Cape Coral, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Song/lyric identification
- Not required to cite
- Rhythmic bass reverberation
- Alone meets 'plainly audible'
- Applies to
- 100-ft nighttime curfew test
- Also applies to
- 50-ft vehicle noise test
- Defined at
- § 12-22(c)
- First violation fine
- $150
Summary
Cape Coral's Noise Control Ordinance doesn't need a specific frequency test for booming bass: its "plainly audible" definition expressly states that detecting a rhythmic, reverberating bass sound alone is enough to prove a sound is plainly audible, satisfying the standard used in the city's quiet-hours and vehicle noise violations.
PLAINLY AUDIBLE means any sound that can be clearly heard by a reasonable person using such person's ordinary auditory senses, so long as the person's hearing is not enhanced by any device, such as a hearing aid. The person need not determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist producing the sound for the sound to be considered plainly audible. The detection of a rhythmic bass reverberating type sound is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
" Because low-frequency bass often travels through walls and structures without a listener being able to identify the song or lyrics, the ordinance specifically forecloses the argument that unintelligible thumping doesn't count: an officer or complainant does not need to identify words, a song title, or an artist for the sound to qualify, only detect the rhythmic reverberation itself. This makes subwoofer and car-stereo bass, and bass carrying from an entertainment venue, enforceable the same way any other plainly audible sound would be under §§ 12-22(e) and (f).
Violations & Fines
Bass that meets the "plainly audible" standard is enforced the same way as any other noise under § 12-22: property noise gets a five-minute warning and 48 hours to stay compliant before a citation, while vehicle-source bass under § 12-22(f) can draw an immediate citation. Civil fines are $150 for a first offense, $500 for a repeat within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does thumping bass have to be identifiable as a specific song to violate the ordinance?
How does the bass standard connect to the nighttime curfew?
Does a car stereo's bass count the same way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cape Coral
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Cape Coral to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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Low-Frequency Bass Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Lee County handle low-frequency bass limits.