# Sign Regulations in Dade City, Florida

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Dade City, Florida, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Dade City, Florida (FL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/florida/dade-city
- **Data last verified:** 2025-10-30
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/fl/dade_city/codes/land_development_regulations_?nodeId=ART6DEST_S6.5SI)

## At a glance

Dade City, Florida regulates 26 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Subdivision Entrance Sign (Freestanding/Ground)s in the Residential Single Family-1 (RS-1), Residential Single Family-2 (RS-2), Residential Single Family-3 (RS-3), General Residential 1 (RG-1), General Residential 2 (RG-2), Planned Development-Residential (PD-R) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 40 sq ft sign surface area per sign, with a ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersection of ROWs setback (Sec. 6.5.4(A)(1)(a)-(f); 6.5.2(D)(2) (neon on ground signs); 6.5.2(D)(2) backlighting in residential). Most commercial signs in Dade City require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (3 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Single Family-1 (RS-1), Residential Single Family-2 (RS-2), Residential Single Family-3 (RS-3), General Residential 1 (RG-1), General Residential 2 (RG-2), Planned Development-Residential (PD-R) | 10 | 10 ft | 40 sq ft sign surface area per sign | — |
| Open Use Agriculture (OUA), Residential Institutional Office (RIO), Neighborhood Commercial (CN), General Commercial (CG), Central Business District (CBD), Highway Commercial (CH), Light and Warehouse Industrial (ILW), Industrial Heavy (IH), Planned Development-Employment Center (PD-EC), Planned Development-Commercial (PD-COMM), Planned Development-Traditional Neighborhood Development (PD-TND) | 12 | 30 inches | Up to 300 sq ft total sign structure area | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | ≤6 ft | Up to 25% of window area | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### Residential Single Family-1 (RS-1), Residential Single Family-2 (RS-2), Residential Single Family-3 (RS-3), General Residential 1 (RG-1), General Residential 2 (RG-2), Planned Development-Residential (PD-R)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign (Freestanding/Ground) | 10 ft | 40 sq ft sign surface area per sign | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersection of ROWs | Per entrance: either (i) one double-faced sign or (ii) two single-faced signs; plus up to two additional signs at subdivision termini if ≥1,000 ft from main sign | At each platted subdivision entrance; may be located within rights-of-way if ROW use, maintenance and license agreements/permits are obtained | — | 6.5.4(A)(1)(a)-(f); 6.5.2(D)(2) (neon on ground signs); 6.5.2(D)(2) backlighting in residential |
| Entryway Wall Sign - Option 1 (Multiple-Family or RV/Mobile Home Park) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft sign structure area (cap) | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersections | One wall sign per entrance OR two single-faced wall signs (opposite sides of entry drive) | At each entrance to a multiple-family residential development or RV/mobile home park | — | 6.5.4(A)(2)(a)-(e); 6.5.2(D)(2) (neon on ground signs) |
| Ground Identification Sign - Option 2 (Multiple-Family or RV/Mobile Home Park) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft sign structure area (cap) | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersections | Per entrance: either one double-faced ground identification sign or two single-faced ground identification signs on opposite sides of entry drive | At each entrance to a multiple-family residential development or RV/mobile home park | — | 6.5.4(A)(2)(a)-(e); 6.5.2(D)(2) |
| Directional Sign (Subdivision) | 5 ft (structure); 12 inches copy height | 32 sq ft sign structure area | — | Meet on-site sign setback/separation; avoid clear sight triangle (6.5.2(D)(3)) | One per subdivision entrance; additional as needed for amenities | Per subdivision entrance; additional directional signs may be placed where necessary to locate subdivision amenities | — | 6.5.4(A)(3) |
| Special Event Sign (Temporary) (Residential) | 6 ft | 8 sq ft sign surface area | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersections; behind ROW; outside clear sight triangle | Maximum two per frontage | On the site of the institution where the event takes place; ground or wall sign | — | 6.5.2(E)(4)(a)-(c); 6.5.2(E)(1); 6.5.2(E)(3) |
| Model Sign - Residential Sales Center | 4 ft | 16 sq ft sign structure area | — | — | One per residential sales center | At the residential sales center for a new housing development | — | 6.5.2(F)(1) |
| Model Directional Sign - Development Entrance | 4 ft | 6 sq ft sign structure area | — | — | One per development entrance | One per development entrance, along collector roads within the development | — | 6.5.2(F)(2) |
| Model Sign - Per Model Home/Unit Type | 4 ft | 4.5 sq ft sign structure area | — | — | One per model home or unit type | At the model home or unit type it identifies | — | 6.5.2(F)(3) |

