Aircraft and locomotive sound is expressly exempt from Tarpon Springs noise rules under Section 12-14.3, and aircraft operations are preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration, leaving local authority limited.
Section 12-14.3 of the Tarpon Springs Code expressly excludes locomotives, other railroad equipment, and aircraft from the definition of loud and raucous noise, meaning the city cannot cite aircraft for noise. Aircraft noise standards, flight paths, and altitude minimums are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration under federal law. Tarpon Springs is near several general aviation operations and helicopter routes; complaints about specific aircraft should be directed to the FAA Noise Complaint System or the operator. Florida statutes also limit local regulation of aircraft. Pilots violating federal flight rules can be reported to the FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Local code cannot be enforced against aircraft. Federal violations of FAA flight rules can result in pilot certificate action, fines, or operator penalties.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle aircraft noise.
See how Tarpon Springs's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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