Santa Rosa County, FL Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Santa Rosa County, FL, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 9:01 p.m.–5:59 a.m.
- Base penalty
- $150 (Sec. 14-171(c))
- Emergency work
- Exempt
- Special-events permit
- May exceed limits
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Construction that exceeds the county decibel limits is prohibited between 9:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. within unincorporated Santa Rosa County. Outside those hours, construction may proceed even above the general dB(A) limits.
No person shall conduct construction activity at noise levels in excess of the decibel limits established in paragraph (a) of this section between the hours of 9:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. At all other times, such construction activity may be conducted notwithstanding the noise levels established in paragraph (a) of this section.
(3) An exterior burglar alarm of a building or a motor vehicle alarm in excess of the decibel limits established in paragraph (a) of this section must be operated such that upon activation it terminates within five minutes for continuous noise or within 15 minutes for non-continuous noise.
(4) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on private property at noise levels in excess of 86 dB(A) on any receiving property nor shall such noise continue for more than five minutes at any one time.
(Ord. No. 2021-06 , § 2, 6-22-21)
Full Breakdown
Section 14-171(c)(2) states no person shall conduct construction activity at noise levels above the decibel limits in Section 14-171(a) between 9:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. 'Construction' is defined broadly to include site preparation, assembly, erection, repair, alteration, or demolition of buildings or structures. During permitted hours, construction may exceed the standard limits. Emergency work needed to prevent imminent injury or significant property damage is fully exempt, as is work under a valid county special-events permit or authorization. These rules govern only the unincorporated county.
Violations & Fines
A specific-prohibition violation (Sec. 14-171(c)) carries a $150 penalty, doubling to $300 for a second offense and tripling for a third, which may also bring up to 60 days imprisonment. Each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run construction equipment at night?
Are emergency repairs exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
How Santa Rosa County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.