Aircraft noise from NAS Jax, JAX airport, and Cecil Airport is federally preempted. Jacksonville maintains noise compatibility zones and a sound insulation program for homes within the 65 DNL contour.
Federal law under 49 U.S.C. 40103 and FAA regulations preempt local governments from regulating aircraft noise in flight. Jacksonville/Duval County has three major airfields: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax), and Cecil Airport (formerly NAS Cecil Field). NAS Jax conducts P-8A Poseidon and helicopter operations that generate substantial noise in the Westside, Ortega, and Orange Park-adjacent areas. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority maintains a noise compatibility program for JAX that includes noise exposure maps and sound insulation programs for eligible homes within the 65 DNL contour. The Navy publishes Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) studies for NAS Jax that identify noise zones and recommend land use restrictions. Jacksonville's 2030 Comprehensive Plan incorporates these AICUZ zones into land use planning to prevent incompatible residential development near airfield approach corridors. Complaints about military aircraft noise should be directed to the NAS Jax community relations office, while civilian airport complaints go to the JAX noise hotline.
Local enforcement does not apply to aircraft in flight (federal preemption). Ground-based aircraft engine testing at civilian facilities must comply with Chapter 368 decibel limits. Military operations are exempt from local noise codes.
Duval County, FL
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Duval County, FL
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Duval County, FL
Fences over 6 ft tall, fences in the sight triangle, pool barriers, and retaining walls over 4 ft in Duval County require a building permit from Jacksonville...
Duval County, FL
No breed-specific legislation (BSL) in Duval County. FL §767.14 (amended 2023) PREEMPTS all local breed bans. Dangerous-dog designations apply to individual ...
Duval County, FL
Recreational fires in portable fire pits or chimineas are allowed countywide without a permit if the fire is under 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet tall, at least ...
Duval County, FL
Removing regulated trees (generally 8+ inches DBH) requires a permit from Jacksonville Planning Department under Ch. 656 Part 12. Replacement or mitigation f...
See how Duval County's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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