Melbourne, FL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing standard
- F.S. § 316.3045 "plainly audible"
- Local exemption
- Radio/tape/soundmaking devices in vehicles
- Carve-back
- Business/political vehicles using soundmakers
- State rule reference
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 15B-13.001
- Enforcing agency
- Melbourne Police Department
Summary
Melbourne folds car-stereo enforcement into the state's "plainly audible" standard under F.S. § 316.3045 rather than setting its own decibel limit, but it carves out one local exception: business and political vehicles that use loudspeakers in the normal course of business must still comply with the city noise article.
Operation or amplification of sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical soundmaking device or instrument within a motor vehicle on a street or highway as prohibited by F.S. § 316.3045, and further defined in Rule 15B-13.001, Florida Administrative Code. Nothing in this article shall be construed as limiting or curtailing the authority of law enforcement officers to enforce section F.S. § 316.3045, under the "plainly audible" standard as identified and defined therein. However, this article shall apply to motor vehicles used for business or political purposes, which, in the normal course of conducting such business, use soundmaking devices.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " The section is explicit that Melbourne police retain full authority to enforce the state's plainly-audible rule, and it does not preempt state enforcement. The one local carve-back applies to vehicles used for business or political purposes that use soundmaking devices in the normal course of that business (sound trucks, mobile advertising, campaign vehicles); those vehicles are pulled back into the general noise article rather than left solely to the state standard. 3045's plainly-audible test rather than a Melbourne decibel table. General nuisance-noise provisions in Sec. , still apply to any vehicle noise not otherwise exempted.
Violations & Fines
A stop for excessive vehicle sound is a traffic enforcement matter under F.S. § 316.3045, handled by Melbourne police in the field. Business or political vehicles pulled back under the city ordinance can be cited under Sec. 26-31, carrying the standard Sec. 1-14 penalty of up to a $500.00 fine, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Melbourne have its own car-stereo decibel limit?
Are sound trucks used for advertising treated differently?
Can I still be cited for a loud exhaust or muffler in Melbourne?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Melbourne
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Melbourne to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle vehicle noise.