FL H1019

Makes it unlawful for any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway to operate or amplify sound from a radio, tape player, or other mechanical soundmaking device so that sound is plainly audible at 25 feet or more from the vehicle

Deletes the standard that sound be "louder than necessary for convenient hearing by persons inside the vehicle" in areas adjoining churches, schools, or hospitals

Eliminates an exception previously allowing motor vehicles used for business or political purposes to use soundmaking devices; instead allows local authorities to regulate the time, place, and manner of such device operation within their jurisdictions

Maintains exemptions for law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and for horns or other warning devices required by statute

Establishes violation as a noncriminal traffic infraction punishable as a nonmoving violation; requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to adopt rules defining "plainly audible" and establish sound measurement standards for law enforcement

Takes effect July 1, 2013