# Sign Regulations in Largo, Florida

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Largo, Florida (FL)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/florida/largo
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/fl/largo/codes/comprehensive_development_code?nodeId=CD_CH12SIST)

## At a glance

Largo, Florida regulates 46 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Grand Opening/Promotional Sign - Freestanding/Feather/Portables in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 12 ft (freestanding/feather) tall, 32 sq ft total (freestanding/feather). A-frame portable max 26 in (W) x 42 in (H)., and 26 in (A-frame) wide, with a ≥3 ft from public right-of-way; maintain safety clearances. setback (Sec. Sections 12.9.7(C), (F)-(H); 12.9.7(G)(2)). Most commercial signs in Largo require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 24 | Flagpoles up to 35 ft (citywide); along US 19 up to 75 ft above crown of road (see US 19 zone for that variation) | Up to 150 sq ft (per property, outside CRDs); individual tenant signs sized by tenant frontage | — |
| Clearwater-Largo Road (CLR) CRD; West Bay Drive (WBD) CRD | 14 | 42 in (overall) | Up to 300 sq ft (additional above 3rd story) | — |
| Community Redevelopment Districts (Mixed-Use Corridor (MUC)); Community Redevelopment Districts (Medical Arts (MA)); Community Redevelopment Districts (Professional Office (PO)) | 3 | 42 in | Per Table 12-2 by lot frontage and sign type | — |
| Activity Center (AC); Largo Tri-City Activity Center (LTAC); Largo Mall Activity Center (LMAC) | 2 | 42 in | Standard AMSP: up to 160 sq ft; with DCO bonus up to 200 sq ft | — |
| Multimodal Corridor Overlay | 1 | 42 in | — | — |
| US Highway 19 | 2 | Up to 75 ft above crown of US 19 (must meet FAA standards) | Per Table 12-1 calculation for the parcel, plus up to 25% increase for US 19 | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Non-CRD) (0–49 ft building frontage) | 8 ft | 48 sq ft (monument sign face) | — | Must not be in right-of-way or easements without permission; maintain visibility triangles; placement cannot obstruct ingress/egress (12.6.3). | At least 1 monument sign allowed on each eligible property (outside CRDs); individual tenant spaces are not allowed separate freestanding signs. | Freestanding on parcels other than single-family, duplex, and triplex properties. Must comply with sight triangle/visibility rules. | — | Sections 12.9.3; 12.8.3(G)(1)(a); Table 12-1; 12.8.3(C)-(G); 12.6.3(A)(1)-(15), (B), (D) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Non-CRD) (50+ ft building frontage on principal arterials/highways) | 8 ft (up to 12 ft for sites with 500+ ft on principal arterial when allowed per Table 12-1) | 120 sq ft (monument sign face) | — | General siting restrictions per 12.6.3. | Per Table 12-1 depending on frontage and number of frontages. | Freestanding on eligible nonresidential parcels. | — | Table 12-1 (rows: 50+ ft along principal arterials; along more than one roadway); Sections 12.9.3; 12.8.3(G) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Non-CRD) (50+ ft building frontage on all other road types) | 8 ft | 120 sq ft (monument sign face) | — | General siting restrictions per 12.6.3. | Per Table 12-1. | Freestanding on eligible nonresidential parcels. | — | Table 12-1 (row: 50+ ft along all other roads; multi-frontage rows); Sections 12.9.3; 12.8.3(G) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Non-CRD) (500+ ft building frontage along principal arterials/highways) | 8 ft (where noted for multi-frontage including a principal arterial: one sign may be 12 ft) | Either two signs at 80 sq ft each (min 300 ft separation) or one sign at 160 sq ft | — | General siting restrictions per 12.6.3. | As specified in Table 12-1. | Freestanding on eligible nonresidential parcels with ≥500 ft frontage on principal arterials/highways. | — | Table 12-1 (row: 500+ ft along principal arterials/highways; multi-frontage rows); Sections 12.9.3; 12.8.3(G) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Non-CRD) (500+ ft building frontage along all other road types) | 8 ft | Either two signs at 80 sq ft each (min 300 ft separation) or one sign at 160 sq ft | — | General siting restrictions per 12.6.3. | As specified in Table 12-1. | Freestanding on eligible nonresidential parcels with ≥500 ft frontage on non-principal-arterial roads. | — | Table 12-1 (row: 500+ ft along all other road types); Sections 12.9.3; 12.8.3(G); 12.6.3(A)(10) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Non-CRD) (Along more than one roadway, 0–499 ft total frontage) | 8 ft | Either (a) 1 sign per frontage, max 80 sq ft per sign; or (b) 1 sign at 160 sq ft along roadway with highest classification | — | General siting restrictions per 12.6.3. | As above. | Freestanding on eligible nonresidential parcels fronting more than one roadway. | — | Table 12-1 (row: Along more than one roadway, 0–499 ft); Sections 12.9.3; 12.8.3(G) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Non-CRD) (Along more than one roadway, 500+ ft including at least one principal arterial) | 8 ft max; one sign on principal arterial frontage may be up to 12 ft | 1 sign per frontage, max 80 sq ft per sign; or 1 sign at 160 sq ft | — | General siting restrictions per 12.6.3. | As above; if 1,000+ ft and multi-building and multi-tenant, 1 sign per frontage with max 160 sq ft each and total for all signs ≤320 sq ft. | Freestanding on eligible nonresidential parcels with multiple frontages including at least one principal arterial. | — | Table 12-1 (rows: 500+ ft multi-frontage including principal arterial; Multi-building/tenant rows); Sections 12.9.3; 12.8.3(G) |
| Grand Opening/Promotional Sign - Freestanding/Feather/Portable | 12 ft (freestanding/feather) | 32 sq ft total (freestanding/feather). A-frame portable max 26 in (W) x 42 in (H). | 26 in (A-frame) | ≥3 ft from public right-of-way; maintain safety clearances. | Per permit limits in 12.9.7(C). | On the event property (or permitted off-site within 1 mile with owner consent and event permit; max two off-site signs per property). | — | Sections 12.9.7(C), (F)-(H); 12.9.7(G)(2) |

