Hollywood's Holiday Decorations: The Rules That Matter

Hollywood maintains 116 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with holiday decorations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Hollywood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Holiday Light Rules

Hollywood has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lighting at single-family homes. Outdoor circuits must comply with the Florida Building Code's electrical provisions (GFCI protection for outdoor receptacles), and any amplified sound from synchronized displays must respect Hollywood's residential noise rules. Condo (FL §718) and HOA (FL §720) covenants commonly impose private restrictions, especially on Hollywood Beach.

Key details: Citywide Time Limits: None. Electrical Code: GFCI required (FBC/NEC). Noise: Hollywood Code Ch. 100. Condo Authority: FL §718.113. HOA Authority: FL §720.304.

City: rare. Code Compliance can cite damaged or hazardous displays under the general nuisance provisions. Excessive nighttime amplified sound: noise citation. Condo/HOA: private fines per the governing documents, capped at $100/day under FL §720.305 for HOAs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Hollywood gives residents more flexibility on holiday light rules.

Lawn Ornament Rules

Hollywood does not specifically regulate residential lawn ornaments — flamingos, statues, religious icons, holiday figures — on private property. General property-maintenance and right-of-way encroachment rules apply, and condo/HOA covenants under FL §718 and §720 commonly impose private aesthetic restrictions. Religious display protections (FL §761.05; federal RLUIPA) limit local prohibitions on religious symbols.

Key details: Specific City Rule: None for lawn ornaments. Right-of-Way: No encroachment. Religious Protection: FL §761.05; RLUIPA. Condo/HOA: FL §718.113; §720.304. Hurricane: Secure or remove before storms.

City: rare. Code Compliance can cite damaged, hazardous, or right-of-way-encroaching ornaments under general nuisance provisions. HOA/Condo: private fines per the governing documents, capped at $100/day under FL §720.305 for HOAs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Hollywood gives residents more flexibility on lawn ornament rules.

Inflatable Display Rules

Hollywood has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Displays must not encroach into the public right-of-way or block sight-distance triangles at corners. During Hurricane Watches and Warnings, all inflatables must be deflated and secured — Broward County Emergency Management routinely issues mandatory tie-down advisories.

Key details: Specific City Ordinance: None. Right-of-Way: No encroachment allowed. Corner Sight Triangle: Must remain clear. Hurricane Securing: Required during Watch/Warning. Condo/HOA: Private rules common.

Right-of-way obstruction: code compliance citation and removal order. Sight-distance violation at corners: zoning citation. Electrical hazards: stop-use order. Hurricane-related damage from unsecured inflatables: potential civil liability to neighbors and insurance complications.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Hollywood gives residents more flexibility on inflatable display rules.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Hollywood gives residents more room on holiday decorations. 3 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Hollywood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.