Broward County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Broward County Code § 39-133(g)
- Exempt activity
- Bar/nightclub business operation, at all times
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Broward County only
- Enforcement
- Code enforcement officers under Chapter 8½
Summary
Broward County exempts restaurant, bar, and nightclub business operations from its noise nuisance standard at all times, so ordinary nightlife noise can't be cited as an Unreasonably Loud Noise violation under the county's unincorporated-area code.
The activities listed in Table 1, Activities Exempted from the Definition of Unreasonably Loud Noise, are exempt from the definition of Unreasonably Loud Noise during the time periods specified: ... Operation of business at restaurants, bars, and nightclubs .....At all times
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Section 39-133(g) of the Broward County Code bars any use in the unincorporated area from being 'offensive or obnoxious' due to noise judged by a reasonable-person standard, and defines 'Unreasonably Loud Noise' as sound plainly audible inside a neighboring home with doors and windows closed. Table 1 lists activities exempt from that definition, and 'Operation of business at restaurants, bars, and nightclubs' is exempt 'At all times': unlike loudspeakers or construction equipment, which are only exempt 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Violations are investigated by code enforcement under Chapter 8½; this section applies only outside the 31 incorporated cities, which set their own bar and nightclub noise rules.
Violations & Fines
No decibel measurement is required for a violation, but restaurant, bar, and nightclub operational noise is exempt from citation at all times; code enforcement handles complaints about non-exempt noise sources under Chapter 8½ of the Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bar or nightclub in unincorporated Broward County be cited for noise?
Does this rule apply in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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