Jacksonville Beach, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Section 18-3(a) of the Jacksonville Beach noise chapter supplies the definition. A sound is plainly audible when a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties can hear it clearly, and the definition adds a rule for music: the detection of rhythmic bass tones is sufficient. The test is written around a person's ears, not an instrument.

The definition does its work in other sections. Section 18-6(a) makes it unlawful for the driver of a vehicle to operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system that can be heard and is plainly audible outside the vehicle from fifty (50) or more feet while moving or parked on any street, highway, parking lot or other public property within the city. Section 18-6(b) applies the same fifty (50) foot distance to any portable sound amplification device. Section 18-7(a) repeats the bass sentence for licensed establishments in near identical words.

Section 18-7(b)(4)c goes further for outdoor entertainment at licensed establishments: drums, drum machines, and sub-woofer bass speakers are prohibited. A bar or restaurant holding a low volume outdoor amplified and acoustic sound permit therefore has no sub-woofer option on its patio.

The decibel tables in section 18-3(d) are a separate test. Table I limits are stated in dB(A), the code defines the A-band level as the total sound level measured with the A weighing network, and section 18-3(c)(5) says measurements are made by city officials qualified to operate the apparatus. The plainly audible rule in section 18-6 is written without any meter reading, so bass heard at fifty (50) feet can support a citation on its own.