Sign Regulations in Surfside, Florida
Surfside, Florida has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Individually-mounted Letter Sign, Emergency Address Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Surfside, Florida
Sample Sign Requirements in Surfside
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — |
| Individually-mounted Letter Sign | — | 150 sq ft (total), 45 sq ft (single sign), 1 sq ft per frontage ft | — |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 20% of window/door area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Individually-mounted Letter Sign
- Emergency Address Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Permanent Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Surfside
Other Cities in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Surfside vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Surfside, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Surfside, regulated sign types include Individually-mounted Letter Sign, Emergency Address Sign, Projecting Sign, Permanent Window Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Surfside vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Surfside are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Surfside has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Surfside, Florida Sign Rules at a Glance
Surfside, Florida regulates 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the H30C Zoning District; H40 Zoning District; MU Zoning District; H120 Zoning District zoning district are capped at 5 ft tall and 30 sq ft, with a 5 ft from all property lines setback (Sec. Sec. 90-73(b)(3)b.). Most commercial signs in Surfside require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Surfside, Florida
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Surfside (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SD-B40 Zoning District | 6 | — | 150 sq ft (total), 45 sq ft (single sign), 1 sq ft per frontage ft | — |
| H30C Zoning District; H40 Zoning District; MU Zoning District; H120 Zoning District | 7 | 18 in | 75 sq ft (multi-family/H30C/H40) | — |
| H30A Zoning District; H30B Zoning District | 1 | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 42 in (for in-ground sign inc. frame) | 40 sq in | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Surfside(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
SD-B40 Zoning District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | Ground level tenant space only; not allowed for upper floor tenants; cannot be mounted above ground level tenant space. Encroachment into right-of-way only if at least 8 ft vertical clearance | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(a)(3)a. |
| Individually-mounted Letter Sign | — | 150 sq ft (total), 45 sq ft (single sign), 1 sq ft per frontage ft | — | — | — | Building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(a)(3)b. |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 20% of window/door area | — | — | 1 per window/door | Primary and side street level frontages; applied to (or within 12 inches of) glass window or door (inside or outside) | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(a)(3)c. |
| Television Screen or Similar Electronic Feature | — | 20% of glass window (if within 36 in) | — | — | — | Inside storefront projecting to sidewalk, oriented to pedestrian, angled parallel to sidewalk | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(a)(3)d. |
| Emergency Address Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Alley side (wall mounted or posted on rear door, Blocks 3–6, Altos Del Mar #6) | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(a)(3)e. |
| Menu Sign (Exempt) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On wall, window, or front door of sit-down restaurant | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-70(b)(7) |
H30C Zoning District; H40 Zoning District; MU Zoning District; H120 Zoning District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individually-mounted Letter Sign | — | 75 sq ft (multi-family/H30C/H40) | — | — | — | Building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(b)(3)a. |
| Monument Sign | 5 ft | 30 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property lines | 1 per street frontage | 5 ft setback from property lines; may not project into setback; landscaped required at base | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(b)(3)b. |
| Supplemental Sign | — | 3 sq ft; except H120 district hotel restaurant: 5 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(b)(3)c. |
| Parking Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance/exit | At each exit/entrance of parking lots | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(b)(3)d. |
| Emergency Address Sign | 18 in | 18 in high x 24 in wide | 24 in | — | — | Free-standing post, east side of Collins Ave abutting the beach walking path | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(b)(3)e. |
| Electric Vehicle Charging Station Sign | 18 in | 24 in wide x 18 in high | 24 in | — | — | At charging station | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(b)(3)f. |
| Ground-affixed Letter or Number Sign | 5 ft from ground | 20 sq ft (per sign) | — | 2.5 ft from right-of-way | — | 2.5 ft from right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-73(b)(3)g. |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign (SD-B40) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building frontage | On building wall, not above eave line | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-74(a)(1) |
| Real Estate Sign (All Other Districts) | 42 in (for in-ground sign inc. frame) | 18 in x 24 in (main panel); riders: 6 in x 24 in up to 2 | 24 in | — | 1 per street frontage | On building wall or securely fastened to free-standing stake/post | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-74(a)(2-5) |
| Temporary Sign (SD-B40) | — | 3 sq ft per sign | — | — | 3 per building frontage | Building wall or window | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-74(b) |
| Temporary Sign (All Other Districts) | 42 in (for in-ground signs incl. frame) | 3 sq ft per sign | — | — | 5 per property | Wall mounted or securely fastened to free-standing stake/post; outside sight triangle; cannot cross property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-74(c) |
| Temporary Banner Sign (SD-B40) | — | 32 sq ft or 5% of building facade facing public street, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per building frontage or window | Building frontage (wall or window), attached to wall, not above eave line | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-74(i) |
| Temporary Construction Site Identification Sign | 4 ft (top above grade) | 40 sq in | — | Min 5 ft from front property line unless building closer | 1 per site | Parallel or perpendicular to front property line, temp basis, freestanding or on building/door/window if less than 5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-74(g) |
| Temporary Window Sign | — | 20% of glass window/door area | — | — | 1 per window | Attached to or within 12 in of glass window/door | — | Unlock | Sec. 90-74(h) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Surfside. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Surfside
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, or affixed in violation of these regulations or not specifically provided for and permitted by these regulations.
