Brevard County, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential daytime limit
- 65 dBC / 60 dBA
- Residential nighttime limit
- 60 dBC / 55 dBA
- Plainly-audible distance (day)
- 300 feet from property line
- Plainly-audible distance (night)
- 150 feet from property line
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 60 days jail
Summary
Brevard County treats amplified bass that shakes walls as regulated noise, capping it at 65 dBC by day and 60 dBC by night on residential property, with a separate 300-foot plainly-audible test.
Noise is a type of sound which disturbs a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities. "noise" includes, but is not limited to, low frequency sounds caused by amplified bass music that can induce vibration in building structures or human beings.
Noise disturbance means any sound or vibration or combination of sounds or vibrations which:
(1)May disturb, annoy, or be harmful or injurious to the health or welfare of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities; or(2)Which, because of its volume or quality or time of day, tends to annoy, disturb, frighten, or otherwise cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect upon a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, or unreasonably prevents such person from being able to enjoy her or his activities of daily living; or(3)Exceeds the maximum allowable limits set forth in this article. Person shall mean and include any officer, employee, department, agency, or instrumentally of the state or any political subdivision of the state and shall include a natural person and any corporation, firm, association, joint venture, partnership, or any other entity whatsoever or any combination of such, jointly and severally.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 135).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 46-126 defines "noise" to expressly include low frequency sounds caused by amplified bass music that induce vibration in buildings or people. Under § 46-131, unincorporated Brevard caps sound at 65 dBC (day) / 60 dBC (night) on residential land, measured C-weighted at the property line. Officers can also cite bass without a meter under the § 46-132 "plainly audible" standard if rhythmic bass is audible 300 feet away by day or 150 feet at night. This applies only in unincorporated Brevard. Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa and other Space Coast cities enforce their own separate noise codes.
Violations & Fines
First offense draws a written warning with up to five minutes to quiet down; continued or repeat violations bring code enforcement action, a special magistrate hearing, and fines up to $500 or 60 days in jail under § 1-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brevard County regulate loud bass music from cars or homes?
Can I be cited for bass without a decibel meter?
Does this rule apply inside Palm Bay or Melbourne?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brevard County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Brevard County to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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