Days Are Numbered for Voceteo in Kissimmee

City leaders approved changes to the city’s noise ordinance after a rise in complaints.

Voceteo and other loud activities in Kissimmee will now be subject to fines after the city approved changes to its noise ordinance.

City leaders approved the changes unanimously after an increase in excessive noise complaints over the past year.

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“From Jan. 1, 2022, until Feb. 1, 2023, we responded to over 2,200 complaints of noise,” Kissimmee Police Lt. James Napier said.

The amendment’s expectations are to tone it down in the downtown area and in residential neighborhoods of the city. The ordinance will go into place in 90 days.

“Code enforcement or law enforcement now has clear direction on what is considered too noisy, what is a nuisance. Our ordinance says that they will stand at the property line to determine what is an acceptable noise volume,” said Austin Blake, the assistant city manager.

If the volume of the music can be heard within 50 feet of a vehicle or property in Kissimmee, there will be a fine starting at $50 for the first offense, and up to $500 based on how many repeat violations a person has in a 12-month period.

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In the downtown area, vehicle exhaust and stereos are causing the complaints, while in the residential areas, it’s the parties, officials said.

“Typically, when we give a warning we explain to people, we might say, ‘I could hear the music as I was pulling up on the block with my windows closed. You have to understand your neighbors are sleeping; they may not want to be up and partying and doing what you’re doing. They may have to work in the morning, and you need to be respectful and mindful,’” Napier said.