Like all other states dealing with modern society's ills, Florida struggles to balance the need for infrastructural and economic growth with individual rights to peaceful enjoyment of personal and real property. Noise from construction is a quality-of-life concern for many residents and business owners, and there are laws in place to protect their right to due peace and quiet.
Let Them Sleep
Construction noise laws in Florida differ by municipality, but they all generally prevent loud noises during times most folks sleep: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., for example, in Broward County.
Fort Lauderdale carves out weekend sleeping-in time and provides very clear definitions of construction noise:
"No person shall operate or cause to be operated any equipment used in construction, repair, alteration or demolition work on buildings, structures, streets, alleys, or appurtenances thereto with sound-control devices less effective than those provided on the original equipment.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause to be operated equipment for the aforementioned uses Monday through Saturday before 8:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. and Sunday before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., except for public works transportation projects that are approved pursuant to section 17-9."
Do Not Alter Machinery & Equipment
Most construction noise ordinances echo the Fort Lauderdale statute not only regarding times but also on sound suppression. Machinery and equipment with originally installed baffles, mufflers, and sound-control devices cannot be tampered with.
Technical Limits
A major challenge with almost all noise control ordinances for construction and other nuisance noises is measuring the problem. Most laws call for "L50" parameters, meaning approximately 60 decibels or louder for half of the measured time.
Seminole County resolved this in 2020 by defining the problem this way: "in violation if noise exceeds 60 decibels – about as loud as conversations in a restaurant – for more than one minute between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. or 55 decibels for one minute between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m."
Uncertain about locally applicable laws? Contact your county's manager.
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