Santa Rosa County, FL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential
- 70 dB(A) day / 60 night
- Commercial/other
- 80 dB(A) day / 75 night
- Industrial
- 85 dB(A) day / 80 night
- Meter
- ANSI Type 2, A-weighted
- Violation threshold
- >20% of 5-min period
Summary
Santa Rosa County sets A-weighted decibel limits at the receiving property line by zoning and time: residential 70/60 dB(A) day/night, non-industrial-non-residential 80/75, industrial 85/80. Day is 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; night is 9:01 p.m.–6:59 a.m.
Residential Property 70 dB(A) [7 a.m.–9 p.m.] 60 dB(A) [9:01 p.m.–6:59 a.m.]; Non-Industrial, Non-Residential Property 80 dB(A) 75 dB(A); Industrial Property 85 dB(A) 80 dB(A).
Full Breakdown
The Sec. 14-171(a) table is the heart of the ordinance. Limits apply to the receiving property, not the source. Non-residential/commercial property allows 80 dB(A) day and 75 dB(A) night; industrial property allows 85 dB(A) day and 80 dB(A) night. Sound is measured with a calibrated Type 2 sound meter on the A-weighted scale, at least four feet above ground and ten feet from walls or obstructions, using a windscreen. A reading is a violation only if it exceeds the applicable limit for more than 20% of a five-minute (minimum) measurement period. Applies only to unincorporated Santa Rosa County.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Sec. 14-171(a) limits is a $100 first offense, $200 second, and $300 (or up to 60 days jail) for a third. A warning and a reasonable time to comply come first; each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the sound measured?
Does a brief loud spike count?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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