### Open Use Agriculture (OUA), Residential Institutional Office (RIO), Neighborhood Commercial (CN), General Commercial (CG), Central Business District (CBD), Highway Commercial (CH), Light and Warehouse Industrial (ILW), Industrial Heavy (IH), Planned Development-Employment Center (PD-EC), Planned Development-Commercial (PD-COMM), Planned Development-Traditional Neighborhood Development (PD-TND)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ground Sign - Standard (Monument) | 11 ft | Up to 210 sq ft sign structure area (per sign) or 1 sq ft per linear ft of frontage, whichever is less | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersections (15 ft on one-way streets if no sight triangle conflict); ≥10 ft from any residential zoning district boundary (for parcels abutting residential) | One ground sign per parcel per street frontage; if frontage exceeds 300 ft, one additional ground sign for each additional 300 ft of frontage | On-site, along the street frontage the sign faces | — | 6.5.4(B); 6.5.4(B)(1)(a)-(f); 6.5.2(D)(2); 6.5.4(B) opening paragraph (abutting residential) |
| Ground Sign - Combined for Multiple-Occupancy Parcels | 15 ft | Up to 300 sq ft total sign structure area | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersections (15 ft on one-way streets if applicable); ≥300 ft separation between ground signs on same parcel | Single combined sign replacing all allowable ground signs (or two combined signs if frontage >1,500 ft) | On-site; serves multiple-occupancy parcels entitled to more than one ground sign | — | 6.5.4(B)(1)(d); 6.5.4(B)(1)(e)-(f); 6.5.2(D)(2) |
| Projecting Sign (in lieu of Wall Sign) | — | Up to the corresponding wall sign limit (max 150 sq ft per frontage by wall sign cap, but limited by substitution) | — | Clearances: ≥9 ft over pedestrian ways; ≥15 ft over streets; ≥10 ft from interior lot lines or adjacent establishment | One projecting sign may replace each permitted wall sign | Attached to building facade; may project over pedestrian way or street subject to clearance | — | 6.5.4(B)(3)(a)-(g) |
| Directory Sign | 5 ft (structure); 12 inches copy height | 32 sq ft sign structure area | — | Meet on-site sign setback/separation; avoid clear sight triangle | One per entrance | One per entrance into a nonresidential development or subdivision | — | 6.5.4(B)(5) |
| Sandwich Board Sign (Exempt) (Nonresidential) | 3.5 ft | — | 2 ft (sign structure width) | Must remain out of public ROW; maintain pedestrian clearance | One per establishment | On the sidewalk in front of the main entrance door of the establishment or shopping plaza; not in the public right-of-way; if no sidewalk, placed in front of main entrance without obstructing pedestrians | — | 6.5.2(B)(18) |
| Driveway Directional Sign (Exempt) (Nonresidential) | 30 inches | 4 sq ft sign surface area | — | ≥1 ft from ROW | Maximum two per driveway | On a parcel of private property, two directional signs per driveway | — | 6.5.2(B)(6) |
| Temporary Ground Sign (Nonresidential) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft total sign surface area | — | Behind ROW line; outside clear sight triangle | One per frontage; additional one per each additional 300 ft of frontage | On-site, behind ROW line; outside clear sight triangle | — | 6.5.2(E)(2); 6.5.2(E)(3) |
| Special Event Sign (Temporary) (Nonresidential) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft sign surface area | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥20 ft from intersections; behind ROW; outside clear sight triangle | Maximum two per frontage | On the site of the institution where the event takes place; ground or wall sign | — | 6.5.2(E)(4)(a)-(c); 6.5.2(E)(1); 6.5.2(E)(3) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Government/Traffic-Control Signs in Right-of-Way | — | — | — | — | — | Within public rights-of-way | — | 6.5.4(D)(1)(a)-(b) |
| Temporary Event Signs in Right-of-Way (Not-for-Profit or Governmental) | — | — | — | — | — | Within public rights-of-way | — | 6.5.4(D)(1)(c) |
| Directional Signs in Right-of-Way for Government/Not-for-Profit Organizations | ≤6 ft | 4.5 sq ft total surface area | — | — | — | Within public rights-of-way | — | 6.5.4(D)(1)(d) |
| Window Signs (Exempt ≤25% of window area) | — | Up to 25% of window area | — | — | — | Inside of windows, visible from public place | — | 6.5.2(B)(9), 6.5.2(B)(11); 6.5.4(C)(14) |

