Davie Political Sign Rules and For-Sale Exemptions
In Davie, Florida, political signs and "for sale" signage are governed by the town's land development and sign rules and enforced by Code Compliance and Building/Planning staff. This guide explains where political signs may appear, common exemptions for for-sale signs, enforcement channels, and practical steps to get a permit, report a violation, or appeal an enforcement action in Davie, Florida.
What the rules cover
Davie treats signs by type (permanent, temporary, political, and real estate). Political signs commonly fall under temporary sign provisions and are subject to location, size, and right-of-way restrictions; real estate "for sale" signs often have specific exemptions or different allowance criteria in residential zones. For statutory text and local definitions, consult the Town of Davie Code of Ordinances and the Town's Building/Planning pages.[1]
Allowed locations and basic limits
General practice in Davie separates private-property signage (allowed with owner permission) from signs in the public right-of-way (generally prohibited). Permanent signs require permits; temporary political signs may be allowed without a permanent sign permit but must meet size, setback, and display-time rules set in the code. Specific dimensions, setback distances, and time windows are set in the municipal code and zoning rules; please refer to the code and Planning/Building pages for the governing text and any zone-specific provisions.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the Town of Davie Code Compliance Division and, for permitting matters, the Building/Planning office. Procedures typically include inspection, notice of violation, an opportunity to correct, administrative fines or citations, and escalation to special magistrate hearings or the county/circuit court if unresolved. Where the code or department pages do not list specific fine amounts or escalation schedules, the figure is not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the Code of Ordinances for current civil penalty amounts and schedules.[1]
- Escalation: first notice, followed by repeated notices or citations; exact ranges for first/repeat/continuing offences not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove signs, administrative hearings, and court action; seizure or impoundment practices are not specified on the cited page.[2]
- Enforcer: Town of Davie Code Compliance Division and Building/Planning Department; complaint and contact links are on the official town pages.[2]
- Appeals/review: administrative appeal to the town hearing officer or special magistrate, with time limits for appeal noted in the code or hearing procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Applications & Forms
Permanent sign permits and some temporary sign permits are processed through the Town of Davie Building/Planning Division. The sign permit application name/number, fee schedule, and submission instructions are published on the Town's permit pages or in permit packet PDFs; if a specific permit form or fee is not listed on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.[3]
Common violations
- Signs placed in the public right-of-way or on medians without authorization.
- Permanent signs installed without a permit.
- Signs exceeding size, height, or setback limits for the zoning district.
Action steps
- To install a permanent sign: obtain the Town sign permit from Building/Planning and follow submittal checklist on the official permit page.[3]
- To report an illegal sign or get clarification: contact Code Compliance via the official complaint/contact page.[2]
- If you receive a notice: read it carefully, correct the violation within the specified time, or file an appeal as provided in the notice and code.
FAQ
- Are political signs allowed in Davie?
- Political signs are generally allowed on private property with property owner permission and subject to the town's temporary sign provisions; signs in the public right-of-way are generally prohibited. See the Town code for definitions and limits.[1]
- Do "for sale" signs get special treatment?
- Real estate "for sale" signs are commonly governed by specific provisions or exemptions in the sign regulations and zoning rules; consult the sign chapter and Planning/Building for zone-specific rules.[3]
- What happens if a sign violates the code?
- Code Compliance will issue notices and may impose fines or require removal; exact fine amounts and escalation procedures are listed in ordinance enforcement provisions or are not specified on the cited page.
How-To
- Check the Town of Davie Code of Ordinances and the Planning/Building permit page to confirm whether your sign is classified as temporary or permanent and whether a permit is required.[1]
- If a permit is required, download and complete the official sign permit application from the Building/Planning page and prepare required drawings and site plans.[3]
- Submit the application per the Building/Planning instructions or contact Code Compliance for guidance; keep copies of all submissions and receipts.
- If you receive a notice of violation, follow the correction timeline on the notice and contact the issuing department immediately to discuss appeal rights.
Key Takeaways
- Political signs are typically allowed on private property but must meet local temporary sign rules.
- Permanent signs require a permit; check the Building/Planning permit page before installation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Town of Davie Code Compliance
- Town of Davie Planning & Zoning / Building
- Town of Davie Code of Ordinances