Margate, FL Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Margate does not have a stand-alone leaf blower ordinance. The rule that reaches lawn crews is section 33-79(m), part of the Noise Control Code in Article VIII of Chapter 33. It makes it unlawful to operate or cause to be operated any engine-powered lawn maintenance, lot clearing equipment or mowers powered other than by manual means between sunset and 7:00 a.m. in any residentially zoned or commercially zoned area of the city. The words "leaf blower" do not appear in the subsection, so the reach of the rule comes from the phrase engine-powered lawn maintenance equipment. The section sets no decibel figure of its own and contains no ban on gas-powered blowers as a category. The evening cutoff is sunset rather than a fixed clock hour, and the morning start is 7:00 a.m.

There is one built-in exception. The city manager, or a designee, can grant an administrative waiver that lets a golf course operate engine-powered lawn maintenance equipment up to fifteen (15) minutes earlier than 7:00 a.m. The golf course must show that denial would have a deleterious effect on its operation. The affected area cannot be so close to residences that the waiver defeats the purpose of the section, and the city manager can attach conditions. A waiver can be revoked if the golf course breaks its conditions or otherwise violates the section or another ordinance, if conditions change for the course or the adjoining area, or if the city manager determines the waiver adversely affects the health, safety or welfare of the surrounding area or the city.

Other Noise Control Code rules run alongside this one. Section 33-82 sets a 55 dBA residential ceiling from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and 60 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and section 33-78 bars any excessive, unreasonable or unusually loud noise or noise disturbance. The Margate Police Department administers the program under section 33-77.