## Prohibited signs in Dade City

- Any sign not specifically permitted, exempted, or authorized by these LDRs is prohibited; permitted signs may contain non-commercial speech in lieu of other speech.
- All signs that do not meet the requirements for an exemption or permit are prohibited.
- Activated signs and devices (excluding electronic reader boards or similar signs).
- Revolving signs.
- Snipe signs.
- Swinging signs.
- Vehicle signs used for off-site signage.
- Signs that imitate or resemble any official traffic or government sign, signal or device, or that obstruct, conceal, hide, or otherwise obscure from view any official traffic or government sign, signal or device.
- Signs with unshielded illuminated devices that produce glare or that are a hazard or nuisance to motorists or occupants of adjacent properties.
- Signs that, due to lighting or control mechanisms, cause radio, television, or other communication interference.
- Signs erected or maintained so as to obstruct any fire-fighting equipment, window, door, or opening used as a means of ingress or egress for fire escape purposes, including openings required for proper light and ventilation.
- Signs that project more than 18 inches over a dedicated public street, alley, sidewalk, or public/private roadway.
- Signs erected on public property or a public right-of-way, except government signs or other signs expressly allowed in the Code.
- Bench signs, unless allowed pursuant to an approved agreement with the City Commission.
- Abandoned signs.
- Illegal signs.
- Beacon lights.
- Roof signs.
- Back-to-back sign faces at an angle exceeding 45 degrees.
- Window signs which, in aggregate, cover more than 25% of the total window surface.
- Signs in or upon any navigable river, bay, lake, or other body of water within the City, including signs attached to or painted on piers or seawalls, other than official regulatory or warning signs.
- Pole signs.
- Multi-prism signs.
- Portable signs.
- Banner signs and advertising balloons that do not comply with this Section (temporary-use allowances excepted).
- Outdoor advertising signs.
- Suggestive or sexually explicit signs.
- Signs on rights-of-way are prohibited except for specific allowances (government signs, traffic-control devices, certain temporary event signs for not-for-profit or governmental organizations, and directional signs for governmental or not-for-profit organizations).
- Exposed neon tubing is not permitted on any ground signs.
- Neither the City Commission nor the Board of Adjustment may grant a variance to allow any of the expressly prohibited signs.

