# Sign Regulations in Deerfield Beach, Florida

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Deerfield Beach, Florida (FL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/florida/deerfield-beach
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/FL/Deerfield_Beach/codes/Land_Development_Code?nodeId=SPBLADECO_CH102SICO)

## At a glance

Deerfield Beach, Florida regulates 60 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Monument Sign (20+ ft Setback)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 10 ft (measured from existing average finished grade) tall and Sign face within structure: 40 sq ft; Sign structure: 80 sq ft, with a ≥20 ft from property line abutting ROW; ≥100 ft from any other freestanding monument sign along same frontage; comply with sight triangle standards. setback (Sec. Sec. 102-8(b)(1)-(12); Sec. 102-7(b)(2)). Most commercial signs in Deerfield Beach require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | Per flagpole height limitations of Sec. 98-73. | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 1 sq ft per linear ft of frontage; min 32 sq ft when frontage ≤32 lf; see formula). | — |
| Residence, Single-Family (RS-5, RS-7) | 6 | Per flagpole standards in Sec. 98-73. | Flag size ≤20% of flagpole height. | — |
| Residence, Multi-Family (RM-10, RM-15, RM-25); Residence, Mobile Home Park (RP-10); RV Districts; Planned Unit Development (PUD); Planned Development District (PDD) (Residential Uses) | 9 | Per Sec. 102-12 (e.g., 4 ft noncommercial; 6 ft contractor/project). | Per Sec. 102-12 (e.g., noncommercial 6 sq ft/face; contractor/project signs up to 16 sq ft in multifamily/mobile home park districts). | — |
| Open Space (S) | 6 | Per Sec. 102-12. | Per Sec. 102-12. | — |
| Community Facilities (CF) | 6 | Per Sec. 102-12. | Per Sec. 102-12. | — |
| Community Facilities (CF) (Research Park at FAU) | 8 | Per Sec. 102-12. | ≤150 sq ft; max length 35 ft or 25% of the length of the building face (whichever is less). | — |
| Residential/Office (RSO); Business, Community (B-1); Business, Highway (B-2); Business, General (B-3); Business, Highway (B-2c); Business, General (B-3c); Commercial, Warehouse (C-1c); Industrial (I); Limited Heavy Industrial (I-2); Planned Industrial Development (PID); Limited Manufacturing and Industrial (M-1c); Intense Manufacturing and Industrial (M-3c); Transit-Oriented Development (TOD); Dixie Business Residential (DBR); Cove Overlay District (COD); Local Activity Center (LAC); Planned Development District (PDD) (Commercial Uses) | 24 | ≤36 inches above ground | Second wall sign ≤75% of the height of the primary wall sign; proportional to façade. | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Sign (General Standard) | — | Up to 100 sq ft (subject to 1 sq ft per linear ft of frontage; min 32 sq ft when frontage ≤32 lf; see formula). | — | — | 1 per street frontage (unless district-specific allowances add more). | Mounted parallel to the façade on the building. In multi‑story buildings, no signs located higher than the first story except building identification signs and where otherwise allowed by district regulations. | — | Sec. 102-8(a)(1)-(12); Sec. 102-6(a); Sec. 102-5 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (20+ ft Setback) | 10 ft (measured from existing average finished grade) | Sign face within structure: 40 sq ft; Sign structure: 80 sq ft | — | ≥20 ft from property line abutting ROW; ≥100 ft from any other freestanding monument sign along same frontage; comply with sight triangle standards. | 1 per qualifying frontage unless district-specific allowances add additional. | Set back ≥20 ft from property line abutting public ROW; at least 100 ft from any other freestanding monument sign on the same frontage. | — | Sec. 102-8(b)(1)-(12); Sec. 102-7(b)(2) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (10–19 ft Setback) | 8 ft | Sign face within structure: 24 sq ft; Sign structure: 48 sq ft | — | 10–19 ft from ROW; ≥100 ft spacing; comply with sight triangles. | See general freestanding rules. | Set back 10–19 ft from property line abutting ROW; ≥100 ft from any other freestanding monument sign on same frontage. | — | Sec. 102-8(b)(1)-(12) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (2–9 ft Setback) | 5 ft | Sign face within structure: 15 sq ft; Sign structure: 25 sq ft | — | 2–9 ft from ROW; ≥100 ft spacing; comply with sight triangles. | See general freestanding rules. | Set back 2–9 ft from property line abutting ROW; ≥100 ft from other freestanding monument signs on same frontage. | — | Sec. 102-8(b)(1)-(12) |
| Directional Sign - Freestanding | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — | Outside required vision triangles; not in ROW. | As needed for site wayfinding, per master sign plan. | On-premises wayfinding locations; must not block traffic visibility. | — | Sec. 102-8(d)(1)-(4); Sec. 102-6(c)(2)-(4) |
| Directional Sign - Building Mounted | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | As needed for site wayfinding. | Mounted on building façades as needed for on-site wayfinding. | — | Sec. 102-8(d)(1)-(4); Sec. 102-8(a)(11) |
| Parking Space Identification Sign | 6 ft | 12 in wide x 18 in tall (per sign) | — | Behind wheel stops; outside sight triangles. | As needed per designated spaces. | At designated parking spaces (as shown on approved site plan) and visible from ROW. | — | Sec. 102-8(e)(1)-(8) |
| Flags | Per flagpole height limitations of Sec. 98-73. | Flag size limited to ≤20% of the height of the flagpole (distance from top to bottom of flag ≤20% of pole height). | — | Per Sec. 98-73 for flagpoles. | 2 or 3 depending on lot type (see formula). | On private property; mounted to ground flagpoles. | — | Sec. 102-8(i); Sec. 102-3 (Flag definition); Sec. 98-73 (flagpoles) |

