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Hernando County, FL Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Quiet hours in Hernando County, FL, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Daytime limit
60 dBA, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Overnight limit
55 dBA, 9 p.m.-7 a.m.
Standard
Decibel meter at property line
Governing law
Code Sec. 21-135

Summary

The Hernando County Noise Control Ordinance sets decibel limits at the property line: 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA overnight in residential areas, with the quiet window running 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hernando County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Sources of sound shall conform to the sound level limits by receiving land use as set forth in Table I of section 21-135. The minimum measurement period shall be ten (10) minutes. Sound shall be measured at or within the real property line of the receiving land use. Exceedences accumulating to more than ten (10) percent of the measuring period shall constitute a violation.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Unlike counties that use a plainly-audible test, Hernando County measures noise with a decibel meter (Sec. 21-135). In residential, institutional, and recreational zones, sound at the receiving property line may not exceed 60 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or 55 dBA from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Commercial zones get 65/60 dBA. Readings run over a ten-minute minimum, and exceedances totaling more than ten percent of that period are a violation. Spring Hill's deed-restricted subdivisions often layer their own quiet-enjoyment rules on top of the county code.

Violations & Fines

Hernando County issues a notice of violation first, then a citation if the noise continues (Sec. 21-139). Penalties follow Code section 1-8 and Chapter 2, Article III. A serious disturbance can be charged under Fla. Stat. §877.03.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hernando County have quiet hours?
Yes. Residential noise at your property line cannot exceed 55 dBA between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or 60 dBA during the day, under the Noise Control Ordinance.
How is noise measured here?
With a decibel meter at the receiving property line over a ten-minute period. Exceeding the limit more than ten percent of that time is a violation, not a judgment call.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hernando County

All Hernando County rules

How Hernando County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hernando County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview

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