# Sign Regulations in Freeport, Florida

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Freeport, Florida (FL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/florida/freeport
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-23
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://cms2.revize.com/revize/freeport/Documents/Government/Department/Planning/Forms%20And%20Applications/Land%20Development%20Code/Articles/20250625%20LDC%20Article%205.pdf#page=69)

## At a glance

Freeport, Florida regulates 26 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Temporary Sign - All Other Parcels in the Rural Agricultural District (RA), Rural Residential Development District (RR), Rural Village (RV), Low Density Residential District (R-1), Medium Density Residential District (R-2), High Density Residential District (R-3), Residential/Neighborhood Commercial District (RC), General Commercial District (C-1), High Intensity Commercial District (C-2), Light Industrial District (I-1), General Industrial District (I-2), Heavy Industrial (I-3), Conservation District (CON), Public Service District (PS), Special Development District (SDD) zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and Per sign: 60 sq ft; Aggregate: 1 sq ft per 10 ft of frontage, up to 100 sq ft, with a Signs must be spaced at least 100 ft apart from each other on the parcel; additional setbacks from rights‑of‑way and intersections per §5.06.07(D)-(E) and visibility triangle rules. setback (Sec. §5.06.04(A)-(E); §5.06.04(B)(3); §5.06.03; §5.06.07). Most commercial signs in Freeport require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (2 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rural Agricultural District (RA), Rural Residential Development District (RR), Rural Village (RV), Low Density Residential District (R-1), Medium Density Residential District (R-2), High Density Residential District (R-3), Residential/Neighborhood Commercial District (RC), General Commercial District (C-1), High Intensity Commercial District (C-2), Light Industrial District (I-1), General Industrial District (I-2), Heavy Industrial (I-3), Conservation District (CON), Public Service District (PS), Special Development District (SDD) | 23 | 18 ft | Total: 192 sq ft; Max per sign: 96 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | Varies by exempt category (many are size‑limited individually). | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### Rural Agricultural District (RA), Rural Residential Development District (RR), Rural Village (RV), Low Density Residential District (R-1), Medium Density Residential District (R-2), High Density Residential District (R-3), Residential/Neighborhood Commercial District (RC), General Commercial District (C-1), High Intensity Commercial District (C-2), Light Industrial District (I-1), General Industrial District (I-2), Heavy Industrial (I-3), Conservation District (CON), Public Service District (PS), Special Development District (SDD)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary Sign - All Other Parcels | 10 ft | Per sign: 60 sq ft; Aggregate: 1 sq ft per 10 ft of frontage, up to 100 sq ft | — | Signs must be spaced at least 100 ft apart from each other on the parcel; additional setbacks from rights‑of‑way and intersections per §5.06.07(D)-(E) and visibility triangle rules. | No fixed numeric cap; number is limited by total allowed area and 100 ft spacing requirement. | On any parcel other than a single 1–2 family or 3–4 family residence; placement subject to visibility triangle, setbacks from rights‑of‑way, and general safety and location standards. | — | §5.06.04(A)-(E); §5.06.04(B)(3); §5.06.03; §5.06.07 |
| Permanent Accessory Ground Sign (≤45 mph Thoroughfare) (Frontage < 50 ft) | 18 ft | Total: 24 sq ft; Max per sign: 24 sq ft | — | Minimum distance from any side property line: 10 ft; no minimum distance from another permanent ground sign on the same site is specified (N/A); may not project over a public right‑of‑way and supports may not be in a right‑of‑way except by lease. | 1 ground sign. | On parcels with permanent accessory uses along a public right‑of‑way with frontage less than 50 ft, on a thoroughfare posted at 45 mph or less; must be on the same parcel as the development or business advertised. | — | §5.06.05(A), (C)(1)(a); §5.06.07(A)-(J); §5.06.06(C)-(E) |
