Hollywood FL Sign Permit Size & Illumination Rules

Land Use and Zoning Florida 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

In Hollywood, Florida, signs for businesses, temporary events and developments are regulated by the citys land development and building permit rules to protect safety and neighborhood character. This guide summarizes where to find the official rules, how size and illumination are controlled, application steps, enforcement and practical actions property owners and contractors should take to get compliant permits before installing or altering signs. It focuses on city-level requirements, where to apply, and what to expect if a sign is cited for a violation in Hollywood, Florida.

Always check the city permit page and the municipal code before ordering fabrication.

Sign size and illumination basics

The City of Hollywood regulates sign area, height, placement relative to rights-of-way, and lighting. Illuminated signs may be subject to limits on brightness, hours of illumination and shielding near residential zones. Requirements vary by zoning district and by sign type (wall, freestanding, canopy, window, temporary). For authoritative text and the ordinance language consult the municipal code and the Planning & Development Services permit pages [1][2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by city departments with inspection and complaint intake; penalties and remedial orders can follow an inspection or complaint.

  • Enforcer: Building Division and Code Enforcement; complaints and inspections are routed through Planning & Development Services.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, permit revocation and court action are possible remedies per city procedures.
  • Inspection & complaint pathway: file a complaint or request inspection with Planning & Development Services or Code Enforcement using the citys official contact channels.
  • Appeals: appeal routes and time limits are governed by the municipal code or administrative procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances or administrative waivers may be available when criteria in the code are met; where precise standards are not published, applicants should request a pre-application meeting.
If you receive a notice, contact Planning & Development Services immediately to learn appeal deadlines and corrective steps.

Applications & Forms

The official sign permit application and requirements are published by the Citys Planning & Development or Building Division. Name/number, fee schedules and submission method are provided on the city permit pages; if a specific form number or fee is not on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page [2].

  • Form: sign permit application (official form available from the Building or Planning pages).
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: typically submitted to Planning & Development Services or Building Division per the citys instructions; electronic submittal options vary by permit type.
Permit requirements change by zoning district; a pre-application review speeds approval.

Common violations

  • Unpermitted freestanding or roof signs installed without a permit.
  • Sign area or height exceeding limits for the zoning district.
  • Illumination that is not shielded or exceeds allowed hours near residential zones.
  • Obstructions of sidewalks, visibility triangles or rights-of-way.

How-To

  1. Confirm zoning and permitted sign types for the property with Planning & Development Services.
  2. Download and complete the official sign permit application from the city and assemble required drawings, structural calculations and electrical permits if illuminated.
  3. Submit the application and required documents to the Building Division or online portal as directed; pay applicable fees or request fee schedule information.
  4. Schedule inspections after installation and retain approval documentation on site.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to change a sign face or replace bulbs?
Minor maintenance may not require a new sign permit, but replacement that changes size, structure or illumination typically does; check with the Building Division.
How long does a sign permit take?
Processing times vary by completeness, zoning review and whether electrical or structural review is required; specific timelines are not specified on the cited page.
Can I appeal a removal order?
Yes. Appeal procedures exist under the municipal code or administrative rules; the cited pages do not specify exact appeal deadlines or procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Always verify zoning and submit the official sign permit application before work begins.
  • Enforcement can include removal orders and fines; contact Planning & Development Services promptly if cited.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  2. [2] Planning & Development Services - City of Hollywood

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