Winter Haven, FL Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Polk County's noise rules are codified in Chapter 10.5 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), Article IV (Noise Disturbance) of the County Code, originally adopted by Ordinance 14-030. The ordinance prohibits sounds that unreasonably disturb the peace and applies to amplified music, radios and televisions, neighborhood parties, motor vehicles, and barking dogs. Section 10 of Ordinance 14-030 sets exemptions, including permitted construction work, which is allowed between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Outside those hours, construction noise is generally prohibited. The county uses both a plainly-audible standard and disturbance-based language to evaluate complaints. Complaints in unincorporated Polk County are handled by the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Code Enforcement. Sworn, signed, and notarized written complaints are required for many disturbance-type violations. Florida Statute Chapter 823 also addresses public nuisances. Cities such as Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow have their own separate noise ordinances enforced by their own police departments.