Quiet hours in Alachua County, FL — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Alachua County Code Chapter 110 (Title 11) defines nighttime as 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Sound plainly audible at 50 feet from a residential property line during nighttime hours is a violation.
Alachua County's noise ordinance is found in Title 11 (Offenses), Chapter 110 (Noise Control) of the Code of Ordinances. Section 110.01 defines nighttime as the hours between 9:00 PM of one day and 7:00 AM of the next day, and daytime as 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The ordinance uses a plainly audible standard, defined as any sound that can be heard by a person using normal hearing faculties. Sound plainly audible at 50 feet (15 meters) from a residential property line during nighttime hours generally constitutes a violation. Section 110.04 sets noise control measurement standards. Enforcement covers unincorporated Alachua County and is handled by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. Cities like Gainesville (Code Ch. 15) and Alachua have their own separate noise ordinances. Florida Statute Chapter 823 also addresses general public nuisance noise.
Violations of Chapter 110 are county code offenses subject to fines and possible misdemeanor prosecution. Repeat or aggravated violations may be prosecuted as second-degree misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and up to 60 days imprisonment under F.S. §125.69. Code enforcement liens may attach for unpaid fines.
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See how Alachua County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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