Broward County, FL Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed hours
- 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Broward only
- Standard
- Plainly audible across property line
- Enforcement
- Code enforcement, Ch. 8½
- Proof required
- No sound meter needed
Summary
In unincorporated Broward County, power blowers and outdoor cleaning equipment are exempt from the noise code only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Uninvited noise shall be deemed unreasonably loud if it is plainly audible inside of a receiving property with doors and windows closed, across a property line, and interferes with a person's peaceful enjoyment of a residence... Operating or causing the operation of power outdoor cleaning equipment, including the use of sweepers and blowers ..... 7:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m. ... Any Unreasonably Loud Noise shall be deemed a violation of this section. No measurement of noise level shall be required for a violation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Broward County's property-maintenance code makes noise that is plainly audible across a property line with doors and windows closed "Unreasonably Loud Noise." Power outdoor cleaning equipment, including sweepers and blowers, is carved out of that definition only between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Run a leaf blower outside that window and a neighbor's complaint can trigger a code enforcement violation with no sound-meter reading required. This section governs only the unincorporated area; Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and Broward's 27 other municipalities enforce their own municipal noise codes instead.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement officer investigates on complaint; no decibel measurement needed since audibility across the property line is the standard. Violations run through the Chapter 8½ code enforcement hearing process, which can impose civil fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a leaf blower before 7 a.m. in unincorporated Broward County?
Does this rule apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
How Broward County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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