Pinellas County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Octave band cap
- 65 dB
- Bands covered
- 31.5–500 Hz
- Trigger
- detectable on adjacent parcel
- Applies with
- other noise-article dBA limits
Summary
Unincorporated Pinellas County caps low-frequency bass noise at 65 dB in the 31.5 to 500 Hertz octave bands whenever it's detectable on a neighboring parcel.
In addition to the standards listed in this article, for any source or sound which can be detected on any parcel of property adjacent to the source or sound, the maximum allowable sound level limit for the individual octave bands whose centers are 31.5, 63, 125, 250, and 500 Hertz shall not exceed 65 dB.
(Ord. No. 03-3, § 1, 1-7-03)
Secs. 58-455. - Areas embraced. All territory within the legal boundaries of the county, including all unincorporated and incorporated areas, shall be embraced by the provisions of this article. Where a municipality has adopted noise standards, the municipal ordinance or code shall govern.
(Ord. No. 25-17, § 2, 9-22-25)
Secs. 58-456—58-470. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124).
Full Breakdown
Pinellas County Code § 58-454 targets bass and rumble that a general dBA meter can miss: for any source detectable on an adjacent parcel, the sound level in the octave bands centered at 31.5, 63, 125, 250, and 500 Hertz cannot exceed 65 dB. This standard stacks on top of the article's other noise limits rather than replacing them, giving code enforcement a tool against subwoofers, generators, and mechanical equipment whose bass carries even when overall volume seems within the ordinary dBA caps.
Violations & Fines
Enforced the same as other noise-article breaches, under County Code § 1-8 or Florida Statutes chapter 162.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the octave band rule cover that the regular dBA limit doesn't?
Where does the 65 dB octave limit apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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