Fort Lauderdale, FL Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Fort Lauderdale, FL, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Code of Ordinances sec. 17-7(1)
- Residential night
- Not plainly audible at 25 ft, 10pm-7am
- Residential day
- Not plainly audible at 50 ft, 7am-10pm
- Commercial/mixed-use
- 60 dBC day / 55 dBC night (in complainant premises)
- Entertainment overlay peak
- 85 dBA / 95 dBC at 5 ft
Summary
Section 17-7(1) bars amplified sound from residential property that is plainly audible for one minute or longer at 25 feet from the property line (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) or 50 feet (7 a.m.-10 p.m.). Commercial/mixed-use amplified sound is capped at 60 dBC (noon-10 p.m.) and 55 dBC (10 p.m.-noon) inside a complainant's premises.
Sec. 17-7. - Specific restrictions. 1. Amplified sound. No person shall cause, allow, or permit the operation of any amplified sound device from the following use districts or locations in the following manner: a. Residential use: i. Sound shall not be plainly audible for a period of one (1) minute or longer at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet or more when measured from the source property line between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily. ii. Sound shall not be plainly audible for a period of one (1) minute or longer at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more when measured from the source property line between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. b. Rights-of-way. Sound shall not be plainly audible at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet or more from a motor vehicle or any other sound source. ... d. Commercial, mixed-use, or industrial uses. ... i. From 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily: sound levels shall not exceed sixty (60) dBC when measured within the premises of a complainant. ii. From 10:00 p.m. daily to 12:00 p.m. the following day: sound levels shall not exceed fifty-five (55) dBC when measured within the premises of a complainant.
Full Breakdown
Fort Lauderdale Code Section 17-7(1) regulates amplified sound - defined in Section 17-1 to include radios, stereos, CD/DVD players, microphones, drums, turntables, musical instruments, exterior loudspeakers, and bullhorns. m. From a motor vehicle or any other source in the rights-of-way, sound must not be plainly audible at 25 feet. the next day) when measured within a complainant's premises. ), dropping to 65 dBA / 75 dBC in the early-morning hours. The November 2024 amendment added the dBC values to crack down on low-frequency bass.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by noise control officers under Section 17-3; punishable under Section 17-2 via Section 1-6 and/or Chapter 11 penalties. Repeat or egregious amplified-sound violations draw escalating fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can amplified music be at a home in Fort Lauderdale?
What are the rules for bars and clubs?
What counts as amplified sound?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Lauderdale
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Broward County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.