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Manatee County, FL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Day
60 dBA / 65 dBC
Night (11pm–7am)
55 dBA / 60 dBC
Res. next to commercial
72 dBA / 77 dBC day
Averaging
Leq, minimum 30 seconds
Mic height
~5 feet above ground

Summary

Manatee County sets numeric limits: 60 dBA / 65 dBC daytime, 55 dBA / 60 dBC overnight, and 72 dBA / 77 dBC for residential land next to commercial use. Levels are measured as a 30-second average (Leq) at the receiving property.

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

Sound level limits pursuant to this section shall be measured with a sound level meter as a Leq (average sound level) for a minimum thirty (30) second period of time.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124 | Land Development Code: Supplement 21).

Full Breakdown

Under § 2-21-34(2), sound-level limits are measured with a sound-level meter as an Leq (average) over at least 30 seconds. Limits: 60 dBA / 65 dBC (7 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun–Thu; to midnight Fri/Sat/pre-holiday); 55 dBA / 60 dBC (11 p.m.–7 a.m.); and 72 dBA / 77 dBC where the receiving residential land is adjacent to commercial use, daytime. Continuous sound is reduced 5 dBA; short non-repetitive sound gains 5 dBA in daytime. Measurements are taken about 5 feet above ground within the receiving property boundary (30 feet from an occupied structure in agricultural areas), per ASTM/ANSI methods.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding these limits is prima facie evidence of a violation under § 2-21-34; enforced via § 2-21-35 with $100 / $250 / $500 escalating civil fines or a second-degree misdemeanor notice to appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the sound measured?
Within the boundary of the receiving property about five feet above ground, or within 30 feet of an occupied structure in agricultural areas, as a 30-second average (Leq).
What weighting scale does the county use?
Both A-weighting (dBA) and C-weighting (dBC); a source can violate by exceeding either the dBA or the dBC limit for the applicable time period.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Manatee County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Manatee County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Manatee County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview

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