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

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Quiet hours in Manatee 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

Night limit: 55 dBA / 60 dBC (11pm–7am)
Day limit: 60 dBA / 65 dBC
Weekend day extends to: Midnight (Fri/Sat/pre-holiday)
Citation: § 2-21-34; MCSO / Code Enforcement
Applies in: Unincorporated Manatee County

Summary

In unincorporated Manatee County, sound must not exceed 55 dBA / 60 dBC at night (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.) or 60 dBA / 65 dBC daytime. Fridays, Saturdays and pre-holidays extend daytime to midnight. Cities set their own rules.

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

No person shall generate or cause to be generated from any source, sound which... exceeds: 1. Sixty (60) dBA or sixty-five (65) dBC during the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.... 3. Fifty-five (55) dBA or sixty (60) dBC during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124 | Land Development Code: Supplement 21).

Full Breakdown

Manatee County Code § 2-21-34(2)(b) caps sound from any source at the receiving property. Daytime (7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., Sun–Thu) limit is 60 dBA or 65 dBC; nighttime (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.) drops to 55 dBA or 60 dBC. Friday, Saturday and the day before a federal holiday, the daytime window runs to 12:00 midnight. Residential land adjacent to commercial use is allowed 72 dBA / 77 dBC daytime. Continuous sound is reduced 5 dBA; short, non-repetitive sound gets +5 dBA in daytime. A separate 'noise disturbance' standard lets officers cite by ear without a meter.

Violations & Fines

Escalating civil fines: $100 first, $250 second, $500 third within 365 days; or notice to appear as a second-degree misdemeanor (FS 775.082). Officers give ~15 minutes to correct first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these limits apply in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island?

No. County Chapter 2-21 governs only unincorporated land. Bradenton, Palmetto, Holmes Beach and the other cities enforce their own noise ordinances.

Can I be cited without a decibel meter?

Yes. Section 2-21-34(1) makes any 'noise disturbance' unlawful; officers may cite based on the disturbance standard even if no meter reading is taken.

Sources & Official References

[1]Manatee County Code § 2-21-34 (Municode)

Other rules in Manatee County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Construction HoursSome Restrictions Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions Barking DogsSome Restrictions Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Aircraft NoiseFew Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Manatee County rules

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

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