Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Highlands County

Highlands County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Covers: Public entertainment establishments
Curfew: 9:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
Test used: Plainly audible across residential line
Alternate standard: 75 dBA commercial limit, day/night
Relief: Permit/waiver via county administrator
Penalty: Class I civil infraction, daily

Summary

A bar, nightclub or other public entertainment establishment in unincorporated Highlands County violates the noise ordinance if it plays a radio, sound amplifier or other device so the sound is plainly audible across a residential property line between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The rule reaches the business itself and anyone working for it.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Highlands County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(15)Places of public entertainment. It shall be a violation of this section for any public entertainment establishment or person associated with or working for a public entertainment establishment to operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, stereo set, cassette player, compact disc player, sound amplifier or other machine or device for the production or reproduction of a sound between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 6:00 a.m. of the next day in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance that is plainly audible across a real property line of any residential zoning district or residential area.

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Full Breakdown

of the next in a manner that creates a noise disturbance plainly audible across a real property line of any residential zoning district or residential area. 6-106's Table I gives commercial and business property a general 75 dBA ceiling day and night as an alternate, measurable standard. 6-108 for a permit or waiver, subject to conditions the administrator sets and a fee established by the board of county commissioners; a permit runs no more than 15 consecutive days and can be renewed only once.

Violations & Fines

A Section 5.6-105(15) violation by a public entertainment establishment is a Class I civil infraction under Sections 2-372 and 2-373, enforced under article XII of chapter 2 by Highlands County Code Enforcement Officers or the Sheriff's Office. Each night the establishment continues the noise past 9:00 p.m. is a separate offense, and the county or a substantially affected resident may sue in circuit court under Section 5.6-111 for an injunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bar in unincorporated Highlands County play amplified music all night?

No. Section 5.6-105(15) bars a public entertainment establishment from playing amplified sound between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if it is plainly audible across a nearby residential property line, and the rule reaches employees and associates of the business, not just the owner.

Does the bar need a decibel meter reading to be cited?

No. The plainly-audible test in Section 5.6-105(15) is enough on its own; a code enforcement officer or deputy does not need a sound level meter reading, though the Table I limits in Section 5.6-106 remain a separate, measurable standard for commercial property.

Can a nightclub get permission to run music past 9 p.m.?

Yes, on application. Section 5.6-108 lets the county administrator issue a permit, capped at 15 consecutive days and renewable only once, or a waiver for a preexisting noise source, on written application with the board-set fee and any conditions the administrator requires.

Sources & Official References

[1]Code of Ordinances, Highlands County, Florida - Municode

Other rules in Highlands County

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All Highlands County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Highlands County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview

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