Tampa, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Tampa Code § 14-152 ('plainly audible')
- Key phrase
- Rhythmic bass reverberating sound = plainly audible
- Nighttime distance trigger
- 100 feet, 10 p.m.-7 a.m. (§ 14-154)
- Vehicle distance trigger
- 50 feet, any time (§ 14-155)
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 2016-125 (8-25-2016)
Summary
Tampa Code § 14-152 defines 'plainly audible' to specifically include 'a rhythmic bass reverberating type sound,' so thumping bass alone is enough for a noise citation: no lyrics or song identification needed. That definition drives the 100-foot nighttime and 50-foot vehicle enforcement standards in the noise article.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 148).
Full Breakdown
Tampa's noise ordinance defines 'plainly audible' in § 14-152 specifically to capture bass-heavy sound without requiring an officer to identify a song or lyrics. A sound qualifies if it can be clearly heard using normal hearing, no microphone or hearing aid enhancement allowed, and the code states outright that 'the detection of a rhythmic bass reverberating type sound is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound,' meaning thumping bass from a car stereo, home speaker, or club sound system counts even if no words are distinguishable.
An officer applying the definition must first pinpoint the source location before citing a violation. , is prima facie evidence of unreasonably loud and raucous noise in any part of the city outside Ybor City and the Arena District. Under § 14-155, vehicle noise that is plainly audible 50 feet or more from the vehicle is itself unlawful, at any time of day. The definition was added by Ordinance No. 2016-125, § 4 on August 25, 2016, and refined twice more by Ordinance No. 2022-18 and Ordinance No. 2022-50 in 2022, giving Tampa Police Department officers a bass-specific enforcement tool that doesn't depend on a decibel meter reading.
Violations & Fines
A bass complaint enforced through the 'plainly audible' standard becomes a citable noise violation under § 14-154 if heard 100+ feet away between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., or under § 14-155 for vehicle stereos audible 50+ feet away at any hour. Violations of § 14-154 are Class II offenses: $150 first offense, $300 second, $450 third or subsequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a noise ticket in Tampa just for bass, with no music words audible?
How far away does bass have to be heard to count as a violation?
Can an officer use a phone app instead of their ears to measure bass?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tampa
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Tampa to another location·View the Florida noise from specific sources overview
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