### Residence, Multi-Family (RM-10, RM-15, RM-25); Residence, Mobile Home Park (RP-10); RV Districts; Planned Unit Development (PUD); Planned Development District (PDD) (Residential Uses)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Identification Sign | — | Per Building Sign general standards (1 sq ft/lf; min 32 sq ft at ≤32 lf; max 100 sq ft at ≥100 lf). | — | — | 1 per building | On building façade. | — | Sec. 102-9(b)(1); Sec. 102-8(a); Sec. 102-8(c) |
| Building Sign (Accessory Use) | — | Proportional; must be designed to be in proportion to façade; must comply with overall building sign area limits. | — | — | 1 additional per parcel with approved accessory use | On façade serving the accessory use. | — | Sec. 102-9(b)(1)d; Sec. 102-8(a) |
| Freestanding Monument Identification Sign | Per freestanding monument sign general table based on setback; not to exceed 10 ft. | Per freestanding monument sign general table based on setback (see relevant table). | — | Set back from property line per table; ≥100 ft from other freestanding signs; outside sight triangles. | 1 additional freestanding monument identification sign | Fronting a public ROW or paved access; must meet spacing/setback limits. | — | Sec. 102-9(b)(2); Sec. 102-8(b); Sec. 102-8(c) |
| Neighborhood Entry Feature Sign (Residential Neighborhoods) | Per freestanding monument standards; not to exceed 10 ft. | Per freestanding monument standards (see table). | — | Per freestanding monument sign rules; spacing and sight triangle limits apply. | As specified per entrance (1 or 2). | At neighborhood entry; not in public ROW or any required yard without written authorization of property owner. | — | Sec. 102-9(c)(1); Sec. 102-6(c); Sec. 102-8(b), 102-8(c) |
| Directional Sign (Residential Neighborhoods) | Freestanding: 3 ft | Freestanding: 3 sq ft; Building mounted: 16 sq ft | — | — | As needed per plan. | Throughout private residential neighborhoods per approved master sign plan. | — | Sec. 102-9(c)(2); Sec. 102-8(d); Sec. 102-6(c) |
| Directory Sign (Residential Neighborhoods) | 6 ft (for freestanding directory signs) | Aggregate sign faces not to exceed 28 sq ft per directory sign; a single building/development listing limited to 2 sq ft per individual sign face. | — | — | 1 per residential neighborhood | On-premises oriented to pedestrian/vehicular traffic; must not block traffic visibility. | — | Sec. 102-9(c)(3); Sec. 102-8(c) |
| Parking Space Identification Sign | 6 ft | 12 in x 18 in | — | — | As needed per designated spaces. | Behind wheel stops; on private property. | — | Sec. 102-9(c)(4); Sec. 102-8(e) |
| Flags (Multifamily/Neighborhood/PUD/Residential PDD/Mobile Home Park/RV) | Per Sec. 98-73. | Flag size ≤20% of flagpole height. | — | Per Sec. 98-73. | Up to 3. | On private property. | — | Sec. 102-9(b)(3); Sec. 102-8(i) |

