Hollywood, FL Sign Permit Checklist - City Bylaws

Signs and Advertising Florida 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

In Hollywood, Florida, businesses and property owners must secure a sign permit before erecting, altering, or replacing most exterior signs. This checklist explains which permits apply, the typical documents to submit, and how the City enforces sign rules in Hollywood, Florida. Use the City municipal code and the official permit pages to confirm exact requirements and to file your application.

Signs: basic rules

The City of Hollywood regulates signs through its municipal code; dimensional limits, permitted sign types, and restrictions on illumination are established there.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces sign regulations through permitting reviews, inspections, and code enforcement. Where precise penalty amounts or escalation schedules are not published on the cited pages, this checklist notes that the amount or procedure is not specified on the cited page.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code for any numeric penalties or civil fine schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing-offence treatment is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, or demolition/abatement can be issued per code; exact remedies and procedures are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcer and inspection pathway: Building/Code Enforcement departments inspect sign work and accept complaints; contact the City Building/Inspection division for inspections and complaints.[3]
  • Appeals and review: time limits and appeal routes are not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or contact the Building Division to learn appeal deadlines.
  • Defences and variances: relief by variance or administrative approval may be available under zoning provisions; specific procedures are set in code and may require separate applications.
  • Common violations: un-permitted signs, signs exceeding allowed size, illuminated signs without approval, and signs in the public right-of-way are typical violations and may prompt enforcement.
If you install or modify a sign without a required permit, you may face enforcement even after removing the sign.

Applications & Forms

  • Sign Permit Application: use the City’s official sign permit application and submittal checklist listed on the Building/Permits page to begin.[2]
  • Required documents: typical submittal items include scaled drawings, structural calculations for mounted signs, site plan showing sign location, and proof of property ownership; check the City checklist for exact items.[2]
  • Fees: permit fees and review fees vary by sign type and value; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed on the permit page or fee schedule.
  • Deadlines and review times: processing times are set by the Building Division and are not specified on the cited page.
Prepare scaled drawings and a clear site plan before you submit to reduce review delays.

Design and placement considerations

Design rules—such as maximum sign area, height, setback from the right-of-way, and illumination controls—are defined in the City zoning and sign chapters; consult the municipal code for dimensional tables and zoning-specific limits.[1]

Setbacks and zoning district rules often determine whether a freestanding sign or wall sign is allowed; confirm allowed types for your zoning district in the code.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit for a new sign?
The majority of exterior signs require a permit; minor repairs may be exempt but check the municipal code and the City permit page for exemptions.[1]
Where do I submit the sign permit application?
Submit applications through the City Building/Permits portal or in person at the Building Division as instructed on the City permit page.[2]
How do I report an un-permitted sign?
Report suspected violations to the City Building Division or Code Enforcement via the contact methods on the Building/Inspection page.[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm sign type and zoning allowances by reviewing the municipal code and your zoning district rules.[1]
  2. Prepare required drawings, site plan, and structural documentation per the City checklist.[2]
  3. Complete the official Sign Permit Application and pay the required fee as instructed on the permit page.[2]
  4. Submit the application to the Building Division and schedule inspections or follow-ups as directed by staff.[3]
  5. Address any review corrections promptly; obtain final approval and retain the permit on site during installation.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check the municipal code first to confirm allowed sign types and dimensions.
  • Use the City’s official application and checklist to avoid delays.
  • Contact the Building Division early for questions or to report violations.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances - Sign and zoning provisions
  2. [2] City of Hollywood Building/Permits - Sign permit application and checklist
  3. [3] City of Hollywood Building Inspections - contact and inspection information