Home / Cities / Florida / Orlando

Orlando noise ordinance: quiet hours and who to call

Orlando's noise law, Chapter 42 of the City Code, gives a neighbor two ways to show a violation. One is a decibel reading at the property line. The other is simpler: after 10 p.m., music that someone can plainly hear 15 feet past the property line is enough to start a case.

What is too loud in Orlando?

On residential property, no one may make unreasonably disturbing noise that harms the comfort or repose of a person of ordinary sensibilities nearby (§ 42.05(1)a.). Music, TVs and instruments can't be louder than needed for the people in the same room or vehicle (§ 42.05(1)b.). From 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., a device "plainly audible" 15 feet from the property line is prima facie evidence of a violation (§ 42.05(1)c.). Hearing "a rhythmic bass reverberating sound" is enough to count as plainly audible (§ 42.03).

The decibel limits are in Chart 1 of § 42.03, measured at or past the property line (§ 42.04):

In an apartment, condo or townhouse, the "property line" includes the walls, floor and ceiling of each unit (§ 42.03). Outdoor loudspeakers and sound systems on private property need a city permit and can't be used from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. (§ 42.07).

Barking dogs

Chapter 42 has no separate rule for barking. The city's Citizen's Guide says Orange County Animal Control handles animal issues in Orlando, at 407-836-3111.

Construction and yard work

Temporary construction and maintenance work is exempt from Chapter 42 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on Sundays and federal holidays (§ 42.06(1)). Outside those hours, it must meet the Chart 1 limits. The chapter sets no separate hours for lawn mowers.

How do I report noise in Orlando?

The Citizen's Guide to City of Orlando Codes splits noise complaints in two:

• Loud music, parties or disturbances of the peace: Orlando Police Department, 321-235-5300.
• Ongoing noise: Code Enforcement, 407-246-2686. The guide says the city may need a decibel reading to see if the noise is over the code limits.

For an emergency, call 911.

Fines and penalties

Chapter 42 is enforced under § 1.08 of the City Code or through code enforcement under Chapter 5, Article II (§ 42.09). Under § 1.08, a person found guilty may be fined up to $500, jailed for up to 60 days, or both. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

Keeping a noise log

Code Enforcement may need a decibel reading, and police can act on what is plainly audible 15 feet out. A log with times helps for both. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the date, time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report. Phone readings are estimates.

Sources

• Orlando City Code Chapter 42, Noise (Municode)
• Orlando City Code § 42.03, Noises to which the standards apply
• Orlando City Code § 42.04, Prohibited acts
• Orlando City Code § 42.05, Additional prohibited acts
• Orlando City Code § 42.06, Exempt noises
• Orlando City Code § 42.07, Use of mechanical loud speakers or amplifiers out of doors
• Orlando City Code § 42.09, Enforcement
• Orlando City Code § 1.08, General penalty
• City of Orlando: Citizen's Guide to City of Orlando Codes

Last checked November 9, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.