Quiet hours in Bay County, FL — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Unincorporated Bay County caps property-line noise at 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA from 10 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. in residential zones (Sec. 17-72). Panama City Beach and Panama City enforce their own stricter beach noise codes.
Bay County's noise article (Chapter 17, Article V; Ord. 06-11, amended by Ord. 22-13 and 22-16) sets firm decibel caps measured at neighboring property lines: 60 dBA (7 a.m.-9:59 p.m.) and 55 dBA (10 p.m.-6:59 a.m.) in residential and conservation zones, rising to 70/65 dBA in seasonal-resort and commercial zones. Sound audible 200 feet from its source, or crossing into a closed home overnight, is also prohibited. The Bay County Sheriff enforces it in unincorporated areas only; Panama City Beach, Panama City, Lynn Haven, and Callaway run separate city noise ordinances.
First offense is a $500 fine. A second offense, or two violations within six months, is a second-degree misdemeanor: up to $1,000 and 60 days in jail. Each day is a separate violation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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