## Signs exempt from permit in Dade City

- Changing or replacing the advertising copy, message, or sign face on changeable copy signs without enlarging the sign surface or structure area and without affecting original design integrity; if the supporting structure must be unfastened, a sign permit is required; copy changes may not convert an on-site sign to an off-site sign.
- Government signs.
- Flags, emblems, or insignia of any nation, state, or political subdivision, or of religious, charitable, political, social, or fraternal organizations when displayed on a single pole or other supporting structure; U.S. flags must be maintained per the National Flag Standard.
- Holiday, seasonal, or commemorative decorations displayed for no more than 60 days.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection when cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials.
- In nonresidential districts, up to two directional signs per driveway located on and pertaining to a parcel of private property; each sign max 4 sq ft and 30 inches high; illumination requires an electrical permit; may be placed with a 1-foot setback from the right-of-way; not counted toward maximum parcel sign area.
- In residential districts, one non-illuminated identification sign to identify the address and occupant of the residence, not to exceed 2 sq ft; may not advertise any home occupation.
- One non-illuminated real estate sign per street frontage with district-specific limits (residential: up to 4.5 or 8 sq ft depending on frontage, max 6 ft high, timing restrictions; nonresidential: max 32 sq ft, max 10 ft high, timing restrictions); additional signs may be allowed with DRC approval on parcels over 5 acres; allowed multiple listing/broker ID/sold strips when attached and not counted toward square footage.
- Window signs that, in aggregate, cover 25% or less of total window area.
- Signs incorporated on machinery or equipment at the manufacturer’s or distributor’s level identifying or advertising only the product or service dispensed (e.g., vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths, gasoline pumps); not counted toward parcel sign area.
- Interior signs displayed inside a building and not visible from a public place; not counted toward parcel sign area.
- “No Trespassing” or “No Dumping” signs not exceeding one every 100 feet along property boundaries and at each corner, four per acre, with no sign exceeding 2 sq ft.
- Noncommercial, on-site signs (e.g., yard sales, block parties) less than 4 sq ft and 30 inches high, displayed no more than 3 consecutive days and no more than 12 days per year.
- Warning signs up to 4 sq ft.
- Temporary directional signs related to construction within the development where City permits/approvals have been issued; max 4 sq ft and 30 inches high.
- One non-illuminated construction sign per street frontage during active on-site construction, on-site advertising only, removed at certificate of occupancy, with size/height limits by district and frontage (residential: 4.5 or 8 sq ft, 6 ft high; other districts: 8 or 16 sq ft depending on frontage, 10 ft high).
- Two non-illuminated political campaign signs per candidate or issue for each residential or nonresidential parcel, not to exceed 8 sq ft total sign face area.
- In nonresidential districts, one sandwich sign per business establishment with a certificate of occupancy, placed near the main entrance, max height 3.5 ft and width 2 ft; may not be placed in the public right-of-way and may not obstruct pedestrian traffic.
- Temporary signage approved as part of a permitted special event.
- Banners for not-for-profit events and organizations, subject to submittal for review to confirm compliance with the LDRs.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required for all signs unless specifically exempted under the Exemptions list; no person may erect, construct, maintain, alter, relocate, or repair a sign without a permit.
- Structural and safety features and electrical systems for signs must comply with the City's adopted construction/building codes (including the Florida Building Code).
- Signs permitted in the public right-of-way (government signs, traffic-control devices, certain temporary event signs for not-for-profits or governmental organizations, and directional signs for governmental or not-for-profit organizations) still require a permit and must comply with the City Right-of-Way Use Ordinance and Building Code; directional signs for governmental or not-for-profit organizations in the ROW must be pre-approved by the Community Development Director or designee and be no larger than 4.5 sq ft, no taller than 6 ft, and appear historical in styling.
- Temporary signs require a permit; if not otherwise specified, they may be posted no more than 15 days before the related event/activity and must be removed within 5 days afterward; political campaign signs may be posted no earlier than 30 days before an election and must be removed within 15 days after.
- Temporary banner signs and advertising balloons in nonresidential districts require a sign permit; the permit number and expiration date must be displayed on the banner or advertising balloon.
- Additional real estate signs in nonresidential districts on parcels exceeding 5 acres may be allowed with Development Review Committee (DRC) approval.
- There is no Master Sign Plan or similar sign plan requirement stated in the provided section.
- Variances may not be granted to allow any signs expressly listed as prohibited; neither the City Commission nor the Board of Adjustment may grant a variance for prohibited signs.

## Full detail

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