Aircraft noise is largely preempted by federal law (49 U.S.C. §40103 / FAR 91), but Sarasota Code Sec. 3-1 specifically prohibits acrobatic flying over any part of the city. Sec. 20-7(11) exempts aircraft operating in conformity with federal regulations from the city's noise ordinance.
Sec. 3-1 of Chapter 3 (Aircraft Operations) prohibits any person from acrobatically flying an aircraft over any part of the city - defined as 'intentional maneuvers by aircraft not necessary to air navigation.' The City Manager can grant written waivers in the interest of public health, safety, morals or welfare. Sec. 3-1 applies to all aircraft including seaplanes operating over or within any part of the city. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is roughly 3 miles north of downtown and is a Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority asset; complaints about commercial flights and helicopters go to the SRQ Noise Office. Sec. 20-7(11) acknowledges federal preemption for routine aircraft operations.
Acrobatic flying violations under Sec. 3-1 are municipal code violations subject to Sec. 1-11 penalties (up to $500 per offense). Federal aircraft noise complaints route to the FAA Flight Standards District Office or SRQ; the City has no enforcement role for compliant federal operations.
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