Highlands County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Barred hours
- 9:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
- Covers
- Loading/unloading, opening bales/boxes
- Test used
- Plainly audible across residential line
- Relief
- Permit/waiver via county administrator
- Penalty
- Class I civil infraction, daily
Summary
Loading or unloading a vehicle, or opening bales, boxes or crates, is a noise violation in unincorporated Highlands County if it happens between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and the noise is plainly audible across a residential property line. The rule targets the activity itself, not just amplified sound.
(7)Loading or unloading of vehicles, opening bales, and boxes. It shall be a violation of this section to make, create or maintain a noise disturbance in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle or the opening or destruction of bales, boxes, crates or containers between 9:00 p.m. of one day and 6:00 a.m. of the next day which is plainly audible across a real property line of any residential zoning district or residential area.
Full Breakdown
of the next, when the noise is plainly audible across a real property line of any residential zoning district or residential area. That covers a delivery truck's engine idling, dock plates, hand trucks, and the physical breaking down of boxes and pallets near a home. 6-105(9), which restricts drums, cymbals or loudspeakers used to draw attention to a business. Because the standard is plainly audible rather than a decibel figure, a code enforcement officer or deputy does not need to take a sound level reading before issuing a citation; the officer's direct observation of the loading noise crossing into a residential area is enough. 6-108.
Violations & Fines
A loading or unloading noise violation under Section 5.6-105(7) is a Class I civil infraction under Sections 2-372 and 2-373, enforced under article XII of chapter 2 by Highlands County Code Enforcement Officers or the Sheriff's Office. Each night the activity continues past 9:00 p.m. is a separate offense, and the board of county commissioners or a substantially affected resident may sue in circuit court under Section 5.6-111 for an injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a store receive deliveries overnight in unincorporated Highlands County?
Does the ordinance require a decibel reading to cite a noisy delivery truck?
Can a business get an exception for regular overnight deliveries?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highlands County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Highlands 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.