Looking for information on Miami Beach Signage Requirements and Miami Beach, FL Code of Ordinances? See below guide.
Miami Beach Sign Regulations: What Businesses Need to Know
If you’re a business owner in Miami Beach, it’s important to know the city’s sign regulations to ensure compliance and avoid fines. The city enforces specific rules regarding the size, placement, and type of signage allowed for commercial properties. Below is a summary of the key regulations to help you plan your signage effectively.
✅ Allowed Sign Types
- Wall Signs: Must be attached to the building and cannot extend more than 12 inches from the wall. Typically, they must use individual letters or routed aluminum panels rather than solid board signs.
- Detached (Monument) Signs: Allowed in some districts, with a maximum size of 15 sq. ft. (or up to 30 sq. ft. if set back 20 feet from the property line). Height is generally limited to 5 feet.
- Window Signs: Businesses can have limited signage on their windows, with total coverage not exceeding 10% of the window area.
- Awning Signs: Signs can be placed on awnings, but they must be limited in size and require approval.
- Directory Signs: Allowed for commercial buildings to list multiple businesses, limited to 6 sq. ft. in size.
❌ Prohibited Signs
- Billboards & General Advertising Signs: Not allowed anywhere in Miami Beach.
- Flashing, Moving, or Animated Signs: No revolving, blinking, or scrolling digital signs are permitted.
- Pole Signs & Roof Signs: Generally not allowed, except for gas stations.
- Vehicle Advertising Signs: Signs attached to parked vehicles for advertising purposes are prohibited.
- Temporary Banners & Signs: Limited to one 14-day temporary banner per year per business.
- Inflatable Signs & Pennants: Not allowed except for special permitted events.
- Signs on Public Property: Posting signs on trees, utility poles, or sidewalks is strictly prohibited.
🏢 Permits & Compliance
- Most signs require a permit before installation. Businesses must submit plans for approval to ensure compliance with city design and safety standards.
- Historic Districts & Special Zones: Additional approvals may be required for businesses located in designated historic areas.
- Non-Compliant Signs: If your business installs a non-permitted sign, the city may issue a violation notice and require removal or modification.
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Navigating Miami Beach’s sign regulations can be challenging. If you need custom signage that meets local codes, we can help! Contact us today for design, fabrication, and installation services that ensure compliance with city laws.
Table of Contents
- General Information
- Design Standards
- Temporary Signs
- Specific Location Sign Regulations
- Specific Use Signs
- Legal Nonconforming Signs
General Information
Intent
The intent of these signage regulations is to establish comprehensive guidelines for all signs within Miami Beach, FL. These regulations aim to optimize communication, enhance the visual environment, and preserve the architectural character of the city. They ensure that signs contribute positively to the urban landscape and the overall aesthetic quality of South Beach.
Applicability and Severability
These regulations apply to all signs within the city and are in addition to other land development regulations. All signs, except those specifically exempted, require permits. The term “sign” includes all associated structures. Variances may be granted by appropriate city boards for signs that do not conform to these regulations.
General Requirements
- Permits: All signs must obtain a building permit or planning permit unless exempted. Applications must include detailed drawings and specifications.
- Compliance: Signs must comply with the Florida Building Code and corner visibility requirements.
- Location: Signs must be located only on the lot where the business, residence, or activity is situated.
- Maintenance: Signs must be kept in good condition and appearance.
- Inspection: No sign can be used without inspection and approval.
Exempt Signs
Certain signs are exempt from permit requirements but must comply with structural and safety standards:
- Official traffic and government signs.
- Historical markers approved by the historic preservation board.
- Private property signs directing pedestrians and traffic, without advertising.
- Temporary window signs made of paper, cardboard, or plastic film.
- Address signs not exceeding two square feet.
Signs in the Public Right of Way
Signs erected in public rights of way require approval from the Public Works Department.
Prohibited Signs
- General Advertising Signs: Not permitted within the city.
- Pennants and Banners: Prohibited unless for special events as specified.
- Flashing Signs: Not allowed.
- Vehicle Signs: Signs on vehicles parked for advertising purposes are prohibited.
- Roof and Pole Signs: Generally not permitted, except for specific uses like filling stations.
Removal Required
- Vacated Premises: Signs must be removed or altered within six months if the associated activity ceases.
- Non-compliant Signs: Signs without a permit must be removed.
- Historic or Architecturally Significant Signs: May be exempt from removal if deemed significant by the planning director.
Display of Signs on Vehicles
Vehicle signs are generally prohibited except for:
- Business identification during normal hours of operation.
- Government-required identification.
- Temporary election signs (up to seven days post-election).
Noncommercial Graphics and Images
- Non-electronic: Murals and graphics composed of non-electronic media require approval and must comply with design standards.
- Electronic: Electronic murals and images must be approved and comply with specific design standards, including illumination restrictions.
Design Standards
General Sign Requirements
- Signs must face streets or waterways and be compatible with building architecture.
- Electrical components must be hidden.
- Main business signs should only advertise licensed uses.
Window Signs
- One sign per window/door for address, phone, and hours.
- Size Limits: Numerals for address (6 inches), phone number and hours (2 inches), establishment name (6 inches).
- Aggregate Area: Not to exceed 5% of total window area.
Hanging Signs
- Permitted in All Districts Except RS (1-4): One non-illuminated sign hanging from an awning or canopy.
- Size: Maximum three square feet per side.
- Height Clearance: Minimum 7.5 feet.
