§ 86-65. Political signs.

(a)

First Amendment rights are recognized by the city and the restrictions to political signage as set forth in this section are added to this article only in deference to the aesthetic standards of the city without any attempt to curtail, abridge or amend, in any way, the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression.

(b)

Temporary political signs shall be allowed without payment of any fee, or the requirement of any permit, subject only to the following conditions:

(1)

Ballot issues and qualified candidates may display temporary political signs on private property with the consent of the property owner or occupant. One such sign per candidate or issue shall be allowed per property.

(2)

Temporary political signs shall not exceed 24 inches by 36 inches (two feet by three feet) in size. Such signs, including the support, shall not exceed 48 inches in height. All setbacks, as set forth in this article, shall be applicable to political signs, and may not be less than seven and one-half feet from the edge of any road surface, or not less than two feet from any existing sidewalk within the residential property.

(3)

Temporary political signs may be displayed 45 days preceding the election or referendum day, up to a maximum of three days following the voting. Failure to remove such signs after the stipulated time limit set forth in this subsection shall result in a civil penalty of $2.00 per day, per sign, which shall be assessed against the candidate for office, referendum committee or person placing the sign in violation of this section.

(Ord. No. 00-07, § 10, 1-8-2001; Ord. No. 10-05, § 1, 11-1-2010)

State law reference

Political signs, F.S. § 106.1435.