I talk to contractors all the time who assume a sign is a sign — put it up, move on, no big deal. But here in Orlando, signage is one of the most regulated parts of any commercial project. The City of Orlando and Orange County both have specific requirements for sign permits, and they are not the same. If you are building or installing signage without understanding the rules, you are setting yourself up for a stop-work order and a fine.
Let me walk you through what you need to know before you start.
When you need a sign permit in Orlando
Orlando requires a permit for almost any permanent sign attached to a building or installed on a property. Temporary signs have their own rules and shorter time limits. Here is what typically needs a permit:
- Wall signs (including channel letters, cabinet signs, and illuminated signs).
- Freestanding signs (pole signs, monument signs, and ground signs).
- Projecting signs that extend from the building face.
- Awning and canopy signs.
- Digital and electronic message signs.
- Directional and parking lot signs over a certain size.
If you are replacing an existing sign with an identical one, you may need only a "like-for-like" permit rather than a full new sign permit. But identical means identical — same size, same location, same illumination. Any change in dimension or placement triggers a full permit application.
MLPS handles sign permit applications regularly through our Orange County permit services. If you are unsure whether your project needs a permit, the safest answer is to check before you build.
Zoning and code requirements
The City of Orlando regulates signs through Chapter 62 of the City Code, which covers everything from maximum square footage to illumination limits. Here are the rules that trip up contractors most often:
Size limits. The maximum sign area depends on the zoning district and the type of sign. In most commercial districts, wall signs are limited based on the linear frontage of the tenant space. A common rule: one square foot of signage for each linear foot of frontage, up to a maximum. A contractor who orders a 50-square-foot sign for a space with 30 feet of frontage will not pass permitting.
Height limits. Freestanding signs in Orlando cannot exceed certain heights depending on the zoning and proximity to residential areas. A monument sign in a commercial district might be capped at 6 to 8 feet, while a pole sign in a heavier commercial zone might go up to 25 feet — but only with specific approvals.
Illumination rules. Orlando restricts sign lighting, especially near residential zones. Internal illumination is permitted in most commercial areas, but the brightness must not spill over onto neighboring properties. Digital message signs have their own specific rules about brightness levels, minimum display duration, and frequency of message changes.
Setback requirements. Freestanding signs must maintain setbacks from property lines, rights-of-way, and other signs. A sign placed too close to the street or too close to a residential zone will be rejected in plan review.
What the permit application requires
To apply for a sign permit in Orlando, you will typically need:
- A completed sign permit application form.
- Site plan showing the sign location, property lines, setbacks, and adjacent structures.
- Sign elevation drawings with dimensions, materials, colors, and illumination details.
- Structural engineering drawings sealed by a Florida registered engineer (for freestanding signs and larger wall signs).
- Manufacturer specifications for the sign, including weight, attachment method, and wind load calculations.
- Proof of property owner authorization if you are a tenant installing signage on a leased space.
- Contractor license and worker's compensation insurance.
The review period varies. A standard wall sign with complete drawings might be reviewed in 5 to 10 business days. A complex freestanding sign with structural engineering can take longer. Plan for the timeline before you commit to an installation date.
Common mistakes MLPS sees with sign permits
After years of handling sign permit applications, here are the issues we see most often:
Skipping the zoning check. Contractors design a sign without checking the zoning district first. By the time they apply, the sign is too big, too tall, or in a prohibited location. A quick zoning lookup before you start designing saves weeks of rework.
Missing engineered drawings. Many contractors do not realize that a freestanding sign over a certain size requires a structural engineer's seal. Plan review will not approve it without one. Budget for that cost and timeline upfront.
Temporary signs left up too long. Orlando allows temporary signs like banners and A-frame signs for limited periods. Leaving them up past the allowed time can result in fines and forced removal.
Landlord approval gaps. If you are installing signage on a leased commercial space, the property owner must authorize the installation. MLPS has seen permits stuck for weeks because the contractor did not get written permission from the landlord before submitting.
What about Orange County (unincorporated areas)?
If your project is outside city limits in unincorporated Orange County, the rules are different. Orange County has its own sign code with different size limits, height restrictions, and permit requirements. MLPS handles sign permits in both jurisdictions and our Orange County permit services page has more detail on the differences.
The best advice I can give: check the jurisdiction before you do anything else. A sign permit that flies through the county might be denied in the city, and vice versa. Know which set of rules applies before you spend money on fabrication.
How MLPS can help
MLPS has helped contractors and businesses across Orlando and Central Florida navigate sign permitting for years. We can review your sign design before submission, prepare the complete application package, and follow up with the plan reviewer if questions come up. If you are not sure whether your sign project needs a permit or which jurisdiction governs your property, call us. We will get you the answer before you build.