Outdoor music in Jacksonville falls under the general Chapter 368 noise limits: 70 dBA daytime and 60 dBA after 11 PM at the residential property line. Event permits are available for concerts and festivals.
Jacksonville does not have a separate outdoor music ordinance; all outdoor music falls under the general noise provisions of Chapter 368. Residential gatherings with outdoor speakers, bands, or recorded music must keep sound at or below 70 dBA at the receiving residential property line between 7 AM and 11 PM, and 60 dBA between 11 PM and 7 AM. Music with recognizable lyrical or melodic content may receive the 5 dBA penalty for information content, effectively lowering the allowable measured level. Public parks operated by the Jacksonville Parks Department may host permitted events with temporary noise variances. The Jacksonville Special Events Office coordinates permits for outdoor concerts at locations such as Metropolitan Park, Daily's Place amphitheater area, and the Jacksonville Landing waterfront. Neighborhood block parties may apply for a special event permit through the city, which can include a temporary noise variance. Private venues in entertainment-zoned areas (downtown, San Marco, Riverside/Five Points) may have conditions in their special use permits addressing outdoor music hours and volume.
Outdoor music exceeding decibel limits results in citations of $100 to $500. Unpermitted outdoor events with amplified music may be shut down by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or code enforcement.
See how Duval County's outdoor music rules stack up against other locations.
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