Gainesville, FL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

), while commercial sources are capped at 66 dB(A) daytime and 60 dB(A) nighttime. Measurement is taken at 200 feet or more from the real property line of the sound source, and exceeding the applicable limit is deemed 'prima facie' a noise disturbance, meaning the reading alone establishes the violation. Separately, Section 15-3(b) sets hearing-protective ceilings under Table I and Table I-A that apply everywhere regardless of zone: continuous sound may not exceed levels ranging from 90 dB(A) for 8 hours of daily exposure down to 115 dB(A) for a quarter hour, and impulsive sound is capped at 145 dB(A) for a single event down to 125 dB(A) if repeated 100 times in 24 hours.

4-1971 standards, calibrated at the time of the reading and positioned at least three feet from any wall, floor, ceiling or other reflective surface, per Section 15-5(a). Officials may also cite a violation without a meter reading if the sound is 'plainly audible' at 200 feet under the Section 15-2 definition. Violations of Table I or Table I-A trigger immediate device removal authority for the city manager or designee under Section 15-6(a)(2)(b), since these levels risk permanent hearing loss.