Polk County Commissioners Approve New Polk County Right-Of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance March 18, 2026

Published: March 18, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (March 18, 2026) – The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved a new Polk County Right-of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance following a public hearing held during the board meeting on March 17.

The new ordinance establishes a stronger enforcement process for Polk County Code Enforcement staff to address unauthorized signs placed within county rights-of-way. The ordinance defines unauthorized signs as any signs placed within a county right-of-way without a valid right-of-way use permit.

The ordinance includes larger semi-permanent signs such as banners, feather flags and signs constructed of rigid materials like wood, metal or PVC often anchored to the ground. The updated enforcement process allows Polk County Code Enforcement officers to issue an immediate civil fine of $250 per sign upon identification of a violation.

In addition, a notice will be posted on the sign, giving the responsible party seven days to remove it. If the sign is not removed, the county will remove and dispose of it, with all associated labor, equipment and administrative costs billed to the responsible party. The ordinance establishes that any person, business, entity or organization whose name, product, service, event or contact information is displayed on the sign will be presumed to be the party responsible for the violation, fines and removal costs.

County leaders say the ordinance is intended to improve roadway safety, reduce visual clutter and create a more effective enforcement process for addressing unauthorized signage throughout Polk County.

The ordinance will take effect upon filing with the Florida Department of State.

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