Sanford, FL Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

Section 38-66(20) removes film and video production sound from the article's noise-disturbance rules once a film permit has been issued by the city, so a permitted shoot using generators, lighting rigs, PA systems, or other loud equipment on a residential street or downtown block does not need to stay under the section 38-68 decibel caps while filming. The exemption is conditional: equipment must be operated per manufacturer specifications and equipped with all standard noise-reducing equipment in proper condition, and the permit itself may attach its own noise conditions that refer back to this article.

Sanford's general sound-permit process in section 38-72 works alongside this exemption for any activity expected to exceed ordinary limits: an application with a city-set fee goes to the police department at least five business days ahead, the chief of police may extend allowable hours by up to one hour or raise the allowable sound level by up to ten decibels, and no single permit can cover more than 30 days of events or span more than one calendar year. A denial can be appealed to a special magistrate, who must hold a hearing within 30 days and issue a written decision within 15 days, appealable further to circuit court.