Broward County, FL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 39-133(g), unincorporated only
- Vehicle exemption
- Applies at all times
- Covers
- Stereo, engine, exhaust noise
- Not covered
- Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, other cities
Summary
Broward County's noise nuisance ordinance exempts ordinary vehicle operation from its "Unreasonably Loud Noise" standard at all times, so stereo, muffler, and engine noise from a moving vehicle is not a code violation in unincorporated Broward.
Uninvited noise shall be deemed unreasonably loud if it is plainly audible inside of a receiving property with doors and windows closed, across a property line, and interferes with a person's peaceful enjoyment of a residence or the peace and tranquility of the surrounding neighborhood ("Unreasonably Loud Noise"). The activities listed in Table 1 ... are exempt from the definition of Unreasonably Loud Noise ...: Operating motor vehicles on a public and private right-of-way .....At all times
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 39-133(g) of the Broward County Code bans noise that is offensive or obnoxious and defines Unreasonably Loud Noise as uninvited sound plainly audible inside a neighboring home with doors and windows closed. But Table 1 of that same section lists activities exempt from that definition at all times, and operating motor vehicles on a public and private right-of-way is one of them, alongside vehicle safety devices, motor vehicles, boats and aircraft. The exemption applies only in unincorporated Broward under Sec. 39-2 zoning-code scope; Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs run their own municipal codes and may set their own stereo or exhaust standards.
Violations & Fines
No county violation for ordinary drive-by vehicle noise, stereo or exhaust sound under Sec. 39-133(g); Fla. Stat. 316.293 equipment-noise citations from law enforcement remain possible statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Broward County cite me for a loud car stereo?
Does this exemption apply in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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