The Florida Department of
Transportation (Department) is responsible for controlling ODA signs
on the National and State highway systems. The Department must control
the location, size, height, spacing and lighting of ODA signs but has
no authority to regulate the content of advertising messages on the
signs. The Outdoor Advertising regulatory program is based on federal
law and regulations as well as state statute and rule. Federal law is
set forth in the Highway Beautification Act while federal regulations
can be found at 23 C.F.R., Section 750. State laws are found in
Chapter 479, Florida Statutes. In addition to the state statutes, the
Department writes administrative rules to interpret the intent of the
statute for the general public.
Chapter 14-10,
Florida Administrative Code, is the Department's rule chapter which
governs outdoor advertising. Copies of the complete rule chapter may
be obtained from the Outdoor Advertising Office. Local governments often have their own
ordinances which regulate outdoor advertising in their community. The
Department cannot issue a permit for an outdoor advertising sign which
is not allowed by local ordinances.
While there are many
aspects of the outdoor advertising regulatory program, this web page deals with pertinent
information to help you determine if you need to obtain a license or permit for outdoor
advertising signs and the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a license or permit.
Information on ODA licenses, permits and tags are available on the Outdoor Advertising database. The database, featuring a search option for current permits, sign locations and other information, can be accessed at
http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/rightofway. If you have questions or need information on this program, contact
Rob Jessee (
robert.jessee@dot.state.fl.us).
All renewal payments
and forms relating to the Outdoor Advertising
regulatory program are to be sent to:
Outdoor Advertising
Office
Florida Department of Transportation
605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 22
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450
Phone: (850) 414-4545 Fax: (850) 414-4850
