Citrus County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Citrus County Code § 21-26(7) lists 'fixed mechanical equipment' among the specific noise prohibitions in Chapter 21: the use or operation of any noise-creating air conditioner, heater, compressor unit, power fan or blower, fixed electrical motor or engine that causes excessive and unnecessary noise is a violation, unless the equipment is functioning in accord with the manufacturer's specifications and with all manufacturer's mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in proper operating condition. The article then carves out a companion exemption at § 21-28(5): air conditioners and lawn mowers are exempt from the noise article entirely when functioning to specification with mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper condition.

Read together, the two sections mean a normally operating, properly maintained HVAC condenser or compressor is not a violation regardless of how loud a neighbor finds it; the ordinance only reaches units that are malfunctioning, missing mufflers or otherwise producing noise beyond their designed operating profile. This chapter, like the rest of Chapter 21, applies only within unincorporated Citrus County and not inside Crystal River or Inverness. Enforcement follows the same procedure as other noise complaints: a designated county enforcement agent investigates under § 21-25's measurement standards, issues a warning under § 21-32, and can escalate to a citation under § 21-33 if the excessive noise from malfunctioning equipment continues.