Fort Myers, FL Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Article V of Chapter 54 ('Noise') sets the city's general noise nuisance framework. Sec. 54-196 ('Nuisance declared; abatement required; enumeration') makes it 'unlawful for any person to make, cause to be made, or permit to be made, in the city, noises or sounds that are audible beyond the premises of such person upon which such noises or sounds are made' - any such noise is declared a nuisance and abatement is ordered. The section then enumerates specific examples of 'loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises in violation of this article,' including unmuffled or improperly operated motor vehicles; television, radio, musical instruments, phonographs, or other sound-reproducing devices that disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring inhabitants; horns and signaling devices used outside their intended emergency purpose; loud animals; and similar nuisance categories. Sec. 54-197 (as rewritten by City Council Ordinance No. 4012, adopted March 18, 2024 and re-titled 'Amplified Sound Limitations') further regulates amplified outdoor sound. The city's enforced overnight quiet window for amplified sound is 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., during which amplified sound outside of a building is prohibited unless covered by a city-issued special-event permit (this is the 2019/2024 standard reported when council adopted the citywide ordinance). Outside that window, the Sec. 54-196 'audible beyond the premises' standard plus the new Sec. 54-197 'loud and raucous' / 'unreasonable noise disturbance' standard still apply 24 hours a day. Sec. 54-199 lists exemptions, including emergency signal devices used for their intended purpose and city-authorized parades, festivals, and similar activities. Enforcement is handled by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Code Enforcement Division (239-321-7940); under Ord. 4012, officers no longer need to take a decibel reading on-scene and may proceed on a sworn complaint.