Hernando County, FL Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (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.
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.
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?
How is noise measured here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hernando County
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
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.