Bradenton, FL Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Election signs in the City of Bradenton are an exempt sign category under Land Use Regulations § 5.5.4.9, so no sign permit is needed, but every condition below applies. A sign can be legally placed or erected no earlier than 120 days before the election it concerns. It cannot go on property without the permission of the owner or other person in legal control. The Land Use Regulations define an election sign as a temporary sign displayed to express support for or opposition to a candidate or to state a position on an issue the city's voters will vote on.

The number and size depend on land use. Each parcel can display one election sign for each candidate and regarding each issue, either attached to a building or freestanding. On residential parcels the sign cannot exceed six square feet, and a freestanding sign cannot exceed four feet in height. On non-residential parcels the cap rises to 32 square feet, a freestanding sign must sit at least five feet from all property lines, and it cannot exceed eight feet in height.

Placement bans are strict. Election signs cannot be attached to trees, shrubs, fences, walls, or utility or similar poles, and they cannot be placed, erected or maintained in public rights-of-way or on any public property. Both the property owner and the person who placed the sign are responsible for removal within ten days of the election.

The ordinance adds that these signs are in addition to free expression signs, which are separately allowed at one sign of three square feet per parcel under § 5.5.4.14, and that the rules do not limit the right to substitute a noncommercial message, including a political one, for a commercial message on a lawfully erected sign. Campaign signs under eight square feet are the one allowed exception to the ban on vehicle mounted signs in § 5.5.5.23.