| Permanent Accessory Ground Sign (≤45 mph Thoroughfare) (Frontage 50–<100 ft) | 18 ft | Total: 32 sq ft; Max per sign: 32 sq ft | — | Min 15 ft from any side property line; N/A for spacing to other ground signs on same site (only one allowed). | 1 ground sign. | On parcels with 50–<100 ft frontage along a public right‑of‑way on a ≤45 mph thoroughfare. | — | §5.06.05(A), (C)(1)(a) table (Frontage at least 50 but less than 100, ≤45 mph); §5.06.07 |
| Permanent Accessory Ground Sign (≤45 mph Thoroughfare) (Frontage 100–<200 ft) | 18 ft | Total: 48 sq ft; Max per sign: 48 sq ft | — | Min 20 ft from any side property line; N/A spacing to other ground signs (only one permitted). | 1 ground sign. | On parcels with 100–<200 ft frontage along a ≤45 mph thoroughfare. | — | §5.06.05(C)(1)(a) (row: at least 100 but less than 200); §5.06.07 |
| Permanent Accessory Ground Sign (≤45 mph Thoroughfare) (Frontage 200–<300 ft) | 18 ft | Total: 64 sq ft; Max per sign: 64 sq ft | — | Min 50 ft from any side property line; N/A spacing to other ground signs (only one permitted). | 1 ground sign. | On parcels with 200–<300 ft frontage on a ≤45 mph thoroughfare. | — | §5.06.05(C)(1)(a) (row: at least 200 but less than 300); §5.06.07 |
| Permanent Accessory Ground Sign (≤45 mph Thoroughfare) (Frontage 300–<400 ft) | 18 ft | Total: 72 sq ft; Max per sign: 72 sq ft | — | Min 50 ft from any side property line and 100 ft from any other permanent ground sign on the same site; may not project over or place supports within public right‑of‑way except by lease. | Up to 2 ground signs. | On parcels with 300–<400 ft frontage on a ≤45 mph thoroughfare. | — | §5.06.05(C)(1)(a) (row: at least 300 but less than 400); §5.06.07; §5.06.06 |
| Permanent Accessory Ground Sign (≤45 mph Thoroughfare) (Frontage ≥400 ft) | 18 ft | Total: 96 sq ft; Max per sign: 96 sq ft | — | Min 50 ft from side property lines and 100 ft from any other permanent ground sign on same site. | Up to 3 ground signs. | On parcels with 400 ft or more frontage on a ≤45 mph thoroughfare. | — | §5.06.05(C)(1)(a) (row: 400 or more); §5.06.07 |
| Permanent Accessory Ground Sign (>45 mph Thoroughfare) (Frontage < 50 ft) | 18 ft | Total: 24 sq ft; Max per sign: 24 sq ft | — | Min 10 ft from side property line; no spacing requirement to other ground signs because only one is allowed. | 1 ground sign. | On parcels with frontage <50 ft along a public right‑of‑way on a thoroughfare with speed limit greater than 45 mph. | — | §5.06.05(C)(1)(b) (row: less than 50); §5.06.07 |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Exempt Signs (General) | — | Varies by exempt category (many are size‑limited individually). | — | — | No overall numeric limit; limited per type and by safety/other code provisions. | Anywhere in the City subject to conditions for each exempt category; must not be placed or constructed to create a hazard. | — | §5.06.02(A)-(N); §5.06.01(C); §5.06.03 |
| Prohibited Signs (General Prohibitions) | — | — | — | — | — | Applies city‑wide to all zones and all signs unless expressly exempted or authorized. | — | §5.06.03(A)-(B); §5.06.01(A)-(C) |
| General Design, Construction, and Location Standards for Permanent Signs | — | — | — | General: no supports in public ROW/easements without lease; no ground sign projecting over ROW; clearance of 7'6" over pedestrian ways and 13'6" over vehicular ways; 100 ft separation between ground signs on different ROWs; visibility triangle limitations near intersections. | — | Applies to all permanent signs in all zones; signs must be placed on the same parcel as the development or business being advertised. | — | §5.06.01(A)-(C); §5.06.05(C)(3); §5.06.06; §5.06.07(A)-(J) |

