Martin County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Weeknight curfew
- 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Weekend curfew
- 11:00 p.m. Fri/Sat to 7:00 a.m.
- Holiday curfew
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. next day
- Governing section
- Sec. 67.305.K
- Fine schedule
- $100 / $300 / $500
Summary
Bars, nightclubs and other commercial establishments in unincorporated Martin County cannot play music or run sound systems loud enough to disturb neighbors, and Sec. 67.305.K sets a day-by-day cutoff: 9:00 p.m. on weeknights, but 11:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and federal holidays, all running until 7:00 a.m."
67.305.K. Commercial establishment. It shall be unlawful for any commercial establishment or person associated with or working for said commercial establishment, or any person owning property upon which the commercial establishment is located to operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, exterior loudspeaker, sound amplifier, or similar device in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants... Friday 11:00 p.m. until Saturday 7:00 a.m. Saturday 11:00 p.m. until Sunday 7:00 a.m. National holidays (as established in 5 U.S.C. Sec. 6103) 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. of the following day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
Sec. K of the Martin County Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful for a commercial establishment, anyone working for it, or the property owner to operate a radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, exterior loudspeaker or sound amplifier in a way that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants, or at a volume louder than needed for the people voluntarily listening on the premises. Playing such a device so it is "plainly audible" during set curfew windows is prima facie evidence of a violation.
m. m. C. Sec. m. This provision cross-references, and is distinct from, the residential radio/TV/loudspeaker rule in Sec. A, which expressly does not apply to commercial establishments covered here. "Plainly audible" is defined in Sec. 303 and measured under Sec. 304 using the inspector's unaided hearing from 150 feet away for at least ten continuous minutes; a rhythmic bass reverberation alone is enough to prove the sound was plainly audible, without identifying the song. Sec. 306's table 1 additionally caps commercial-zone sound at 65 dB(A) by day and 60 dB(A) at night, measured at the receiving property line, giving code inspectors a metered backstop even where the plainly-audible standard is contested.
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced by code inspectors under Florida Statutes Chapter 162, at the inspector's discretion (Sec. 67.309). Civil citations run $100 for a first violation, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third and each one after, with a $50 reduction if the citation is not contested; contested citations are heard in County Court. An establishment can seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment under Sec. 67.308 for a special event, but the request needs a public hearing with 15 days' newspaper notice and mailed notice to owners within 300 feet at least ten days ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Martin County bar play music louder on weekends?
How does the county prove a bar's music was too loud?
What is the penalty for a nightclub's first noise citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.