Tampa regulates political signs as temporary signs under Chapter 20 of the City Code. Residential properties may display non-illuminated temporary signs up to 6 square feet per sign without permits. The city revised its sign rules after Reed v Gilbert to apply content-neutral size, placement, and removal standards to all temporary signs regardless of message.
Tampa City Code Chapter 20 (Sign Regulations) treats political signs as temporary signs subject to content-neutral rules. Residential properties may display non-illuminated temporary signs up to 6 square feet per sign and 12 square feet aggregate without a permit. After Reed v Town of Gilbert (2015), Tampa removed prior content-based election-window restrictions and now regulates based on size, location, and physical characteristics only.
Prohibited locations include the public right-of-way, swales, medians, utility poles, traffic signals, street trees, and city-owned property. Signs may not be illuminated, animated, or include audio. The Code Enforcement Division handles complaints on private property; signs in the right-of-way are removed by Transportation and Stormwater Services without notice. A content-neutral 7-day post-event removal rule applies to all temporary signs, including political signs after an election.
Civil penalties run $100 first offense, $250 second, up to $500 per sign for repeat violations within 12 months, plus removal costs billed to the owner. Signs in the right-of-way are removed without notice.
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