Awning Signs
- Permitted on Valance Only: Length not to exceed 25% of awning length, maximum ten feet.
- Letter Height: Maximum eight inches.
- Design Review Required.
Wall Signs
- Materials: Individual letters or routed aluminum panels.
- Depth: Minimum two inches.
- Mounting: Pin-mounted or flush-mounted (raceways and wireways restricted).
- Size Limits: Varies by district, up to one square foot per linear foot of store frontage.
Projecting Signs
- Permitted in Specific Districts: One sign per street frontage, maximum 15 square feet.
- Height Clearance: Minimum nine feet.
- Design Review Required.
Detached Signs
- Permitted in Specific Districts: Size and height vary by district, up to 15 square feet or 30 square feet if set back 20 feet.
- Height: Maximum five feet, with possible design review for higher signs.
- Setback Requirements: Five to ten feet depending on yard type.
Directory Signs
- Commercial Buildings: One exterior directory sign up to six square feet, subject to design review.
Flags and Flagpoles
- Permitted Types: National, political subdivision, and organizational flags.
- Height: Ground-level flagpoles (50 feet), building-affixed flagpoles (25 feet above main roof deck).
- Setbacks: Varies by yard type, minimum seven and a half feet.
Non-commercial Graphics and Images
- Non-electronic: Maximum two per property, total area not exceeding 100 square feet.
- Electronic: Maximum two per property, total area not exceeding 100 square feet, restricted illumination.
Temporary Signs
General Regulations
- Duration: Temporary signs are allowed during the associated activity period, plus seven days post-activity.
- Permits: Required for signs larger than six square feet.
- Limits: Maximum two permits per premises per calendar year.
Design Standards for Temporary Signs
- Setback and Height: Ten feet setback from property lines, height restrictions vary by district.
- Number: One sign per street frontage, with exceptions for election/free speech signs.
- Type and Size: Window signs (10% of window area), non-window signs (up to 75 square feet).
Election Headquarter Signs
- No Size Limitation: In commercial or industrial districts, up to four campaign headquarters per candidate.
Balloon Signs
- Special Event Use: Permitted for special events, subject to review.
Banners
- One Per Calendar Year: Maximum 100 square feet, permitted for 14 days, subject to design review.
Garage Sale Signs
- One Sign Per Sale: 12 x 18 inches, allowed once yearly for two days.
Cultural Institutions Temporary Advertising
- Two Banners Per Structure: Up to 30 square feet each, permitted 30 days prior to event.
Vacant Storefront Covers and Signs
- Purpose: Address blight by screening vacant storefronts.
- Requirements: Opaque materials, artistic murals allowed, no general advertising.
- Penalties: Fines for noncompliance, enforced by code compliance department.
Signage for Temporary Businesses
- Permitted Types: Window signage (30% coverage), hanging signs.
- Restrictions: No wall, projecting, or monument signs.
Specific Location Sign Regulations
Lincoln Road Signage District
- Purpose: Facilitate restoration and permit well-designed, proportional signage.
- Regulations: Signage limited to 35% of building facade, subject to historic preservation review.
Signs for Oceanfront and Bayfront Buildings
- Oceanfront: One sign per structure, maximum 75 square feet.
- Bayfront: One sign per structure, maximum 50 square feet, flush-mounted letters only.
Specific Use Signs
Signs for Shopping Centers
- Individual Store Signs: One per storefront, ten square feet each.
- Main Shopping Center Signs: One per street frontage, 30 square feet, no pole signs.
Signs for Interconnected Retail
- Criteria: Separate occupational license, direct street access, minimum storefront width of 20 feet.
Signs for Vertical Retail Centers
- Eligibility: Uses with 12,500 square feet or more.
- Regulations: Signs on two street frontages, up to five percent of building facade, multiple identification signs allowed.
Signs for Schools and Religious Institutions
- Aggregate Area: 30 square feet or maximum allowed for zoning district.
- Temporary Signs: One per street front, up to 30 square feet, allowed 30 days prior to event.
Signs for Filling Stations and Other Uses Selling Gasoline
- Wall and Hanging Signs: One per street frontage, maximum 40 square feet.
- Detached Signs: One fixed sign per site, maximum 20 square feet, 25 feet height limit.
Signs for Major Cultural Institutions
- Regulations: Total number and area determined by design review, one detached monument sign per site.
Legal Nonconforming Signs
General Regulations
- Repair and Maintenance: Limited to routine maintenance, no copy alteration.
- Removal: Required if ownership or use changes, except in historic districts.
Legal Nonconforming Signs in Historic Districts
- Criteria: Signs must be consistent with architectural style and historical context, permitted within 30 years of structure’s construction.
For comprehensive details and specific regulations, refer to the full document available here. Also this document for the general summary available here
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth overview of the signage and permit requirements in Miami Beach, FL and South Beach. For further assistance with creating signs and pulling permits, please contact our sign shop.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available regulations from the Miami Beach Code of Ordinances. While we strive to keep this content accurate and up to date, sign laws and permitting requirements are subject to change.
We are not attorneys or city officials, and this content should not be considered legal advice. Businesses are strongly encouraged to consult with the Miami Beach Building Department or a qualified professional consultation services before installing any signage to ensure full compliance with current city regulations.
By using this information, you acknowledge that our company is not responsible for any errors, omissions, penalties, fines, or other consequences resulting from reliance on this summary. Always refer to official city codes for the most accurate and up-to-date regulations.
