Fort Myers, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 54-197, Code of Ordinances
- Bass standard
- Rhythmic reverberating bass alone qualifies
- Enforcement factor
- Vibration or rattling inside a home
- First offense
- Warning, then citation
- In-vehicle limit
- Audible beyond 25 feet unlawful
Summary
Fort Myers explicitly counts rhythmic, reverberating bass as 'plainly audible' noise: officers don't need to identify the song, just detect the thumping bass beyond your property line to cite you.
Plainly audible means any sound that can be clearly heard by a person using his or her normal hearing faculties. The person need not determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist producing the sound. The detection of a rhythmic bass reverberating type sound is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound. Any person who hears a sound that is plainly audible shall measure the sound according to the following standards:
(1)The primary means of detection shall be by means of the person's ordinary auditory senses, so long as the person's hearing is not enhanced by any device, such as a microphone or hearing aid; and(2)The person shall first identify the location producing the sound so that the person can readily identify the sound is from the offending location. Public rights-of-way orpublic right-of-way means any roads, streets, alleys, highways, waterways, bridges, sidewalks, and other ways, including the air space above, on or at or below such rights-of-way, that are owned or controlled by a governmental entity, or dedicated to a governmental entity, for public use and presently opened or to be opened for public use, including vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Publicly-owned outdoor place means any real property and the outside of structures thereon that are owned or controlled by a governmental entity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Fort Myers Code § 54-197 defines 'plainly audible' sound to explicitly include rhythmic, reverberating bass: officers don't need to identify the song or artist, only detect the thump. Amplified noise that's plainly audible anywhere in the city is unlawful under subsection (c), and when investigating a sworn complaint an officer weighs whether the sound causes vibration, rattles, thumping, or pulsating inside a fully enclosed structure on the complainant's property. Violations draw a warning, then a citation; conveyances and vehicles playing audible sound beyond 25 feet from the source are separately prohibited under subsection (b).
Violations & Fines
Officers issue a warning first, then a citation for amplified noise that's plainly audible or causes vibration/rattling in a neighbor's home; repeat violations escalate under the separate § 54-198 fee schedule ($135-$500).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Myers ban bass noise specifically?
What happens on a first bass-noise complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers 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.