Jacksonville Beach, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Section 18-4(b)(1) is the provision that reaches vehicle-mounted noisemakers. It lists, as a declared loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise, the sounding of any horn or signaling device on any automobile or other vehicle, except as a danger warning. It goes on to name three more acts: the creation by means of any signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound, the sounding of any signaling device for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time, and the unreasonable use of any signaling device.

The lead-in to subsection (b) matters for alarms. The noises it lists are unlawful notwithstanding the fact that no violation of section 18-3 is involved, and notwithstanding the fact that the activity complained about is exempted in section 18-3(g). Section 18-3(g)(4) exempts noises of safety signals, warning devices and emergency pressure relief valves from the decibel regulations, yet that exemption does not excuse a signaling device that runs unreasonably. The list in section 18-4(b) is expressly not exclusive.

Two procedural points apply. Under section 18-4(b)(3), any person making a complaint under the section must sign a sworn complaint before an arrest is made, otherwise no such complaint will be honored. And section 18-5(c) holds the owner, tenant or lessee of the property, or any person lawfully entitled to possess it, responsible for compliance.

Article II of Chapter 2.5 covers alarm systems separately. Section 2.5-14 makes it unlawful for any person to activate any alarm system or audible alarm except in the event of an actual attempted burglary or robbery, and section 2.5-15 sends violations to the section 1-11 penalty. That article is titled for alarm systems on premises, and the vehicle rule that names automobiles is section 18-4(b)(1).