Jacksonville Beach, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)

Section 18-7 reaches every business in Jacksonville Beach licensed to sell or distribute food, beverages or alcoholic beverages. The definition lists the state license types it covers, from 1-COP beer-only venues and 4-COP-SRX restaurants to 11-C bona fide clubs, including tennis, racquetball, cabana and beach clubs. Any such establishment that provides low volume outdoor acoustic or amplified sound shall possess the permit, which authorizes outdoor entertainment originating within the property line of the business.

The volume test is conversational. Low volume means a person outside the property line, speaking in a normal tone of voice, is plainly audible and understood over the sound by another person standing a maximum of thirty-six inches (36") away. The code adds that detecting rhythmic bass tones counts as plainly audible. Outdoor sound is limited to devices such as low volume amplified sound, acoustic, orchestral or stringed instruments. Drums, drum machines and sub-woofer bass speakers are prohibited, and outdoor disc jockeys and amplified bands are strictly prohibited unless a permit under section 4-5 allows them in writing. Operation of any amplified and acoustic sound between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. is prohibited, and removing or resituating outdoor seating and tables while generating the sound is also prohibited.

Indoor entertainment sound cannot be conveyed outside through open windows or doors, except entrance doors opened momentarily, which the code defines as less than thirty (30) seconds.

Applications go to the city clerk with an annual fee set by resolution of the city council, and the permit shall be issued within thirty (30) days of receipt of a complete application. Renewal is due annually on or before the 30th day of September. A change in ownership makes the permit immediately invalid and the new owner must reapply.

Older permits follow separate terms. A previously issued outside sound amplification permit is not valid between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. the following day, and an outdoor restaurant or bar within two thousand (2,000) feet of the centerline of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway can apply for a permit with a maximum of 40 dB(A). Other outdoor venues must meet section 18-3(d)(1), Table I.