### Clearwater-Largo Road (CLR) CRD; West Bay Drive (WBD) CRD

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (CRD) (Lot frontage ≤100') | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | Per 12.6.3. | 1 (unless frontage/road criteria allow a second sign per 12.13.3(A)(3)). | Freestanding; one per property except single-family, duplex, triplex. | — | Sections 12.13.3(A)(1)-(4); Table 12-2 (≤100') |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (CRD) (Lot frontage 101'–199') | 8 ft | 48 sq ft | — | Per 12.6.3. | 1 (unless qualifies for additional sign in 12.13.3(A)(3)). | Freestanding. | — | Table 12-2 (101'–199') |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (CRD) (Lot frontage 200'–499') | 8 ft | 60 sq ft | — | Per 12.6.3. | 1 (unless qualifies for additional sign in 12.13.3(A)(3)). | Freestanding. | — | Table 12-2 (200'–499') |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (CRD) (More than 500' and/or frontage on more than one arterial road) | 8 ft | 2 signs at 60 sq ft each | — | Per 12.6.3. | Up to 2. | Freestanding; on sites with the specified frontage characteristics. | — | Sections 12.13.3(A)(3); Table 12-2 (More than 500') |
| Projecting Sign (CRD) | Clearance ≥8 ft over pedestrian areas and ≥14 ft over vehicular areas | 8 sq ft per business | — | Clearance as stated; right-of-way overhang requires indemnification agreement. | 1 per business (plus one trail-facing additional projecting or wall sign if applicable). | On building projecting over sidewalk/area (may overhang right-of-way only with hold harmless agreement). | — | Sections 12.13.3(B)(1), (3); 12.8.3(3)(b); Table 12-2 |
| Wall/Canopy Sign (CRD) (Lot frontage ≤100') | Top of sign ≤18 inches above highest point of roof or building wall | 50 sq ft per business (cumulative wall/canopy) | — | — | No numeric maximum (area-limited). | On building walls or canopies within CRDs. | — | Sections 12.13.3(B)(2), (4); Table 12-2 (≤100') |
| Wall/Canopy Sign (CRD) (Lot frontage 101'–199') | Top of sign ≤18 inches above roof/wall | 60 sq ft per business | — | — | Area-limited. | On building walls/canopies. | — | Table 12-2 (101'–199'); Sections 12.13.3(B) |
| Portable A-Frame Sign (CRD) | 42 in (overall) | — | 26 in | Maintain 3 ft clear passage on sidewalks; do not obstruct visibility triangles. | 1 per business | On private property adjacent to the business; must maintain ≥3 ft clear pedestrian passage; cannot obstruct visibility triangles. | — | Section 12.10.2(J) |

### Community Redevelopment Districts (Mixed-Use Corridor (MUC)); Community Redevelopment Districts (Medical Arts (MA)); Community Redevelopment Districts (Professional Office (PO))

