Hollywood, FL Political Sign Permit Guide

Elections and Campaign Finance Florida 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

Campaigns placing political signs in Hollywood, Florida must follow local sign, zoning, and permitting rules to avoid fines and removal. This guide explains where signs are allowed, timing rules around election dates, common restrictions (setbacks, size, illumination), and the city offices that enforce rules. It focuses on practical steps campaigns and volunteers should take: verify whether a permit is required, obtain any necessary approvals, display identification when placing signs, and respond promptly to complaints. For precise code language and the controlling municipal provisions, contact the City of Hollywood Building and Planning offices listed below.

Sign rules overview

Political signs are generally regulated by local sign and zoning provisions that limit size, placement, duration, and illumination. Typical municipal controls include prohibitions in public rights-of-way, minimum setbacks from sidewalks and intersections, and limits on numbers near polling places on election day. Campaigns should plan placement to avoid blocking sightlines or public infrastructure.

Check rules before installing any sign to avoid removal or penalties.

Placement, timing, and technical limits

  • Permits/forms: Determine whether a sign permit or permit exemption applies; temporary campaign signs often have different rules from permanent signs.
  • Timing: Many jurisdictions allow temporary political signs only within a set period before and after elections.
  • Size and materials: Maximum area and height limits commonly apply; illuminated signs are often prohibited for temporary political displays.
  • Right-of-way and sightlines: Signs placed in public rights-of-way, medians, or within clear sight triangles at intersections are typically prohibited.
  • Identification: Campaign signs may be required to include the name of the candidate or responsible party and contact information for removal requests.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of Hollywood enforcement divisions designated in the municipal code and by Building/Planning staff; specific remedies include removal orders, civil fines, and court actions. Specific fine amounts for political sign violations are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1] Enforcement may include notice to the sign owner, a compliance deadline, and abatement if the sign is not removed.

Failure to correct violations promptly can lead to sign removal and civil penalties.
  • Fines: Amounts and daily accruals vary by ordinance or code schedule; review official code for exact figures.
  • Escalation: Typical progression is warning, fine, continuing violation fines, and abatement; exact escalation steps are set by code or administrative rules.
  • Non‑monetary actions: Removal orders, permit suspensions for repeat violators, and court injunctions may be available to the city.
  • How to report: File a complaint with the City of Hollywood Building or Code Compliance division; use the official complaint/contact channels listed below.
  • Appeals: Administrative appeal or code enforcement hearing processes are available; time limits for filing appeals are set in the municipal code or the enforcement notice.

Applications & Forms

Check the City of Hollywood Building Division for any sign permit application or temporary sign permit. If a specific sign permit form or fee schedule is required for political signs, the Building Division posts the application and submission instructions; if no form appears there, contact the division directly for guidance.

Some temporary political signs require no building permit but still must comply with size and placement limits enforced by code.

How-To

  1. Confirm applicable rules by reviewing the city sign ordinance and zoning provisions or contacting Building/Planning.
  2. Obtain any required permit or follow the temporary sign exemption rules; complete posted forms if requested by staff.
  3. Place signs only on private property with the owner’s permission and outside public rights-of-way; respect sightline and setback rules.
  4. Monitor signs during the regulated period; remove signs promptly after the permitted time window to avoid enforcement.
  5. If cited, follow the notice instructions, pay any assessed fines or file an appeal within the time limit specified in the notice.

FAQ

Do political signs need a permit in Hollywood, Florida?
Rules depend on size, location, and duration; check with the Building Division for permit requirements and exemptions.
Can I place signs on public property or medians?
Signs are typically prohibited in public rights-of-way, medians, and sight triangles; use private property with permission instead.
What should I do if my campaign sign is removed?
Contact the Building or Code Compliance office immediately to learn why the sign was removed and whether an appeal or retrieval is available.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan sign placement on private property and verify local size and timing limits before installation.
  • Confirm the allowable timeframe around elections and remove signs promptly when the period ends.
  • If cited, follow the enforcement notice and use the appeal process if applicable.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Hollywood - Code of Ordinances (municipal code)

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