Fort Myers, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Entertainment limit, 2pm-2am
- 75 dBA
- Entertainment limit, 2am-2pm
- 70 dBA
- Measured from
- property line
- 1st entertainment-venue fine
- $300
- 4th violation in 12 mo.
- occupational license revoked
Summary
Fort Myers caps entertainment-venue sound at 75 dBA from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and 70 dBA overnight, measured at the property line under the city's electronic sound-level ordinance.
The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device in a manner as to exceed the following standard sound levels, when using an approved measuring device at a distance not closer than the property line from which the noise is emanating, is prohibited: Standard Sound Levels Residential, public space, agricultural, or institutional—7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 75 dBA Residential, public space, agricultural, or institutional—7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 65 dBA Residential, public space, agricultural, or institutional—11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 60 dBA
Commercial and industrial—7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 75 dBA Commercial and industrial—7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 70 dBA Entertainment—2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. 75 dBA Entertainment—2:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 70 dBA
(b)Fees for violations of this section are as follows:(1)Noncommercial:a.First violation .....$ 135.00b.Second violation within 12 months .....175.00c.Third violation within 12 months .....300.00d.Subsequent violations within 12 months .....500.00(2)Commercial, entertainment: .....a.First violation .....300.00b.Second violation within 12 months .....400.00c.Third violation within 12 months .....500.00d.A fourth violation within 12 months shall result in revocation of the occupational license in accordance with section 18-1(b). (Code 1963, § 23-21; Code 1991, § 11-153; Ord. No. 3063, § 3, 4-15-2002; Ord. No. 3446, § 1, 3-17-2008)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 54-198 of the Fort Myers Code of Ordinances bars operating a sound-producing device above set 'Standard Sound Levels,' measured with an approved meter no closer than the property line. The 'Entertainment' category, covering bars, nightclubs, and similar venues in Lee County's Fort Myers, allows up to 75 dBA from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and 70 dBA from 2:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., higher than the 60-75 dBA residential/commercial tiers elsewhere in the same table.
Violations & Fines
Commercial/entertainment fines escalate: $300 first violation, $400 second (within 12 months), $500 third; a fourth violation within 12 months triggers revocation of the establishment's occupational license under § 18-1(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
What decibel limit applies to bars and nightclubs in Fort Myers?
What happens after repeated noise complaints at a Fort Myers venue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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Bar & Nightclub Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle bar & nightclub noise.