Santa Rosa County, FL Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Overnight limit (residential)
- 60 dB, 9 p.m.–7 a.m.
- Daytime limit
- 70–85 dB by zoning
- Measured at
- Receiving property line
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county
- First fine
- $100 per occurrence
Summary
STR guests must obey the county's noise ordinance, which caps sound at the property line: roughly 60 dB overnight (9 p.m.–7 a.m.) for residential areas and 70–85 dB by day depending on zoning. It applies countywide to unincorporated land.
Noise is measured by calibrated meters at the receiving property line. From 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the limit is 60 decibels for residential properties and 80 decibels for industrial sites; daytime limits range 70 to 85 decibels by zoning.
Full Breakdown
Santa Rosa County's Board of County Commissioners adopted an objective noise ordinance covering all unincorporated county (not Milton, Gulf Breeze, or Jay). Sound is measured with a calibrated meter at the receiving property line, not at the source. Daytime limits run 70–85 dB depending on zoning; from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. the cap is 60 dB for residential property and 80 dB for industrial sites. This applies to short-term rentals just like any home, making it the primary tool neighbors use against loud vacation-rental parties. Security alarms must self-silence within 5–15 minutes.
Violations & Fines
Fines begin at $100 per occurrence and can double or triple for repeat offenses. Code enforcement (850-981-7090) measures at the property line; owners can be cited for guests' violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What noise limit applies to a Santa Rosa County vacation rental?
Who gets fined for a rowdy rental, the guest or owner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida short-term rentals overview
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