### Residential/Office (RSO); Business, Community (B-1); Business, Highway (B-2); Business, General (B-3); Business, Highway (B-2c); Business, General (B-3c); Commercial, Warehouse (C-1c); Industrial (I); Limited Heavy Industrial (I-2); Planned Industrial Development (PID); Limited Manufacturing and Industrial (M-1c); Intense Manufacturing and Industrial (M-3c); Transit-Oriented Development (TOD); Dixie Business Residential (DBR); Cove Overlay District (COD); Local Activity Center (LAC); Planned Development District (PDD) (Commercial Uses)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Commercial/Industrial) (20+ ft Setback) | 10 ft | Face: 40 sq ft; Structure: 80 sq ft | — | Per table; spacing and sight triangle limits apply. | 1 per frontage; see additional allowance for more. | Setback ≥20 ft from ROW; fronting public ROW or paved access; spacing ≥100 ft from any other freestanding sign along same frontage. | — | Sec. 102-11(c)(1)-(3); Sec. 102-8(b) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Commercial/Industrial) (10–19 ft Setback) | 8 ft | Face: 24 sq ft; Structure: 48 sq ft | — | 10–19 ft from ROW; ≥100 ft spacing. | Per allowances. | 10–19 ft setback from ROW; spacing ≥100 ft. | — | Sec. 102-11(c); Sec. 102-8(b) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Commercial/Industrial) (2–9 ft Setback) | 5 ft | Face: 15 sq ft; Structure: 25 sq ft | — | 2–9 ft from ROW; ≥100 ft spacing. | Per allowances. | 2–9 ft setback from ROW; spacing ≥100 ft. | — | Sec. 102-11(c); Sec. 102-8(b) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | ≤36 inches above ground | ≤6 sq ft total area | — | Off public ROW; maintain pedestrian clearance. | 1 per tenant frontage | On private property along tenant frontage; not on public ROW or sidewalks. | — | Sec. 102-11(e)(1)-(8); Sec. 102-7(b) |
| Multi-Tenant Freestanding Commercial Message Sign | Per freestanding table (max 10 ft). | Per freestanding table (face/structure limits by setback). | — | Per freestanding standards; spacing and sight triangle limits. | Per frontage/complex allowances. | Fronting public ROW or paved access; spacing per freestanding rules. | — | Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(a)-(b); Sec. 102-8(b); Sec. 102-14 |
| Directory Sign (Shopping Center/Office Building) | Freestanding directory ≤6 ft | Aggregate sign faces ≤28 sq ft per directory sign; a single business entry ≤2 sq ft per individual sign face. | — | — | 1 per building (wall) or 1 per parking lot (ground) | On building or in parking lots on premises. | — | Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(e) |
| Commercial Complex Identification Signs | Per freestanding standards (≤10 ft). | Per freestanding monument standards. | — | Per freestanding standards; spacing limits apply. | 1 monument or 2 entry feature signs per entrance | Along each entrance to the complex; not in public ROW or required yard without written authorization of property owner. | — | Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(g) |
| Bench Sign | — | 12 sq ft per bench sign | — | Not in sight triangles; not on public sidewalks. | 1 bench sign per bus stop (unless city manager authorizes second) | At bus stops in commercial/industrial districts. | — | Sec. 102-11(g); Sec. 102-5(d)(4) |

