Martin County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Detection method
- Inspector's unaided hearing
- Bass standard
- Rhythmic reverberating bass = plainly audible
- Required distance
- 150 feet from the source
- Minimum duration
- 10 continuous minutes
- Governing sections
- Sec. 67.303, Sec. 67.304.C
Summary
Martin County code inspectors do not have to identify a song or lyrics to write a noise citation. Under Sec. 67.303 and Sec. 67.304.C.3 of the Code of Ordinances, detecting a rhythmic, reverberating bass sound by ear from 150 feet away, for at least ten continuous minutes, is enough by itself to prove a "plainly audible" violation.
Plainly audible means any sound which can be clearly heard by a code inspector using his or her normal hearing faculties... The detection of a rhythmic bass reverberating type sound is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound. The code inspector must be able to readily identify the source of the noise. (Sec. 67.303) ... 3. The code inspector 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. (Sec. 67.304.C.3)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
The noise chapter's definitions section, Sec. " The measurement rules in Sec. C carry the same standard forward for enforcement: the inspector's ordinary hearing is the primary detection method, the source must be readily identifiable, and under Sec. 3 the inspector "need not determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist producing the sound" because a rhythmic bass reverberation alone is enough. Sec. 4 requires the inspector to be at least 150 feet from the building, vehicle, motorboat or property line where the sound source sits, and Sec.
5 requires the plainly-audible condition to be continuous for at least ten minutes. radio, loudspeaker and vehicle-stereo rule and the table 1 decibel caps in Sec. 306, which range from 50 dB(A) at night in institutional zones up to 65 dB(A) at night in industrial zones. Because bass frequencies carry farther than a sound meter reading alone might suggest, the code lets inspectors rely on the audible thump itself rather than a metered decibel reading to establish a violation.
Violations & Fines
A bass-noise violation is enforced the same as any other noise-article violation under Sec. 67.309: code inspectors may proceed under Florida Statutes Chapter 162, Part I or Part II. Civil infractions carry a $100 fine for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third and each one after that, with a $50 reduction for an uncontested citation; contested citations go to County Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Martin County inspector need to identify the song to cite bass noise?
How close does the inspector have to be to measure bass noise?
Is there still a decibel limit on top of the plainly-audible bass standard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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