Sign Regulations in Florida, New York
Florida, New York has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Freestanding Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Florida, New York
Sample Sign Requirements in Florida
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | 12 feet | — | 15' from building corner at intersection |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet (8 feet for shopping center sign bottom panel) | 100 sq ft per side (double-faced); shopping centers: max 80 sq ft (40 sq ft per side) | Min. 15' from side property line; min. 50' from other freestanding signs |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area, up to 4 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for FloridaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
22
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Window Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Florida
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
In Florida, monument signs are limited to 20 feet (8 feet for shopping center sign bottom panel). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Florida, 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 Florida, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Freestanding Sign, 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.
In Florida, monument signs typically require a Min. 15' from side property line; min. 50' from other freestanding signs setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Florida are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Florida has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Florida, New York Sign Rules at a Glance
Florida, New York regulates 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the CS District, RO District, GC District, Business Districts, Industrial Districts zoning district are capped at 20 feet (8 feet for shopping center sign bottom panel) tall and 100 sq ft per side (double-faced); shopping centers: max 80 sq ft (40 sq ft per side), with a Min. 15' from side property line; min. 50' from other freestanding signs setback (Sec. §119-18H(5)(a)-(g); §119-18G(2)(b)[6]; §119-18B). Most commercial signs in Florida require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Florida, New York
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Florida (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS District, RO District, GC District, Business Districts, Industrial Districts | 9 | 20 feet (8 feet for shopping center sign bottom panel) | 100 sq ft per side (double-faced); shopping centers: max 80 sq ft (40 sq ft per side) | — |
| Residential Districts | 7 | — | 16 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | 32 sq ft (single-sided); 64 sq ft (double-sided) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Florida
CS District, RO District, GC District, Business Districts, Industrial Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | Total number of signs on single commercial building/industrial lot not to exceed 4, of which only one may be freestanding; window signs not counted towards total (§119-18G(1)(b)) | On building walls; window signs are exempt from area calculation. | — | Unlock | §119-18G(2)(b)[1],[5]; §119-18H(3)(a)-(c); §119-18B |
| Projecting Sign | 12 feet | — | — | 15' from building corner at intersection | — | Attached to building; not over vehicular areas; minimum 7'6" over pedestrian areas; minimum 15' from building corner at street intersection. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(4)(a)-(e); §119-18G(1)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet (8 feet for shopping center sign bottom panel) | 100 sq ft per side (double-faced); shopping centers: max 80 sq ft (40 sq ft per side) | — | Min. 15' from side property line; min. 50' from other freestanding signs | Not more than one freestanding sign per lot except shopping centers. | Outside public right-of-way; min. 15' from side property line; min. 50' from other freestanding sign; may not overhang property lines. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(5)(a)-(g); §119-18G(2)(b)[6]; §119-18B |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area, up to 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On window; must be translucent or transparent. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(7)(a); §119-18G(2)(b)[1] |
| Representational Sign | — | 5 sq ft | — | — | One per establishment | Attached to building, may project up to 4' from structure. | — | Unlock | §119-18G(2)(b)[7]; §119-18H(6) |
| Illuminated Sign (Time/Temperature/Public Service) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §119-18G(2)(b)[8]; §119-18F(3) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Flat to front/sides of awning only (no projection from awning). | — | Unlock | §119-18H(7)(c) |
| Permanent Sign Displaying Product | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One per permitted business | On premises of business. | — | Unlock | §119-18E(17) |
Residential Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 16 sq ft | — | 15' from all property boundaries | One freestanding and/or one projecting sign for permitted (non)residential uses | On premises, pertaining to use of property | — | Unlock | §119-18G(2)(a)[1],[2] |
| Projecting Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One freestanding and/or one projecting sign for permitted (non)residential uses | Attached to principal building. | — | Unlock | §119-18G(2)(a)[1],[2] |
| Temporary Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §119-18H(1); §119-18E (for specific exempt types) |
| Construction/Development Sign | — | 16 sq ft (development sign) | — | 35' from property line or attached to building face | One per project | Parallel to highway, min. 35' from property line or on building face. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(2)(a) |
| Temporary Real Estate/For Sale Sign | — | 4 sq ft per side | — | — | One per premises | On premises only | — | Unlock | §119-18E(10) |
| Political Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | 15' from property lines | — | Set back at least 15' from all property lines; not within public right-of-way. | — | Unlock | §119-18E(16) |
| Promotional/Special Event Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §119-18E(15) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign/Bulletin Board for Institutions | — | 20 sq ft per sign; one per entrance on different street/highway | — | — | One per entrance on a different street/highway | On premises of institution or, with approval, off premises. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(2)(b) |
| Sign for Multiple Dwellings/Apartment Developments | — | 18 sq ft per sign, one per entrance on different street/highway | — | — | One per entrance on a different street/highway | On premises | — | Unlock | §119-18H(2)(c) |
| Public Utility Sign | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises of public utility. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(2)(d) |
| Off-Premises Directional Sign | — | 10 sq ft per establishment | — | — | Up to 2 per establishment | Major and collector streets only. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(2)(e) |
| Recreation Facility Sign | — | 32 sq ft (single-sided); 64 sq ft (double-sided) | — | — | One per facility | On premises of recreational area, golf club, etc. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(2)(f) |
| Campus/Institutional Campus Sign (10+ acres) | — | — | — | Directional signs: min 50' from public street. | — | On premises of campus (10+ acres); all entrances/roads. | — | Unlock | §119-18H(2)(g) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Florida are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Florida
- No sign in any district shall be placed or located within or extend into the right-of-way of any public highway or roadway.
