Miami-Dade County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Miami-Dade County Code § 21-28(4)(b)
- Nighttime standard
- Audible 100 ft, 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Max penalty
- $500 fine and/or 60 days jail
- Enforcement
- County in UMSA; municipality inside city limits
- Proof standard
- No decibel meter required
Summary
Miami-Dade County's noise ordinance makes it a violation to play music audible 100 feet away between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., a standard enforced against bars and nightclubs whose sound carries beyond their walls.
Radios, televisions, phonographs, etc. The using, operating, or permitting to be played... any radio receiving set... musical instrument, phonograph, or other machine or device... to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants... The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... plainly audible at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the building, structure, vessel, floating structure, or vehicle in or on which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
Miami-Dade County Code Section 21-28 bans any "unreasonably loud, excessive, unnecessary, or unusual noise," and its provision on radios, phonographs and sound equipment squarely covers bar and nightclub music: playing a set, phonograph or other sound device so it disturbs neighbors' peace and quiet is unlawful at any hour, and between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., sound plainly audible 100 feet from the building is automatically "prima facie evidence" of a violation, no decibel meter required. The rule applies countywide: the County enforces it in unincorporated UMSA, and each municipality enforces it within its own limits unless it hasn't adopted separate noise rules, in which case the County enforces there too.
Violations & Fines
Violation is punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in the county jail, or both; the County may also pursue Chapter 8CC civil citation fines or require completion of the county's Noise Diversion Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Miami-Dade's noise ordinance apply inside cities like Miami or Miami Beach?
What counts as illegal bar or nightclub noise under county law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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