Fort Walton Beach moves to ‘plainly audible’ noise ordinance, expands exemptions

The new ordinance spells out 33 specific exemptions, ensuring certain noises are always permitted when meeting listed conditions, such as:

• Downtown Business and Entertainment District — 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. (amended to 11:59 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday–Saturday).
• Community Redevelopment District — 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Live music at alcohol-licensed establishments — 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• City-sponsored events and official City activities — Fully exempt.
• Outdoor events with a special event permit — When conducted under the permit terms.
• Organized athletic contests — 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Lawn maintenance — 6 a.m.–10 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. weekends.
• Scheduled organized activities at City-owned or operated facilities — Fully exempt.
• Construction, repair, or demolition with a city permit — 6 a.m.–10 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. weekends, no noise on federal holidays.
• Road, highway, or freeway construction/repair by government entities.
• Concrete pouring after sunset is necessary when daytime temperatures make it essential.
• Air conditioners are operating within manufacturer specifications and equipped with noise-reducing features.
• Official military operations or activities.
• Law enforcement, firefighter, EMT, and first responder activities, including training.
• Emergency signals are used during emergencies and include emergency alert sounds.
• National warning systems (e.g., NAWAS) or public danger alerts.
• Emergency signal testing — 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Generators are used during declared emergencies or power outages.
• Exterior burglar alarms — Must stop within 15 minutes unless an actual burglary occurred.
• Unamplified human voices — 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Authorized public or private school events.
• Fireworks — July 4, Dec. 31, Jan. 1.
• Permitted public or private fireworks displays.
• Aircraft and airport activity in compliance with federal law.
• Motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motorboat repairs/testing — 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

Under the proposed ordinance, violations escalate in severity:

• First offense — Written warning.
• Second offense — $100 fine.
• Third offense — $250 fine.
• Fourth offense within six months — Second-degree misdemeanor, up to $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail.

Each 15-minute continuation of a noise disturbance counts as a separate violation. Property owners, operators, and those making the noise can all be held liable.

Councilman Bryce Jeter said the ordinance “may not be perfect yet, but it’s better than what we had,” stressing the need to move forward rather than keep delaying for adjustments.

Councilman Logan Browning proposed reducing weekday noise hours in the downtown district from 2 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Monday–Thursday, while keeping 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The change mirrors Community Redevelopment District hours and was adopted without sending the ordinance back to first reading because it was less restrictive for some days.

Councilman David Schmidt added a “friendly amendment” to push the start time for allowable morning noise from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. in specific neighborhoods, after a public request from a Beach Tree Drive resident.

Council members also debated how officers would measure 50 feet from a property line when lot sizes are small. Chief Bage explained that officers could use property appraiser records, right-of-way dimensions, or laser measuring devices, and that body-worn cameras could bolster an officer’s testimony in enforcement cases.

One resident supported the ordinance but called 6 a.m. “just early, period, in life.”

Mayor Nic Allegretto agreed, but noted that exemptions, including for lawn care, city-sponsored events, and permitted activities, can still allow earlier noise in some instances.

With a passage on first reading, the city council will host a second reading at a later date. If adopted, then the new rules, with all 33 exemptions, will take effect immediately upon the mayor’s signature.