Harassment by neighbors can take many forms, including yelling obscenities; loud and disruptive noises (especially at night) from parties, fights, or other activities; threatening or abusive behavior; or damage to your home or yard by pets.

If your neighbor’s behavior is merely annoying and not abusive, threatening, or criminal conduct, you may be able to resolve the issue with a courteous discussion. But if your neighbor’s conduct is threatening, abusive, violates a noise ordinance, or is a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, for example, you may be able to get assistance from the police (call 911 in an emergency) or from the civil courts in the form of a restraining order.

In Florida, harassment by neighbors can be addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. For non-criminal behavior that is annoying but not threatening, such as loud noises or minor disturbances, a direct conversation with the neighbor may suffice. However, if the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, such as stalking, trespassing, or property damage, law enforcement can be involved. Victims can contact the police, especially in emergencies by dialing 911. Additionally, Florida law allows individuals to seek civil remedies such as injunctions for protection, commonly known as restraining orders, against neighbors who engage in harassment or stalking. These orders can prohibit the neighbor from continuing the harassing behavior. Local noise ordinances also provide a mechanism for addressing disruptive noises, and violations can result in fines or other penalties for the offending neighbor.