St. Johns County, FL Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in St. Johns County, 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
- Rule
- No disturbing amplified sound
- Distance test
- Plainly audible at 100 feet
- Party permit
- None issued
- Governing law
- Ordinance 2015-19, Sec. 5(C)
Summary
St. Johns County Ordinance 2015-19 bars radios, instruments, and sound equipment played to disturb the peace or louder than needed for listeners present, judged plainly audible at 100 feet, with tighter night windows.
The using, operating, or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio receiving set, television set, musical instrument, phonograph, recording and playback devices or any other similar devices reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighbors, or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the person or persons who are in the room, vehicle, chamber or dwelling unit or at a private indoor or outdoor venue at which such machine or device is operated and who are voluntary listeners thereto.
Full Breakdown
The county noise ordinance targets amplified sound in unincorporated areas. Using any radio, TV, musical instrument, phonograph, or playback device so as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighbors, or louder than necessary for the people voluntarily listening, is a violation. Loudspeakers and sound amplifiers plainly audible inside a neighbor's home are separately barred. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weeknights and 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. weekends, sound plainly audible at 100 feet is prima facie evidence. There is no county party permit; deputies respond to complaints and cite under Ordinance 2015-19.
Violations & Fines
Amplified music disturbing neighbors is citable after a warning and 15-minute grace period, with fines from $53 to $500. A flagrant breach of peace can be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. 877.03.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play music in unincorporated St. Johns County?
Do I need a permit for outdoor amplified music?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Johns County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Johns County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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