Tamarac, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 9-87(7)
- Covered engines
- Generators, motor vehicles, motorboats, steam engines
- Required equipment
- Effective muffler or noise-reducing device
- Proof standard
- Per se violation, no decibel test
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250/day (or $1,000/day via magistrate)
- Enforcing agency
- Code compliance division and Broward Sheriff's Office
Summary
In the City of Tamarac, discharging the exhaust of a stationary internal-combustion engine, generator, steam engine, motor vehicle or motorboat engine into the open air without an effective muffler is a per se unlawful noise under City Code § 9-87(7), regardless of measured decibel level, whenever the unmuffled exhaust produces loud or explosive noise.
(7)The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine, motor vehicle or motorboat engine, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
Full Breakdown
Section 9-87(7) of the City of Tamarac Code identifies unmuffled engine exhaust as one of the per se unlawful noises listed in Article III, Noise, meaning code compliance or the Broward Sheriff's Office does not need a sound meter to cite a violation once the lack of an effective muffler is shown. The rule covers the discharge into the open air of exhaust from any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine (the category that includes portable and standby generators), motor vehicle engine, or motorboat engine. The exhaust must pass through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noise; running a generator, pressure washer engine, or backup power unit with a straight pipe or disconnected muffler falls squarely within the prohibition.
The definitions in Sec. 9-86(c) describe a muffler as any apparatus of baffles, chambers, or acoustical absorbing material designed to reduce sound emission at the discharge end, so a device that merely redirects exhaust without dampening noise does not satisfy the section. Because this sits in Article III alongside the general noise findings in Sec. 9-86(a), which cites protection of health, peace and property enjoyment as the city's purpose, an unmuffled generator running near a noise-sensitive area such as a residence can also implicate the broader hours-based restrictions in Sec.
9-91 if operated as part of a business or work activity outside 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Enforcement follows Sec. 9-95: a sworn citizen complaint or an officer's own observation triggers an investigation, and a verified violation is heard by the special magistrate.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Sec. 9-87(7) are enforced under Sec. 9-95: a first citation exposes the responsible party to a fine of up to $250 per day, and $500 per day for each further occurrence, before the special magistrate. The magistrate or code enforcement board may instead levy up to $1,000 per day for a first violation, $5,000 per day for a repeat, and as much as $15,000 per violation where the harm is irreparable or irreversible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a generator without a muffler in Tamarac?
Does the muffler rule apply to boats and cars too?
What happens if my generator gets reported for noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tamarac
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tamarac to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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