## Prohibited signs in Deerfield Beach

- Abandoned or discontinued signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(1)).
- Animated signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(2)).
- Advertising vehicle signs unless in compliance with restrictions in Sec. 102-8(e)(7) (Sec. 102-7(a)(3)).
- Backplates, unless permitted as part of a trademark (Sec. 102-7(a)(4)).
- Banners, except temporary banners for new businesses as allowed in Sec. 102-12(c)(2) (Sec. 102-7(a)(5)).
- Beacons and searchlights, except when authorized by a special event permit (Sec. 102-7(a)(6)).
- Billboards (Sec. 102-7(a)(7)).
- Bench signs, except in limited locations and conditions set forth in Sec. 102-11(g) (Sec. 102-7(a)(8)).
- Cabinet signs, other than logos coupled with a building sign (Sec. 102-7(a)(9)).
- Changeable copy signs, except where specifically allowed in Sec. 102-8(h) and Sec. 102-11(f) (Sec. 102-7(a)(10)).
- Cloud signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(11)).
- Exposed neon and LED signs and bare bulb illumination (Sec. 102-7(a)(12)).
- Foam signs, unless there is a physical reason another material cannot be used (Sec. 102-7(a)(13)).
- Four-post A-frame signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(14)).
- Flashing signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(15)).
- Freestanding pole signs and temporary freestanding pole signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(16)).
- Human commercial signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(17)).
- Inflatable signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(18)).
- Pan/shoebox signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(19)).
- Portable signs (two-post A-frame/sandwich board signs are not included in the definition of portable signs) (Sec. 102-7(a)(20)).
- Projecting signs, fixed or swinging (Sec. 102-7(a)(21)).
- Revolving and rotating signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(22)).
- Roof signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(23)).
- Snipe signs (Sec. 102-7(a)(24)).
- Strip lighting (Sec. 102-7(a)(25)).
- Wall signs projecting less than 3/4 inch or more than 12 inches from their mounting surface (Sec. 102-7(a)(26)).
- Wind signs (including balloons, pennants, feather flag signs) and flags that do not meet the definition of a flag in Sec. 102-3 (Sec. 102-7(a)(27)).
- Any sign attached to a building or structure where any portion exceeds the height of the building or structure (Sec. 102-7(a)(28)).
- Any sign that constitutes a traffic hazard or detriment to traffic safety by size, content, coloring, function, or illumination (e.g., obstructs vision, interferes with traffic-control devices, misleads with words like “stop,” “slow,” “danger”) (Sec. 102-7(a)(29)).
- Any commercial “for sale” sign indicating the sale of a vehicle, trailer or boat unless at a location specifically authorized to sell such items with a valid business tax receipt (Sec. 102-7(a)(30)).
- Artwork or graffiti unless approved by an artwork permit (Sec. 102-7(a)(31)).
- Any sign prohibited by state or federal law (Sec. 102-7(a)(32)).
- Any sign not permitted under Ch. 102 or applicable zoning district regulations (Sec. 102-7(a)(33)).
- Signs on public property or public rights-of-way, except signs installed and authorized by a governmental entity with jurisdiction (Sec. 102-7(b)(1)).
- Freestanding signs over 2.5 feet high within required street or driveway sight triangles (with specific triangle dimensions) (Sec. 102-7(b)(2)).
- Signs within a utility easement without written consent of the easement holder (Sec. 102-7(b)(3)).
- Off-premises signs (Sec. 102-7(b)(4)).
- Signs attached to trees, shrubs, utility or similar poles (Sec. 102-7(b)(5)).
- Internally or externally illuminated signs on the seaward and shore-perpendicular sides of structures that are directly or cumulatively visible from any portion of the beach (Sec. 102-7(b)(6)).
- Any sign whose location creates a traffic hazard (e.g., obstructs driver or pedestrian vision; detracts from traffic-control device visibility; misleads traffic) (Sec. 102-7(b)(7)).
- Any sign in a location prohibited by state or federal law (Sec. 102-7(b)(8)).

## Signs exempt from permit in Deerfield Beach

- Signs on government property (including City of Deerfield Beach, Broward County, State of Florida) are not regulated by this chapter (Sec. 102-1(c)(2)).
- Traffic control devices are not regulated as signs by this chapter (Sec. 102-1(c)(2) and definition of Traffic control device).
- Official signs and notices required by law posted on private property are not regulated by this chapter (Sec. 102-1(c)(3)).
- All signs erected by governmental entities are exempt from the sign regulations (Sec. 102-8(j)).
- Relocation and reconstruction agreements approved by the City Commission under F.S. § 70.20 do not require a Code amendment or variance; relocation/reconstruction pursuant to such agreements is exempt from variance/amendment requirements (Sec. 102-1(c)(6)).
- Exempt from building permit (must still comply with all other Code provisions): traffic control device signs (Sec. 102-5(d)(1)).
- Exempt from building permit: address signs less than 12 inches in height (Sec. 102-5(d)(2)).
- Exempt from building permit: temporary signs (Sec. 102-5(d)(3)).
- Exempt from building permit: bench signs, as regulated in Sec. 102-11(g) (Sec. 102-5(d)(4)).
- Exempt from building permit: towing signs required under F.S. § 715.07 with necessary permits per Sec. 66-147 (Sec. 102-5(d)(5)).
- Exempt from building permit: “No trespassing” signs in compliance with F.S. § 810.011 (Sec. 102-5(d)(6)).
- Exempt from building permit: advertising vehicle signs (must meet restrictions in Sec. 102-8(e)(7)) (Sec. 102-5(d)(7)).
- Exempt from building permit: warning and safety signs (Sec. 102-5(d)(8)).
- Exempt from building permit: all window signs (Sec. 102-5(d)(9)).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A master signage plan is required before any individual sign permit is issued in a commercial or industrial multiple-occupancy complex or multi-tenant complex (Sec. 102-6(c)(1)).
- Master signage plan required for: mixed-use developments; residential neighborhoods and multi-family developments; and commercial or industrial complexes and multi-tenant buildings with three or more tenants (Sec. 102-6(c)(1)(a)–(c)).
- All multi-tenant buildings and commercial complexes require a master sign plan that includes all exterior signs and window signs on the building(s) and/or site (Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(a)).
- Directional signs used in multi-tenant or multi-building projects must be included in a master sign plan (Sec. 102-8(d)(4) and Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(d)).
- Neighborhood signage with more than one neighborhood entry sign at a single entry requires a master sign plan (Sec. 102-9(c)).
- Directory signs on sites with multi-tenant monument signs must be designed consistent with the master sign plan and should be installed at the same time as the multi-tenant monument sign(s) (Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(e)(6)).
- Under-canopy signage in shopping centers must be included in the master sign plan (Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(f)(5)).
- Commercial complex entry signs must be incorporated into the master sign plan for the entire commercial complex (Sec. 102-11(f)(1)(g)(7)).
- Master signage plan applications are reviewed by Planning & Development Services and the Community Appearance Board (CAB); if existing signs exist, the plan must include a schedule to bring nonconforming signs into conformance within one year (Sec. 102-6(c)(3)).
- Modifications or new submissions of a master signage plan to bring a property into conformity require CAB review (Sec. 102-6(c)(4)).
- After approval, all signs must conform to the approved master signage plan; in case of conflict, Chapter 102 controls (Sec. 102-6(c)(5)).
- Master sign plans require CAB review and approval before building permits (Sec. 102-5(c)(1)(a)).
- Individual signs not subject to a master sign plan and deemed consistent with an approved master signage plan or standards may be approved administratively without CAB review (Sec. 102-5(b)).
- Sign variances: require CAB review and recommendation prior to City Commission action; City Commission must approve variances and may impose conditions; variances are limited to dimensional standards and cannot authorize prohibited signs (Sec. 102-5(c)(1)(b); Sec. 102-15(d) and (d)(2), (5), (6)).
- Policy intent includes streamlining approval and encouraging creative standards for large-scale developments by requiring master signage plans (Sec. 102-1(b)(20)).

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 7 zoning districts in Deerfield Beach — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Deerfield+Beach+FL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-deerfield-beach

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