## Prohibited signs in Freeport

- It is unlawful to erect, cause to be erected, maintain, or cause to be maintained any sign that is not expressly authorized by, or exempted from, the Code.
- Signs that are in violation of the building code or electrical code adopted by the City are prohibited.
- Any sign that, in the opinion of the Planning Board, does or will constitute a safety hazard is prohibited.
- Blank temporary signs are prohibited.
- Signs with visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, are prohibited, except for traditional barber poles.
- Signs that create the optical illusion of movement by means of a design that presents a pattern capable of giving the illusion of motion or changing copy are prohibited.
- Signs with lights or illumination that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity or color are prohibited, except for time‑temperature‑date signs.
- Strings of light bulbs used on commercially developed parcels for commercial purposes (other than traditional holiday decorations) are prohibited.
- Wind signs (banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, captive balloons, or other objects or material fastened so as to move upon being subjected to wind pressure) are prohibited.
- Signs that incorporate projected images, emit any sound intended to attract attention, or involve the use of live animals are prohibited.
- Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter such as smoke or steam are prohibited.
- Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe, or that obstruct any window to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced below code requirements, are prohibited.
- Signs that resemble any official sign or marker erected by any governmental agency, or that by reason of position, shape, or color would conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal, or that may reasonably be confused with, construed as, or conceal a traffic‑control device, are prohibited.
- Signs that obstruct the vision of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists traveling on or entering public streets are prohibited.
- Non‑governmental signs that use the words “stop,” “look,” “danger,” or any similar word, phrase, or symbol are prohibited.
- Signs within ten (10) feet of public right‑of‑way or within one hundred (100) feet of traffic‑control lights that contain red or green lights that might be confused with traffic control lights are prohibited.
- Signs of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian using or entering a public way, or that are a hazard or a nuisance to occupants of any property because of glare or other characteristics, are prohibited.
- Signs that contain any lighting or control mechanism that causes unreasonable interference with radio, television, or other communication signals are prohibited.
- Searchlights used to advertise or promote a business or to attract customers to a property are prohibited.
- Signs that are painted, pasted, or printed on any curbstone, flagstone, pavement, or any portion of any sidewalk or street are prohibited, except house numbers and traffic control signs.
- Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters, or waste receptacles are prohibited except as authorized in writing pursuant to Section 337.407, Florida Statutes.
- Signs erected on public property, or on private property (such as private utility poles) located on public property, other than signs erected by public authority for public purposes or signs authorized in writing pursuant to Section 337.407, Florida Statutes, are prohibited.
- Signs erected over or across any public street are prohibited except as expressly authorized by the Code and governmental signs erected by or on the order of a public officer.
- Vehicle signs with a total sign area on any vehicle in excess of ten (10) square feet are prohibited when the vehicle is parked for more than sixty consecutive minutes within one hundred (100) feet of any street right‑of‑way, is visible from that right‑of‑way, and is not regularly used in the conduct of the business advertised on the vehicle; a vehicle used primarily for advertising or to transport owners or employees of the advertised business is not considered regularly used in the conduct of the business.
- Signs displaying copy that is harmful to minors, as defined by the Code, are prohibited.
- Portable signs, as defined by the Code, are prohibited.
- Permanent outdoor advertising signs are prohibited.
- Off‑premise signage is prohibited.
- All signage must be placed on the same parcel as the location of the development or business being advertised; off‑parcel placement is prohibited.
- Supports for signs or sign structures may not be placed in or upon a public right‑of‑way or public easement except under the terms of a lease between the owner of the easement or right‑of‑way and the owner of the sign.
- No ground sign may project over a public right‑of‑way.
- No sign or sign structure may be erected that impedes the use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe.
- Building signs may not extend beyond any edge of the surface to which they are attached and may not disrupt a major architectural feature of the building.
- A building sign may project no more than four (4) feet perpendicularly from the surface to which it is attached.
- The combined area of permanent and temporary signs placed on or behind windows may not exceed twenty‑five (25) percent of the total window area at the same floor level on the side of the building or unit upon which the signs are displayed.
- Sign lighting may not be designed or located to cause confusion with traffic lights.
- Illumination by floodlights or spotlights is only permissible if none of the light emitted shines directly onto an adjoining property or into the eyes of motorists or pedestrians using or entering public streets.
- Illuminated signs may not have lighting mechanisms that project more than eighteen (18) inches perpendicularly from any surface of the sign over public space.

## Signs exempt from permit in Freeport

- Signs that are not designed or located so as to be visible from any street or adjoining property are exempt from the sign regulations and permit requirements, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard of any kind.
- Signs of two (2) square feet or less and signs that include no letters, symbols, logos, or designs in excess of two (2) inches in vertical or horizontal dimension are exempt, provided that such sign or combination of such signs does not constitute a sign prohibited by Section 5.06.03 and does not create a hazard.
- Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare, and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control, or directional signs erected on public property with appropriate permission from the State of Florida, the United States, Walton County, or the City of Freeport, are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Legal notices and official instruments are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Decorative flags and bunting for a celebration, convention, or commemoration of significance to the entire community, when authorized by the City Council for a prescribed period of time, are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Holiday lights and decorations are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Merchandise displays behind storefront windows are exempt so long as no part of the display moves or contains flashing lights and the display is not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and attached to the surface of a building are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor, which identify or advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment (such as signs customarily affixed to vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths, and gasoline pumps), are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Advertising and identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks, or vehicle bumpers are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Public warning signs to indicate the dangers of trespassing, swimming, animals, or similar hazards are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Works of art that do not constitute advertising are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Signs carried by a person are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.
- Religious displays are exempt, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Building signs for multiple occupancy complexes constructed or remodeled after the effective date of the Code must conform to an approved sign format.
- The required sign format for a multiple occupancy complex must be submitted for authorization to erect such signs and must be maintained on file in the Department.
- The sign format submission must include a plan or sketch and written specifications in sufficient detail to enable the Planning Director to authorize signs based on the specifications.
- At a minimum, the sign format must specify the types of signs and dimensions (not exceeding the size limits in the Article) permitted for each occupant within the complex.
- The sign format for a multiple occupancy complex must include common design elements (such as placement, color, shape, or style of lettering) that lend a unified appearance to the occupants’ signs within the complex.
- The sign format for a multiple occupancy complex may only be modified with the approval of the Planning Director upon submission of a revised plan and specifications detailing the revised format.

## Full detail

Complete sign requirements for Freeport, including every field PermitPal tracks for each sign type, are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Freeport+FL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-freeport

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