- Awning signs or any sign printed on or attached to an awning or canopy are prohibited.
- Balloon signs or other inflatable signs are prohibited, except balloons may be permitted for a period not to exceed 24 hours for a temporary, non-commercial event at a residence.
- Banner signs are prohibited except as otherwise permitted by Code.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- Cabinet signs are prohibited.
- Changeable copy signs or marquees are prohibited.
- Home business signs are prohibited.
- Flags are prohibited except as otherwise permitted by Code.
- Lighted signs including strings of lights or lights framing a window are prohibited.
- Mirror devices used as part of a sign are prohibited.
- Off-premise signs including persons wearing costumes and/or holding temporary signs with commercial copy are prohibited.
- Pole-mounted signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs including A-frame, sandwich board, and moveable makeshift signs such as signs attached to a mannequin or mounted on furniture, or any other similar portable sign or moveable object primarily designed for display or to attract sidewalk traffic are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs whose face is designed or constructed to be placed or transported on wheels are prohibited.
- Snipe or bandit signs are prohibited except political signs and real estate signs.
- Temporary signs including posters and handbills are prohibited except as otherwise permitted by Code.
- Umbrella signs are prohibited.
- Signs containing wording which constitutes fraudulent or misleading advertising are prohibited.
- Signs containing obscene matter or wording which violates any federal, state or county statute, ordinance or rule are prohibited.
- Signs with spinning devices, streamers, fluttering or other similar advertising devices are prohibited.
- Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odors are prohibited.
- Signs not erected by a public authority which simulate, copy, or imply any official traffic sign, signal or police caution device are prohibited.
- Signs that display lights which are intermittent, blinking, moving, revolving, flashing or similar (with holiday exception of December 10 through January 5) are prohibited.
- Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape are prohibited.
- Signs shall not be placed in any location which obstructs a motorist's vision of an intersection, traffic control signal, vehicular, pedestrian or bicycle traffic.
- Signs shall not be placed on or near the rear of a lot or building so as to face another zoning district except as permitted.
- No sign shall be suspended across any vacant lot, unoccupied building or temporary structure nor affixed to them except as otherwise permitted.
- Except as otherwise authorized by the town manager or designee, no sign of any type shall be suspended across or affixed in any public street, right-of-way, sidewalk, easement, alley or waterway, or to any curb, sidewalk, tree, utility pole, hydrant, traffic signal, street sign, or other structure within public property.
- Signs placed without the express permission of the property owner or agent are prohibited.
- No permanent sign shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained, or relocated without a sign permit issued by the town (except as otherwise provided in this Code).
Exempt Signs in Surfside
- National flag (if displayed in a window, it shall not exceed 20% of the window glass area).
- Banners erected by the town including street pole banners.
- Non-illuminated numerical address.
- Open/closed sign suspended behind a glass window or door, not exceeding one square foot; may be illuminated by white internal illumination, but not blinking.
- Non-illuminated business hours sign suspended behind a glass window or door, not exceeding one square foot.
- All temporary signs as provided in section 90-74.
- Menu sign not exceeding two square feet, displayed on the wall, window, or front door of a sit-down restaurant within the SD-B40 district only.
- Plastic or metal wall sign not larger than 16 inches wide and five inches high stating 'Managed by ____' with appropriate managing party name.
- Fumigation warning sign as required by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Any sign placed or erected by the town.
- Construction site signs meeting the requirements of section 90-74(g) do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Surfside
- A written application for a sign permit must be submitted prior to erection, construction, alteration, maintenance, or relocation of any permanent sign, except for exempt signs.
- The application must include drawings and specifications to fully advise the town on location, construction, illumination, mounting, consent from property owner, etc.
- All signs (unless otherwise exempt) are subject to review by the design review board, which assesses compliance with code, materials, design, illumination and appropriateness.
- No sign shall be approved or permitted unless found in compliance with the code and applicable building and electrical codes.
- Signs not in compliance or installed without a permit are considered non-complying and are subject to code enforcement or removal by the town.
Source: municode municipal code