Broward County, FL Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum display time
- 8 seconds per message
- Transition limit
- 3 seconds, fade only
- Banned effects
- Scrolling, flashing, spinning, rotating
- Dimming
- Automatic, photocell or software
- Applies only in
- Unincorporated Broward County
Summary
Broward County allows electronic message signs on permitted permanent signs but requires auto-dimming, an 8-second minimum display, and bans scrolling or flashing effects.
An EMS shall have automatic dimming controls, either by photocell (hardwired) or via software settings, to ensure that the EMS lighting level does not create a hazardous glare at night. An EMS shall have a minimum display time of eight (8) seconds. The transition time between messages or message frames is limited to three (3) seconds... Continuous scrolling, traveling, flashing, spinning, rotating, and similar moving effects... are prohibited.
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
In unincorporated Broward County, an electronic message sign (EMS) may only be installed where a permanent sign is already allowed, sized within that sign's normal height and area limits, and requires a permanent sign permit. Sec. 39-62 mandates automatic dimming (photocell or software) so nighttime brightness doesn't create hazardous glare, sets an 8-second minimum hold time per message, caps transitions between messages at 3 seconds (fades allowed), and flatly bans continuous scrolling, traveling, flashing, spinning, rotating, or any illusionary-movement effects. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs and the county's 27 other municipalities each enforce their own sign codes instead of this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement can cite noncompliant EMS installations under Chapter 8½; unpermitted or nonconforming signs are subject to removal, and electrical nonconformities can trigger an expedited hearing without a cure period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an electronic billboard scroll text in Broward County?
Does this rule apply inside Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broward County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Broward County to another location·View the Florida sign regulations overview
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