarasota County Generator Noise Exemption Rule
Light RestrictionsSarasota County Code Sec. 54-118(d)(10)
(10)Generators, pumps, or other equipment used during power outages, floods, or other emergencies. Such equipment must be functioning with all manufacturers' mufflers and sound reduction equipment installed and in proper operating condition at all times.
Noise from Specific Sources by City in Sarasota County
2 cities in Sarasota County have their own noise from specific sources rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Sarasota County ordinances
See every category we cover for Sarasota County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Sarasota County Ordinance Hub →