BARTOW , FL — March 18, 2026 — The Polk County Board of County Commissioners has approved a new Polk County Right-of-Way Sign Enforcement Ordinance following a public hearing at its March 17 board meeting.
The ordinance strengthens the enforcement process for county code enforcement staff to address unauthorized signs placed in county rights-of-way. Unauthorized signs are defined as any signs placed within a county right-of-way without a valid right-of-way use permit.
It specifically covers larger semi-permanent signs, including banners, feather flags, and signs made of rigid materials such as wood, metal, or PVC, often anchored to the ground.
Under the new rules, code enforcement officers can issue an immediate civil fine of $250 per sign upon identifying a violation. A notice will be posted on the sign, providing the responsible party seven days to remove it. If the sign remains after this period, the county will remove and dispose of it, with all associated labor, equipment, and administrative costs billed to the responsible party.
The ordinance establishes a presumption that any person, business, entity, or organization whose name, product, service, event, or contact information appears on the sign is the responsible party for the violation, fines, and removal costs.
County leaders state that the measure aims to improve roadway safety, reduce visual clutter, and establish a more effective process for handling unauthorized signage throughout Polk County.
The ordinance will take effect upon filing with the Florida Department of State.
