Bradenton, FL Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Bradenton does not set a single citywide quiet-hours clock. Instead, § 38-155(b) of the Sound Control Ordinance sets maximum continuous sound levels that drop at night, and the drop depends on the zoning district.

In any area zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, T-3 or residential PDPs, the limit is 65 dBA/dBC between 10:00 p.m. and 7 a.m., and 75 dBA/dBC at all other times. In all other zoning districts the daytime limit is 75 dBA/dBC from 7:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. until midnight Friday, Saturday and holidays; at all other times the limit is 65 dBA/dBC. Section 38-155(b)(3) sets a higher tier of 80 dBA/dBC in the daytime window and 75 dBA/dBC otherwise for a mapped area. Impulsive sound, meaning a single peak or burst lasting less than one second, is capped at 80 dBA at or beyond the real property line under § 38-155(c).

Measurement is technical. Under § 38-155(a) officers use a sound level meter on the A and C weighting scale with slow response, placed at the real property line approximately five feet above ground, and the reading is the average sound level over a two-minute period. For an elevated or directional source, compliance is required at any elevation at or beyond the real property line. Traffic, aircraft and other background sounds are not counted unless they interfere with the sound being measured.

Night-specific hour limits also appear in § 38-154(a)(2). Loudspeakers are barred from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and to 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Domestic power tools such as saws, drills, grinders and lawn or garden tools are barred between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays, unless inside a completely enclosed structure.

A temporary exemption is available through a special permit from the city clerk under § 38-156, decided within 15 days. Section 38-157 lists exempt sources, including church bells, air conditioners operating to manufacturer's specifications and permitted special events.