Palm Beach County, FL Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Unincorporated Palm Beach County only
- Holiday lighting
- Exempt from outdoor lighting standards
- Limit
- No glare or hazard nuisance
- Governing rule
- ULDC Art. 5.E.4.E.2.c.3
- Cities excluded
- West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter
Summary
Palm Beach County exempts temporary holiday lighting from its outdoor lighting standards, no permit or photometric plan needed, unless the display creates a safety hazard or glare nuisance under the county's lighting code.
The temporary use of low-wattage or low-voltage lighting for public festivals, celebrations, and the observance of holidays are exempt from regulation except where they create a hazard or nuisance from glare.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Palm Beach County's Unified Land Development Code exempts temporary, low-wattage or low-voltage lighting used for public festivals, celebrations, and holiday observances from the county's outdoor lighting submittal requirements and standards: no photometric plan, full-cutoff luminaire, or light-trespass compliance is required. The exemption disappears the moment the display creates a hazard or nuisance from glare, at which point the county's general outdoor lighting rules apply. This exemption governs only unincorporated areas; incorporated cities like West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Jupiter set their own holiday-lighting rules.
Violations & Fines
If a holiday display creates glare or a hazard, Code Enforcement can require compliance with the full outdoor lighting standards, full-cutoff fixtures, light-trespass limits, and photometric plans, under the county's enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for holiday lights in unincorporated Palm Beach County?
Does this exemption apply in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida sign regulations overview
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