Jacksonville Beach, FL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 18-6(a) makes it unlawful for the driver of a vehicle to operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system which can be heard and is plainly audible outside the vehicle from fifty (50) or more feet while moving or parked on any street, highway, parking lot or other public property within the city. The word permit reaches a driver who lets a passenger run the stereo. Plainly audible is defined in section 18-3(a) as sound heard clearly with unaided hearing, and for music the detection of rhythmic bass tones is sufficient.

Subsection (c) removes the warning step: violations of section 18-6 do not require a warning before the citation is issued. Subsection (b) separately covers any portable sound amplification device, which cannot emit noise plainly audible fifty (50) feet or more from the source, and a violation can result in confiscation of the equipment until the offender can positively demonstrate to the court his or her willingness and ability to operate the device within the limits.

Engine and exhaust noise runs through section 18-3(e) and Table II rather than section 18-6. Table II caps trucks and buses at eighty-five (85) dB(A) and passenger cars, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles at seventy (70) dB(A), each measured at fifty (50) feet from the source as the vehicle drives past, from the center of the vehicle or the center of the driving lane. Section 18-3(e)(1) makes it unlawful to start, operate, or perform repair work on a motor vehicle that exceeds Table II, and section 18-3(e)(2) covers vehicles on public streets, highways, driveways, parking lots, and ways open to vehicle travel, with normal operation including normal acceleration, deceleration and maximum normal speeds in all gears.

Section 18-4(b)(2) also bars operating a radio or other sound device with greater intensity than is necessary for convenient hearing by voluntary listeners in the vehicle.