Broward County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Emergency generator noise
- Exempt at all times
- Governing section
- Sec. 39-133(g), Table 1
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Broward County only
- Non-emergency generator noise
- Subject to plainly-audible nuisance test
- Enforcement
- Broward County Code Enforcement
Summary
Broward County exempts engines, pumps, and generators used for emergency purposes from its unreasonably loud noise standard at all times, but routine or non-emergency generator noise must meet the general nuisance test in unincorporated areas.
Uninvited noise shall be deemed unreasonably loud if it is plainly audible inside of a receiving property with doors and windows closed, across a property line, and interferes with a person's peaceful enjoyment of a residence... Operating or causing the operation of engines, pumps, generators, construction tools, or other equipment for emergency use .....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
Sec. 39-133(g) of the Broward County Code bars noise that is "plainly audible inside of a receiving property with doors and windows closed, across a property line" and interferes with a resident's peaceful enjoyment. Table 1 to that section lists activities exempt from this standard, including "engines, pumps, generators, construction tools, or other equipment for emergency use," which stay exempt at all times, day or night. Generators run for non-emergency purposes, such as routine testing or continuous backup power, are not on the exempt list and remain subject to the plainly-audible nuisance test. Broward County Code Enforcement investigates complaints; the rule applies only in unincorporated Broward, not incorporated cities like Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the unreasonably loud noise standard are investigated and cited by a Broward County code enforcement officer, with hearings before the code enforcement special magistrate under Chapter 8½.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a generator during a power outage at night in unincorporated Broward County?
Does this exemption apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Is a generator run for convenience, not an emergency, exempt?
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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