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (CRD – Alternate Master Sign Plan) | Up to 12 ft (only via approved Alternate Master Sign Plan in CRDs) | — | — | Per 12.6.3. | Per approved Alternate Master Sign Plan | Within CRD MUC/MA/PO character districts on qualifying nonresidential developments with approved Alternate Master Sign Plan. | — | Section 12.12.1(B)(2)-(4) |
| Portable A-Frame Sign (CRD MUC/MA/PO) | 42 in | — | 26 in | Must not obstruct visibility triangles; maintain clear sidewalk passage. | 1 per business | On private property adjacent to business; maintain ≥3 ft pedestrian clearance; no visibility obstruction. | — | Section 12.10.2(J) |
| Projecting, Wall/Canopy, Monument, Light Projection, Window Sign Regulations (Adopt CRD standards) | Monument 8 ft (unless AMSP allows up to 12 ft); projecting clearance per 12.8.3 | Per Table 12-2 by lot frontage and sign type | — | Per 12.6.3 and CRD-specific clearance rules. | Per CRD rules. | On sites within CRD MUC/MA/PO. | — | Sections 12.13.3; Table 12-2; 12.13.4 |

## Prohibited signs in Largo

- Any sign type not specifically exempted or allowed by the Chapter is prohibited.
- Illegal signs: constructed, erected, altered, repaired, replaced, or relocated without a required permit; erected in non-compliance; not specifically exempt or allowed; or violating any provision.
- Abandoned or damaged signs (unless addressed under the abandoned/damaged procedures).
- Pole signs (except legal nonconforming, those permitted along US Highway 19 per the code, or signs exempt elsewhere).
- Signs on vehicles/trailers used as advertising platforms or as the base for a sign (vehicle wraps/painted graphics on actively used vehicles are exempt).
- Billboards (except as permitted by specific City agreements).
- Flag signs (including feather flags), pennants, banners, searchlights, twirling signs, balloons/inflatables, except where expressly allowed as temporary promotional or exempt signs.
- Portable signs, including portable A-frames, except where expressly exempt from permits or allowed as temporary/promotional or CRD allowances.
- Bench signs.
- Signs used as fencing.
- Location restrictions (apply to all signs unless expressly authorized): must not occupy visibility triangles; must not obstruct/interfere with official traffic control devices; must not project into/over public property, rights-of-way, or easements without permission; must not be erected within private easements without the easement holder’s permission; must not be affixed to trees, plants, fences, utility poles, telecom facilities, hydrants, traffic lights, governmental signs, benches, or similar infrastructure; must not interfere with utilities; must not obstruct egress/ingress (doors, stairs, fire escapes, etc.); must not block required light/ventilation at windows; must not impede pedestrian/bicycle/vehicular travel ways; a freestanding sign may not obscure more than 10% of a conforming freestanding sign within 100 ft; no signs on vacant/undeveloped property unless specifically allowed; no new sign may be erected on a site that contains illegal signs; wall/canopy/projecting signs may not extend higher than 18 inches above the highest point of the roof or wall; minimum 8 ft clearance for signs over pedestrian walkways or parking areas; must not be located where trees will create current/future visual obstruction.
- Display/illumination restrictions (apply to all signs unless expressly authorized): no highly reflective or shimmering faces/elements that hamper vision; no unshielded external/indirect illumination that creates hazardous glare; no internal illumination that causes glare/flashing onto adjacent properties/ROW; no illumination that interferes with official signs; no signs that could be construed as traffic signals or emergency lights; no digital messages with animation, video, flashing, pulsating, moving or scrolling content; each digital message must be static for at least 5 seconds with no transition graphics (small illuminated window signs up to 2.5 sq ft are exempt from this specific 5-second rule); no flashing/intermittent/rotating lights (beacons, strobe, zip lights, etc.); no digital displays or signs that distract/confuse road users; no signs emitting sound, open flame, odor, noise, or visible matter other than light; no moving/rotating/animated parts; no obscene content.
- Material restrictions: signs that cannot withstand weather elements are prohibited; cardboard/paper signs not mounted to sturdy material (metal, wood, hard plastic, vinyl, engineered wood, particle board) are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Largo

