Fort Lauderdale Pickleball Noise Ordinance

Blue tennis court with a net, surrounded by green fencing and palm trees under a clear sky

What the Code Says

What Fort Lauderdale's Noise Code Means for Pickleball Courts

Fort Lauderdale regulates noise in Chapter 17 of its Code of Ordinances. Sec. 17-6, as amended by Ord. C-24-48 in December 2024, sets both dBA and dBC limits for residential land, with nighttime running from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The ordinance text does not mention pickleball.

at a glance

Fort Lauderdale Noise Rules at a Glance

Source: City of Fort Lauderdale Code of Ordinances, Chapter 17 (Noise Control), Sec. 17-6 as amended by Ord. C-24-48 (adopted December 3, 2024) and Sec. 17-7. Last verified October 22, 2026. This page is part of our Florida pickleball noise ordinance guide, which is still in progress and covers selected cities only.

Daytime: 60 dBA Outdoors

From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the outdoor residential limit is 60 dBA and 70 dBC. It rises to 65 dBA and 75 dBC within or within 200 feet of commercial, industrial or mixed use land. Source: Sec. 17-6, Table I

Nighttime: 50 dBA Outdoors

From 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., the outdoor residential limit drops to 50 dBA and 60 dBC. Indoor limits are 35 dBA and 45 dBC at night. Source: Sec. 17-6, Table I

Impulsive Sound Rules

During the day, impulses happening 10 or more times an hour may not exceed the Table I limits. At night the threshold is 4 or more times an hour. Source: Sec. 17-6(1)

Plainly Audible: Sound Devices

A sound device on residential property may not be plainly audible for a minute or more at 25 feet from the property line from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., or at 50 feet during the day. Source: Sec. 17-7(1)(a)

the code

How the Fort Lauderdale Code Applies to Pickleball

This page summarizes public municipal code for general information only. It is not legal advice. Ordinances change, so confirm current rules with the City of Fort Lauderdale or a licensed Florida attorney.

Decibel Limits Apply at the Complainant

Unlawful sound is sound that exceeds the Sec. 17-6 limits. Source: Sec. 17-6

How Readings Are Taken

The code uses the maximum level (LMAX) from three 30-second measurements within one hour, taken on or within the complainant's property line. Source: Sec. 17-6(a)-(e)

When No One Has Complained

If there is no complainant, the reading is taken 5 feet from the building the sound comes from. Source: Sec. 17-6

dBC Limits Catch Low-Frequency Sound

Ord. C-24-48 added dBC limits next to the dBA limits, so low-frequency sound is measured separately. Source: Ord. C-24-48, Sec. 17-6 Table I

Plainly Audible Applies to Sound Devices

The 25 and 50 foot plainly audible rules in Sec. 17-7 apply to radios, speakers and other sound devices on residential property. Source: Sec. 17-7(1)(a)

Planning a court in Fort Lauderdale?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Fort Lauderdale have a pickleball noise ordinance?

    Not by name. Court noise falls under the decibel limits in Chapter 17, Sec. 17-6, per Ord. C-24-48. Pickleball is not mentioned.

  • What are the quiet hours in Fort Lauderdale?

    Nighttime limits apply from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., when the outdoor residential limit is 50 dBA and 60 dBC, per Sec. 17-6. The code does not set court play hours.

  • Does Fort Lauderdale use a plainly audible standard?

    Yes, for sound devices on residential property: 25 feet at night and 50 feet during the day, per Sec. 17-7(1)(a).

Want a quieter court plan?