Bradenton, FL Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Chapter 38, Article on sound control, regulates sound made on the ground within the City of Bradenton, and Section 38-157 lists what the chapter does not reach. Item (11) exempts any aircraft operating in conformity with, or pursuant to, federal law, federal air regulations, and air traffic control instructions used pursuant to and within the duly adopted federal air regulations. Item (18) exempts common carrier stations, including but not limited to bus stations, commercial docks and airports. The city does not run its own flight-path or overflight standard: aircraft flying within the federal rules are outside the chapter.

The measurement rules in Section 38-155(a) point the same direction. When an officer or code enforcement officer measures a ground-level sound source, traffic, aircraft, and other background sounds are not considered in taking measurements, except where the background sound interferes with the primary sound being measured. An overhead aircraft therefore does not push a neighbor's stereo or equipment over the dBA/dBC limits.

The ordinance does reach small aircraft models. It defines a powered model vehicle as any self-propelled airborne, waterborne, or landborne plane, vessel or vehicle not designed to carry persons, including any model airplane, boat, car or rocket. Section 38-154(a)(2)h prohibits operating one between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends or holidays in or within 50 yards of any residential real property line or noise sensitive area. Section 38-157(7) exempts operation between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekends or holidays within 100 yards of any residential area, provided the model is operated in accord with the manufacturer's specification and with all sound-reduction equipment in use and in proper operating condition.

Exempt uses still have to comply with all other applicable ordinances of the city and laws of the state.