Bradenton, FL Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

The City of Bradenton regulates digital and electronic signs through the prohibited sign list in Land Use Regulations § 5.5.5, not through a separate billboard section. Revolving, flashing and animated signs are prohibited, and so are intermittent signs, except time and temperature signs. Spectacular signs, defined as signs wired for incandescent light or animated with copy action controlled by flasher circuit breakers, moving lighting or similar devices, are prohibited too.

The two rules that decide most electronic message boards are § 5.5.5.22 and § 5.5.5.24. Changeable copy signs are prohibited except that a changeable copy portion of a ground, wall or marquee sign is allowed when it makes up 25 percent or less of the total sign area and is designed as an integral part of the sign. The Land Use Regulations define a changeable copy sign as one whose message is changed manually, electronically or by any other method, so an electronic display falls inside the 25 percent cap. Computerized signs with animated display, running copy or copy that changes more frequently than at 60-second intervals are prohibited. Time and temperature signs can change more frequently, but only if they are low-profile, not exceeding six feet in height, and have not received a variance for dimension.

Size is capped as well. The sign schedule allows a single permanent off-site sign of 32 square feet and 12 feet in height, one per business per lot. Illumination adds limits under § 5.5.8.2: light cannot be directed skyward, strobe and flashing lights are prohibited, and no illuminated sign can be constructed or maintained within 50 feet of any residential Land Use Atlas district or dwelling. A variance from the planning commission under § 5.5.10 cannot allow a sign that § 5.5.5 prohibits, so a full-motion display cannot be varied into existence. Sign permits are issued by Planning and Community Development, which has 15 calendar days to decide an initial application.