Are LED Signs Allowed in Longwood, Seminole County, Florida? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed within Seminole County’s sign regulations, which apply to properties in Longwood as well.
From the Seminole County Land Development Code, Chapter 30, Part 13 (Signs):
“Electronic message boards shall be permitted subject to the following restrictions: messages may change no more frequently than once every sixty (60) seconds; no flashing, animation, or full-motion video is permitted; and the maximum illumination shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light when measured at the property line.”
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Longwood Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Longwood Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial and Industrial districts (permitted as part of freestanding/monument signs) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Monument, Freestanding, Wall |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from property line/right-of-way |
| Use restrictions | EMCs permitted for on-premise business, civic, or institutional use only |
Zoning District Overview
Seminole County and the City of Longwood allow signage in a variety of zoning districts. EMCs are generally tied to commercial and industrial districts where permanent monument or freestanding signs are permitted.
Examples of applicable districts:
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C-1 (Retail Commercial)
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C-2 (General Commercial)
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IND-1 and IND-2 (Industrial)
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PD (Planned Development, if signage is included in master plan)
Zoning-Specific Standards – Commercial Districts
| Requirement | C-1 | C-2 |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Monument, Wall | Monument, Wall, Freestanding |
| Max area (wall-mounted) | 1 sq. ft. per linear ft of frontage (up to 100 sq. ft.) | 1.5 sq. ft. per linear ft (up to 150 sq. ft.) |
| Max height (monument/freestanding) | 15 ft | 20 ft |
| Message change interval | 60 seconds minimum | 60 seconds minimum |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animation / flashing | ❌No | ❌No |
| Off-premise content | ❌No | ❌No |
| ROW projection | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required forms:
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Seminole County Sign Permit Application
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Electrical Permit (for illuminated signs)
Fees:
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Vary by size and type; typically $100–$350 for county review
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Electrical permit fees additional
Our filing service fee: $325 flat rate for handling all submittals on behalf of the client
Local Project Example
In Seminole County near Longwood, a monument-style EMC was installed for a church located off State Road 434. The sign complied with the 60-second message duration rule and brightness restrictions. The project was permitted and approved within 20 business days.
Full Ordinance Text
Relevant provisions from the Seminole County Land Development Code:
Sec. 30.1348 – Electronic Message Boards
Messages may not change more frequently than once per 60 seconds.
No flashing, blinking, scrolling, or animation is permitted.
Illumination may not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light at the property line.
Permitted only as part of a freestanding or monument sign.
Off-premise advertising is prohibited.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Longwood Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Longwood Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal