BACKGROUND:
Bay County endeavors, when possible, to mirror the ordinances of our municipal partners to create a uniform and consistent legal environment. This is especially the case with Panama City Beach, where visitors to our community benefit from having the same rules apply regardless of municipal boundaries.
This ordinance prohibits portable or vehicular noise nuisances and modifies the enforcement provisions for noise nuisance violations. Specifically, hand-held sound production devices like portable stereos or radios cannot be operated in a public space or right-of-way if they are plainly audible from 50 feet during the daytime, or plainly audible to any person other than the operator from 10 pm to 7 am. Vehicular sound systems cannot be operated if they are plainly audible from 50 feet during the daytime, or from 25 feet overnight.
Enforcement provisions for any noise violations are modified to mirror Panama City Beach's enforcement provisions. Specifically, a first violation is punishable by a fine of $500, a second offense is punishable as a second degree misdemeanor. Vehicles violating the ordinance can be subject to towing and impoundment. It also provides that owners and managers of a business with a noise violation are liable for the enforcement penalties.