Santa Rosa County, FL Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- County status
- Exempt from noise ordinance
- Regulator
- FAA / federal law
- Code section
- Sec. 14-172(8)
- Local fields
- Peter Prince; Whiting Field NAS
- Who to contact
- Airport operator / FAA
Summary
Aircraft and airport noise is exempt from the Santa Rosa County noise ordinance. Noise from aircraft or airport activity conducted in accordance with federal law is not subject to the county's decibel limits; aviation noise is regulated by the FAA.
Noise generated by aircraft or airport activity conducted in accordance with federal laws and regulations [is exempt].
Full Breakdown
Section 14-172(8) exempts noise generated by aircraft or airport activity conducted in accordance with federal laws and regulations. Aviation noise is preempted to the federal government (FAA) under the Airline Deregulation Act and Federal Aviation Act, so the county cannot set dB limits on lawful flight operations. Santa Rosa County hosts general-aviation fields (Peter Prince Field near Milton) plus Whiting Field Naval Air Station in the Milton area; military and civil flight noise falls outside this ordinance. Residents with aircraft-noise concerns should contact the airport operator or the FAA rather than county code enforcement. Applies to unincorporated Santa Rosa County.
Violations & Fines
None under the county code: aircraft noise is exempt. Complaints about flight operations are directed to the airport authority or the Federal Aviation Administration, not county code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the county limit airport or flight noise?
Where do I report aircraft noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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