- Governmental signs required or installed by City, County, State, or Federal agencies (including emergency/warning, traffic/parking/control message signs per FDOT, City wayfinding, and public facility location signs); may be in the right-of-way.
- Street address numerals/lettering required for buildings/suites (must meet Florida Fire Prevention Code sizing/visibility); display of addresses is exempt from Chapter standards (addresses on freestanding signs are also required per general standards).
- Signs wholly within a building/enclosed space (excluding window signs which are regulated separately).
- Holiday/seasonal decorations (including rope/string/mini lights).
- Integral architectural signs (cut into masonry or constructed of bronze/other noncombustible materials and fully/permanently incorporated into the building surface).
- Signs permanently painted/wrapped on actively used, operable vehicles (including magnetic or window decals) parked lawfully on-premises; must have current registration; prohibited vehicle advertising formats remain prohibited.
- Manufacturer-integrated signs on permitted vending machines located outside a business.
- Grave markers.
- Flags of non-commercial content.
- Public art without any commercial message (with property owner permission). If any commercial message is included, that portion is treated as signage and counts toward sign area.
- Signs located within stadiums/arenas/sports fields intended only for interior viewing and oriented inward.
- Professional signage printed/attached to permitted construction screening while the permit is active (must be durable and securely attached).
- Handheld signs during lawful protests/demonstrations in traditional/designated public forums, subject to peaceable conduct and reasonable time/place/manner rules (no blocking ingress/egress or creating safety hazards).
- Citywide permit exemptions (still must meet safety and general restrictions): window signs/coverings on nonresidential uses (one 32 sq ft sign per window, or multiple signs covering no more than 25% of the window area or 100 sq ft total per window cluster, whichever is less; governmental window signs have no size limit; electrical permits may be required); vacant or under-construction nonresidential spaces may cover 100% of ground-floor windows with noncommercial coverings (no garbage bags, plywood, cardboard, or soaping).
- Citywide permit exemptions: historical site markers/plaques erected per Florida Statutes 267.074.
- Citywide permit exemptions: incidental on-site informational/directional signs of a non-commercial nature up to 4 sq ft per face and 3 ft height (larger/ taller allowed if required by another agency or approved by DCO/City Engineer); may not imitate official traffic signs or create hazards.
- Citywide permit exemptions: temporary signs — up to two signs per parcel at any time, each up to 3 sq ft; unlimited display duration; during the 90 days before through 7 days after any City election, up to five temporary signs per parcel, each up to 10 sq ft.
- Citywide permit exemptions: limited duration signs for sales/lease/rental or construction — residential parcels: one per street frontage plus one per additional 300 ft of frontage; up to 6 sq ft (16 sq ft on lots >2 acres), max 8 ft high, 300 ft separation or not simultaneously visible; unlimited duration during active sale/lease until 15 days after transaction; construction: allowed during active permits until final/CO; special larger allowances for approved townhome subdivisions based on site acreage; nonresidential parcels: similar allowances with 16 sq ft (32 sq ft on lots >2 acres) limits and same height, separation, and duration rules.
- Citywide permit exemptions: temporary wayfinding during public ROW construction when determined necessary by the DCO (up to 32 sq ft, 8 ft height, may be in ROW without blocking visibility triangles; fee; allowed for duration of construction).
- Permit exceptions (no sign permit required): replaceable copy changes on signs designed for it (including panel swaps) that do not alter structure; simple nonstructural maintenance (e.g., paint/stucco; replacing defective parts/lighting/vinyl letters).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A Master Signage Plan is required as a condition of any Development Order to develop or redevelop a property.
- A Master Signage Plan is required with all permit applications involving a sign or its light source.
- A Master Signage Plan is required with all permit applications involving exterior renovations to a building with attached signs.
- All properties within Community Redevelopment Districts (CRDs) must submit a Master Signage Plan Form.
- The Master Signage Plan documents existing and proposed signage and is used to determine and allocate a property's maximum aggregate sign area.
- Permit submittals must include a Master Signage Plan if required (it is a listed permit submittal item).
- An Alternate Master Sign Plan is available for qualifying multi-building/tenant campuses (e.g., at least 3 acres, unified ownership/management, shared circulation/parking, frontage on a major collector/principal arterial/highway; special criteria also provided for CRDs and for large multifamily/ALF sites).
- Under an approved Alternate Master Sign Plan, the Development Control Officer (DCO) may grant bonus freestanding monument sign height/area up to 24 ft tall and 200 sq ft sign face when specific findings are met (architectural quality and/or regional significance/visibility need).
- Within CRDs, Alternate Master Sign Plans are limited to certain character districts (MUC, MA, PO) and may allow freestanding monument signs up to 12 ft when approved.
- The code’s purpose statement explicitly notes streamlining approvals by requiring master signage plans.
- No separate variance/hearing procedure for signs is specified in this excerpt; discretionary adjustments are provided through the DCO-approved Alternate Master Sign Plan and bonus height/area criteria.

## 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 6 zoning districts in Largo — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Largo+FL&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-largo

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