Broward County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 39-63, Zoning Code
- Allowed methods
- internal, back, or shielded-spotlight only
- External fixtures
- must be fully shielded
- Glare rule
- no hazardous glare or window-shine
- Geographic scope
- unincorporated Broward County only
Summary
Broward County's zoning code caps sign lighting to internal, back-lit, or fully shielded spotlight methods, requires shielded fixtures for external illumination, and bans hazardous glare -- but the rule only binds unincorporated areas, not Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, or other cities.
(a) Sign illumination may only be provided by one (1) of the following methods: ... (3) Shielded spotlight. The sign face is lit by spotlights directed at the sign face. Such spotlights shall be fully shielded so that they are not visible from streets or adjoining property and so that there is no light spillage beyond the sign face. (b) Signs that have external illumination... shall have lighting fixtures or luminaires that are fully shielded. (c) Signs that are illuminated at night shall not create a hazardous glare that obstructs sight or shines directly in windows.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72 | Administrative Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 39-63 of the Broward County Zoning Code, an illuminated sign, including a billboard-type freestanding sign, may only use internal illumination, back lighting behind raised copy, or a fully shielded spotlight with no light spillage past the sign face. Externally lit signs need fully shielded fixtures or luminaires regardless of whether the light is mounted above or below the panel, and no illuminated sign may cast a hazardous glare that obstructs sightlines or shines into windows. This article applies only in unincorporated Broward County per Sec. 39-50(b); Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and Coral Springs enforce their own municipal sign codes.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply with the sign article's illumination standards is a County ordinance violation; a code enforcement officer issues a citation or notice to appear under Chapter 8 1/2, Broward's Code Enforcement chapter, supplemental to any other enforcement method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Can a billboard use spotlights to light its face?
What happens if an illuminated sign creates glare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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