- No off-premises signs shall be allowed, other than as permitted under the exempt signs provision or under the off-premises directional signs provisions.
- No sign shall be illuminated by backlighting or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or revolving lights, except to show time and temperature.
- No sail banner signs shall be allowed.
- No sign shall impair or cause confusion of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in its design, color or placement.
- No sign shall impair visibility for the motorist at a street corner or intersection by placement and location within the right-of-way of the intersection of the street or highway lines.
- No sign or sign supports shall be placed upon the roof of any building.
- No sign shall be animated, whether by mechanical or electrical processes, including signs with banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices or paraphernalia.
- No advertising message shall be extended over more than one sign placed along a street or highway.
- Exterior advertising signs and billboards are prohibited.
- No sign shall emit noise, sounds or smoke.
- No sign shall be of a prurient nature or advertise businesses, commodities, or services of a prurient nature or any unlawful business or undertaking.
- No sign shall illuminate any part of a building, such as a gable, roof, side, wall or corner, including windows.
- No sign shall be mounted on parked vehicles or other similar mobile advertising media.
- No sign shall project over a street.
- No sign shall be made of cardboard, paper, canvas or similar impermanent materials.
Exempt Signs in Florida
- Historical markers, tablets and statues, memorial signs and plaques; names and dates of buildings; and non-advertising, on-premises signs installed by religious or nonprofit organizations, not exceeding six square feet.
- Signs, notices or emblems, not to exceed two square feet in area, required by governmental agencies to operate a licensed establishment or business.
- Flags or insignias of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
- On-premises, non-advertising directional signs for the convenience of the public, identifying public parking areas, fire zones, entrances and exits, etc., not exceeding two square feet per face; additional small sign per tenant; freestanding signs max six feet in height; business/personal names allowed, excluding advertising messages.
- Non-illuminated warning, private drive, posted or no-trespassing signs, not to exceed two square feet per face and no more than one per 100 linear feet of frontage.
- One on-premises sign, either freestanding or attached, for residential buildings for permitted professional offices or home occupations, not exceeding two square feet; name and vocation only; illumination must not produce glare beyond property line.
- Number and name plates identifying residents, mounted on house, apartment, or mailbox, not exceeding one square foot.
- Lawn signs identifying residents, not exceeding one square foot, or two square feet if double-faced; non-illuminated except by integral lamppost; no advertising message.
- Private-owner merchandise sale signs for garage sales and auctions, not exceeding six square feet, for a period not exceeding seven days.
- Temporary, non-illuminated 'for sale,' 'for rent,' real estate or similar signs concerning the premises; max four square feet per side in residential, 12 in business/industrial (with setback); must be removed within three days after sale, lease or rental.
- Two temporary signs for a roadside stand selling agricultural produce, in season, not exceeding six square feet, not in public right-of-way.
- Temporary, non-illuminated window signs and posters not exceeding 25% of the window surface.
- Temporary, seasonal displays for national, state or religious holidays, except for commercial promotion; perimeter lighting allowed up to 60 days.
- At gasoline stations: pump price signs, two auxiliary signs per station (each max two square feet), one portable sign (12 sq ft, max 4 ft height), internally illuminated signs during business hours, meeting/event directional signs (max two sq ft, limited period), construction/project signs (max two sq ft in residential, 16 sq ft in business/industrial), not to exceed 90 days.
- Promotional signage, including banners, for special events of limited duration, not exceeding eight square feet in residential or 16 in business/industrial, provided placement limits and sponsor identification are met.
- Political posters, banners and similar signs, not exceeding four square feet in residential or 16 in business/industrial; with placement and setback/time/removal requirements.
- Display of one permanent sign by a permitted business for the purposes of displaying its product, provided that such sign does not exceed two square feet.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Florida
- Applications for sign permits must include a plan, drawn to scale, showing the sign's location in relation to buildings, property lines, roads, driveways, other signage, and must indicate distances.
- Applications must also provide a description, method of illumination, graphic design, message content, and any other information required for compliance determination.
- A permit is required for all signs unless specifically exempted in the ordinance.
- Signs in the CS, RO, and GC Districts are subject to Architectural Review Board review prior to obtaining a permit.
- Master/comprehensive sign plan requirements are noted for shopping centers (for common freestanding signs and coordinated attached signs for groups of businesses).
- All signage in the central shopping district must be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board.
- Where special circumstances create difficulty with strict compliance, the Planning Board may approve a waiver/adjustment of up to 10%, with conditions.
- Nonconforming signs may require a permit to continue for a limited period if they cannot be modified to comply.
Source: ecode360 municipal code