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St. Johns County, FL Noise Ordinances: Barking Dogs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Barking dog rules in St. Johns County, FL, also called nuisance dog, dog noise, or excessive barking ordinances, define when a barking dog becomes a code violation and how complaints are handled.

Key Facts

Trigger
30 minutes or more
Standard
Plainly audible across property line
Proof
Two witnesses or officer
Governing law
Ordinance 2015-19, Sec. 5(K)

Summary

St. Johns County Ordinance 2015-19 makes a dog or animal whose noise is plainly audible across the owner's property line for 30 minutes or more, while unprovoked, prima facie evidence of a violation.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Johns County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The owning, harboring, possessing or keeping of any dog, animal or bird which causes frequent, habitual or long continued noise which is plainly audible across the property line of the animal owner, lasting 30 minutes or more while the animal is unprovoked, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this Ordinance.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

The county noise ordinance names animals directly. Owning or harboring any dog, animal, or bird that causes frequent, habitual, or long-continued noise plainly audible across the property line, lasting 30 minutes or more while the animal is unprovoked, is a violation. A citation issues when two witnesses from different households sign sworn affidavits, or when an officer witnesses it. St. Johns County Animal Control and the Sheriff's Office both enforce. Properly zoned, licensed kennels are exempt. Neighbors should log dates and times before complaining.

Violations & Fines

St. Johns County Animal Control or the Sheriff cites the owner after a warning; fines run $53, $118, $268, and $500. A fourth citation forces a mandatory County Court appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must a dog bark to violate St. Johns County's rule?
The noise must be plainly audible across the owner's property line for 30 minutes or more while the animal is unprovoked. That is prima facie evidence of a violation.
How do I report a barking dog?
Call St. Johns County Animal Control or the Sheriff's Office. A citation needs two witnesses from different homes to sign sworn affidavits, or an officer to witness the barking.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Johns County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All St. Johns County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Johns County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview

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