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

Section 46-161 defines an 'alarm system' as a vehicle-mounted siren or horn designed to sound during a break-in or attempted break-in, then makes it unlawful for that alarm to activate and emit noise audible 100 feet away for more than 15 minutes, whether the sound is continuous or intermittent. Whoever has custody of the offending vehicle, not just the registered owner, is liable for the violation. On public streets, a sounding alarm is declared a public nuisance that a law enforcement officer can abate by towing the vehicle, but only after giving the owner or custodian a chance to disconnect or deactivate the alarm at the scene; if that doesn't happen, the vehicle is towed to an authorized facility and the registered owner gets written notice by certified mail within 24 hours explaining the reason for removal and where the vehicle went.

Removal and storage fees can be appealed by filing suit in county court and posting a bond equal to those costs. On private property, the penalty is a flat $50 fine rather than towing, and a law enforcement or code enforcement officer can enter the property without force to investigate and issue a citation, including leaving the citation on the vehicle itself as valid notice. The code carves out a defense: it isn't a violation if the alarm was triggered by someone actually opening the hood, trunk or door without authorization, breaking or attempting to break a window, or by lightning, thunderstorms or severe weather.