Campaign Sign Placement
Rules Regarding Sign Placement
Both Bay County and the Municipalities have enacted sign codes. The sign codes apply to signs placed by and for candidates, campaigns, and political parties. The City’s Sign Code applies within City limits, while the County code applies outside of City limits.
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City of Lynn Haven Code (Chapter 5.03.05)
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City of Mexico Beach Code (Section 5.03.05(H))
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City of Panama City Code (Section 112-6)
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City of Panama City Beach Code ( Pg. 221, Ord. # 1428, 9/14/17)
State law also limits sign placement in the right-of-way of any state or national highway. The Florida Highway Patrol has additional information regarding the unauthorized use of the public right-of-way.
Sign Removal
All candidates must make a good-faith effort to remove their political campaign advertisements within 30 days after the candidate withdraws, is defeated, or is elected to office.
If political campaign advertisements are not removed within the specified period, a political subdivision or governmental entity has the authority to remove them and may charge the candidate the actual cost for such removal. For additional information, please see Section 106.1435, Florida Statutes.
Where Can I File a Complaint About Signs?
The Bay County Supervisor of Elections Office has only limited authority regarding campaign signs. Florida law prohibits solicitation, including the placement of campaign signs, within 150 feet of an Early Voting site, Election Day polling place, or Secure Ballot Intake Station, when voting is occurring. Election workers will remove campaign signs from the no-solicitation zone. The Elections Office does not have the authority to remove signs outside the no-solicitation zone. If you have a complaint regarding the placement of a campaign sign, please contact your Code Enforcement office.
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Bay County Code Enforcement: (850) 248-8290
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City of Callaway Code Enforcement: (850) 871-4672
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City of Lynn Haven Code Enforcement: (850) 265-4111
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City of Mexico Beach Code Enforcement: (850) 340-3410
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City of Panama City Code Enforcement: (850) 691-4593 or (850) 691-4596
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City of Panama City Beach Code Enforcement: (850) 233-5100 ext. 2309
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City of Parker Code Enforcement: (850) 871-4104 ext. 2
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City of Springfield Code Enforcement: (850) 872-7570 ext. 110 or (850) 872-7570 ext. 107