Fort Lauderdale, FL Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Code of Ordinances sec. 17-8(7) (exemption)
- Federal authority
- FAA, 14 CFR Part 150
- Local airport program
- FXE Noise Compatibility Program (FAA-approved 1997)
- Cross-references
- Code secs. 7-9, 7-160 (aircraft)
- Preemption
- Aircraft noise federally regulated
Summary
Fort Lauderdale Code Section 17-8(7) expressly exempts 'all noises coming from the normal operations of an aircraft' from the city noise ordinance. Aircraft noise is regulated federally under FAA 14 CFR Part 150, implemented locally through the FAA-approved Noise Compatibility Program for Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE).
Sec. 17-8. - Exemptions. ... 7. All noises coming from the normal operations of an aircraft.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67 Update 1 | Unified Land Development Code: Supplement 58 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
No Fort Lauderdale-specific decibel ordinance directly addresses aircraft noise; the city's own Chapter 17 exempts it. Section 17-8(7) lists among the exemptions 'All noises coming from the normal operations of an aircraft.' Aircraft noise is preempted by federal law: the FAA regulates aircraft noise under the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act and 14 CFR Part 150, which requires airports to develop Noise Exposure Maps and Noise Compatibility Programs in consultation with the local community. The FAA approved a Noise Compatibility Program for Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), effective September 23, 1997, and a separate program governs Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL, a Broward County facility). FXE's FAA-approved measures include closing Runways 13/31 between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. when 09/27 are operational and avoiding overflight of nearby residential areas. The city's code cross-references existing aviation provisions (Section 7-9 loudspeaking devices on aircraft; Section 7-160 noise abatement for aircraft).
Violations & Fines
Aircraft-noise concerns are handled through the airport's noise abatement / noise reporting program and FAA processes, not the city noise ordinance. The city's general code penalties (Section 17-2) do not apply to normal aircraft operations because they are exempt under Section 17-8(7).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Lauderdale regulate aircraft noise?
Who handles aircraft noise complaints near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport?
What noise measures apply at FXE?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Lauderdale to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle aircraft noise.