Martin County, FL Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Martin 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
- Construction noise curfew
- 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Governing section
- Sec. 67.305.B
- Variance authority
- Board of Zoning Adjustment
- Fine schedule
- $100 / $300 / $500
- Uncontested discount
- $50 off the fine
Summary
Construction equipment and outside construction work cannot run in unincorporated Martin County between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Code of Ordinances Sec. 67.305.B. A contractor who needs overnight work, for emergency repairs or a tight paving schedule, must first get a variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment before starting.
67.305.B. Construction equipment and activity. Operating or causing to be operated any equipment or performing any outside activity in furtherance of construction, repair, alteration or demolition work on buildings, structures, roads, or projects within the County between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless a variance as set forth in section 67.308 for such construction or repair work between such hours has been obtained from Martin County on the basis of good cause shown.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
Sec. , unless a variance under Sec. 308 has been obtained from the county on a showing of good cause. Sec. curfew. Public works construction and maintenance projects are separately exempt under Sec. J, and Sec. C exempts emergency work needed to protect life or property, such as storm repairs. A variance is granted only by the Board of Zoning Adjustment after a public hearing, with notice published at least 15 days ahead and mailed to property owners within 300 feet at least ten days ahead (Sec.
A). The board may grant the variance only if the applicant shows added time is needed to comply, the use predates the ordinance and reasonable noise-reduction measures have been taken, or the activity is temporary and cannot otherwise meet the code, with no reasonable alternative available (Sec. B). Any variance issued must state its effective date, hours, location and sound-level or equipment conditions (Sec. D).
Violations & Fines
Code inspectors enforce the noise article under Florida Statutes Chapter 162, at the inspector's discretion between the criminal and civil tracks (Sec. 67.309). Civil citations carry a $100 fine for a first violation, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third and every violation after that, with a $50 discount if the cited party does not contest the citation (Sec. 67.309.C). Contested citations are heard in Martin County Court (Sec. 67.309.E).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ever run construction equipment past 9 p.m. in Martin County?
Does daytime construction noise have to meet a decibel limit?
What happens the first time a contractor is cited for working past 9 p.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
How Martin County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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