Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 16, 2020
Spring 2020 is almost in the history books. The early flowers have bloomed and gone. They’ve been replaced by campaign signs, which are busting out all over this June. Michelle Forstrom, Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Fernandina Beach, reminds political candidates and their supporters:
All temporary signs can only be placed on PRIVATE property WITH PERMISSION from the property owner. Temporary signs are NOT allowed on City property or right-of way, which is typically twenty-five (25) feet from the center of the road and on the property side of power poles and sidewalks.
The MAXIMUM HEIGHT for all temporary signage is five (5) feet.
The MINMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN all temporary signs is fifteen (15) feet.
For ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONES, the following applies:
MAXIMUM SIGN AREA is six (6) square feet
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SIGNS is eight (8)
For ALL OTHER ZONES:
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SIGNS is four (4)
MAXIMUM SIGN AREA varies depending on the zoning
NO SIGNAGE CAN OBSTRUCT VEHICLE OR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
Be sure to include all applicable disclaimers required the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections.
Forstrom says, “If these general rules are adhered to, everyone stays happy.”
Unauthorized removal or defacing of legally placed political signs is also a no-no. Violators could be charged with trespass, vandalizing or theft and become subjects of civil litigation.
So support the candidate of your choice with signs — but do so legally!