Sign Size, Height & Lighting Rules - Pembroke Pines

Land Use and Zoning Florida 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Florida

Pembroke Pines, Florida regulates commercial and residential signs through the city land-use and building-permit system. This guide summarizes where to find the official sign size, height, and lighting standards, how permits and variances work, common violations, and how enforcement and appeals proceed in Pembroke Pines.

Sign standards overview

Sign types (wall, freestanding, awning, temporary, electronic) are controlled by the City Code and the Land Development Code; exact dimensional and illumination limits are set in the municipal code and related planning documents.[1]

Always check the current municipal code before designing or installing a sign.

Where to apply and permits

Most permanent signs require a City sign permit issued by the Building Division; zoning or planning approval may be required for new or larger signs. See the Building Division permit page for application steps and submission channels.[2]

Typical permit steps

  1. Prepare scaled drawings and site plan showing proposed sign location.
  2. Complete the sign permit application and attach electrical permit if lighting or electrical work is proposed.
  3. Submit to the Building Division for review; wait for zoning clearance if required.
  4. Pay permit and inspection fees when invoiced.
Electrical work for illuminated signs generally requires a separate electrical permit.

Design rules: size, height, lighting

Dimensional standards depend on zoning district, frontage, and sign type; illuminated and electronic message signs often have additional time and brightness controls in the code. For the precise numerical limits and allowed sign types by zoning district, consult the City Code and Planning Department sign guidelines.[1] [3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by City departments (Building Division and Code Enforcement) and may include notices of violation, stop-work orders, and civil penalties. The municipal code and enforcement pages identify the enforcing offices and complaint procedures; specific fine amounts or per-day rates are not specified on the cited page(s) or require locating the exact code subsection.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, abatement by the city and lien placement (where authorized).
  • Enforcer: Building Division and Code Enforcement; complaints routed via the City website or Building Division contact page.[2]
  • Inspection: field inspection following complaint or permit review.
  • Appeals: Code or permit decisions are subject to administrative review or appeal as provided in the Land Development Code; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If a specific fine or time limit is required for your case, request the exact code section from the Building Division.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a sign permit application through the Building Division; the application name and fee schedule are available on the Building Division pages. If a dedicated online sign permit form or fee table is not shown on the page, the specific form number or fee is not specified on the cited page.[2]

  • Sign Permit Application: see Building Division for current form and submission method.[2]
  • Fees: listed with each permit on the Building Division page or fee schedule; specific amounts may vary by sign size and electrical work.
  • Deadlines: permit approvals and inspections follow the Building Division timeline; expedited review options if available are listed on the permit page.

Common violations

  • Unauthorized installation without a permit.
  • Signs exceeding maximum allowed height or area for the zoning district.
  • Excessive illumination or electronic message signs operating outside allowed hours.

How-To

  1. Confirm your property zoning and review sign types allowed for that district in the City Code and planning guidelines.[1]
  2. Prepare drawings, measurements, and electrical plans for illuminated signs.
  3. Complete the sign permit application and attach required materials; submit to the Building Division.[2]
  4. Respond to plan review comments and schedule inspections after permit issuance.
  5. If denied or cited, request the administrative appeal or variance process from the Planning Department.[3]

FAQ

Do I need a permit to replace a sign face?
Often yes; replacing a sign face may still require a permit if the work affects electrical wiring, structure, or changes sign area; confirm with the Building Division.[2]
Where are the exact size and height limits published?
Exact limits are published in the City Code and Land Development Code sign sections; consult the municipal code for numeric standards.[1]
How do I report an illegal or unsafe sign?
Report to Code Enforcement or the Building Division via the City website complaint form or contact page.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Check zoning and the municipal code before designing a sign.
  • Most permanent and illuminated signs require a Building Division permit.
  • Enforcement can include removal orders and civil penalties; exact fines should be verified with the Building Division or municipal code.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Pembroke Pines Code of Ordinances - sign regulations and Land Development Code
  2. [2] City of Pembroke Pines Building Division - permits and applications
  3. [3] City of Pembroke Pines Planning & Economic Development - variances and zoning guidance

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