Fort Myers, FL Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Fort Myers Land Development Code Chapter 126 (Signs) regulates 'signs' bearing commercial or non-commercial messages, but does not classify residential holiday lights, wreaths, garlands, inflatables, or other purely seasonal decorations as 'signs' that require a permit, so long as they are not advertising a business. There is no calendar-based ordinance in Fort Myers requiring residential holiday displays to be removed by a specific date (such as January 15 or 30). Practical limits derive from related code provisions: (1) decorations may not encroach into the public sidewalk, swale, or right-of-way (Chapter 78 Streets, Sidewalks); (2) decorations may not block a visibility / sight triangle at corner lots (LDC Chapter 118 land use rules); (3) extension cords, lighting, or staked yard pieces must be safe and not create a tripping or electrical hazard (Florida Building Code, NEC); (4) any audio from speakers or motorized inflatables that becomes plainly audible at the property line during the 11 PM-7 AM general residential quiet period violates Fort Myers Chapter 54 (Noise) and is enforced by police or code enforcement. HOAs and deed-restricted communities in Fort Myers may impose their own seasonal take-down rules and aesthetic standards under FS Chapter 720; the city ordinance does not override those covenants. Violations are processed through Fort Myers Code Enforcement (1825 Hendry St., Suite 101; 239-321-7940) and adjudicated by the Special Magistrate under FS Chapter 162, with fines up to $250/day for first violation and $500/day for repeats.