Pembroke Pines's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Pembroke Pines, Florida, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Garage Sale Signs

A Pembroke Pines garage sale gets exactly three signs: one at the sale site and two at the nearest corners, each capped at three square feet. Every sign must come down within 24 hours of the sale ending, or the seller faces a $25 fine.

Key details: Sign count allowed: 3 total: 1 on-site, 2 at corners. Max sign size: 3 square feet each. Removal deadline: Within 24 hours of sale ending. Late removal fine: $25 flat fine. Placement rule: No interference with traffic; owner consent needed.

Posting more than three garage-sale signs, placing one on someone else's property without permission, or leaving a sign up more than 24 hours after the sale ends violates § 120.05(C). Failure to remove signs within the 24-hour window carries a flat $25 fine, and the city may remove any sign that blocks pedestrian or vehicular traffic and charge the removal cost to the seller.

Digital Billboards

Pembroke Pines bans billboards outright, digital or otherwise, under Code of Ordinances § 155.6107(A)(8). The code defines a SIGN, BILLBOARD as one designed for letters, numerals or illustrations applied by painting, light projection, bills or posters that is changed regularly, periodically or frequently, a definition broad enough to reach electronic message displays as well as printed panels.

Key details: Billboards: Prohibited citywide, no exceptions. Governing section: § 155.6107(A)(8). Definition scope: Covers painted, light-projected and digital displays. Mobile billboards: Banned under § 155.6107(A)(10). Enforcement: Chief Building Official orders removal.

Because billboards fall outside every permitted sign category, the Chief Building Official can order removal at the owner's or lessee's expense under § 155.6108 without waiting for the standard 30-day cure period if the structure is found to endanger public safety or encroach on a public right-of-way; otherwise the Building Official must give two weeks' notice before removing it directly.

This is one of the stricter rules in Pembroke Pines's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Window Signs

Storefront window signage in Pembroke Pines is capped at 20% of the total window area under Code of Ordinances § 155.6102(D). Any tinting or perforation used to highlight part of a window counts toward that 20% limit even without lettering, and window coverings must run 65% to 100% gray scale or match the surrounding wall color, with no reflective or bronze tint permitted anywhere.

Key details: Coverage cap: 20% of total window area. Window covering shade: 65%-100% gray scale or wall color. Tinting: No reflective or bronze tint allowed. Entry door letters: Max 2 inches, address/hours only. Neon signs: 3 sq ft max, alternating panels only.

A window sign or covering found out of compliance must be repaired or removed within 30 days of the Chief Building Official's written notice under § 155.6108(B). If the Building Official determines the sign endangers public safety, removal can be ordered immediately at the owner's expense, or the sign's use prohibited until the defect is corrected. The Building Official may also remove a noncompliant sign directly after two weeks' notice.

Political Signs

Political signs in Pembroke Pines are protected by the First Amendment and FL Statute 106.1435, which limits local government restrictions on political signs. Signs on private property during election periods are generally permitted. Signs on public rights-of-way may be restricted. The Land Development Code contains general sign regulations that apply to temporary signs.

Key details: Private Property: Protected during elections. State Law: FL §106.1435. Public Property: Generally prohibited. Removal: After election, reasonable time. Content Neutral: Required (Reed v. Gilbert).

Signs on public property may be removed. Unreasonable local restrictions on political signs violate FL §106.1435.

The rules around political signs in Pembroke Pines lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Pembroke Pines's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Pembroke Pines is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Pembroke Pines 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.