Are LED Signs Allowed in Medley, Miami-Dade County, Florida? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Miami-Dade County, including the Town of Medley, provided they comply with the countywide sign regulations. Section 33-86 of the Miami-Dade Code makes clear that all signs — including illuminated and electronic signs — may be installed if a permit is obtained and the installation meets construction, zoning, and illumination standards.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Medley Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Medley Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial & industrial districts (permitted with sign approvals) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, wall, monument (depending on zoning) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | 10 ft from ROW or as specified by district |
| Use restrictions | Limited to commercial, industrial, civic, or institutional uses |
Zoning District Overview
Miami-Dade County governs signage for Medley under its zoning ordinance. EMCs are treated as illuminated signs and are generally allowed in commercial and industrial zoning districts.
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Total districts with signage: Multiple business (BU) and industrial (IU) designations.
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Where EMCs are allowed: Typically in business and industrial categories with permit approval.
Zoning-Specific Standards (Commercial Example)
| Requirement | BU-1 (Neighborhood Business) | BU-2 (Special Business) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Max area (wall-mounted) | 32 sq. ft. | 64 sq. ft. |
| Max height | 20 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Animated/scrolling | ❌Restricted | ❌Restricted |
| Off-premise content | ❌No | ❌No |
| Setback requirement | 10 ft | 10 ft |
(Example values reflect Miami-Dade business districts; applicants must confirm exact limits with zoning staff.)
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in Medley (Miami-Dade):
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Permit application required before erection, alteration, or relocation (§33-86).
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Three sets of drawings/specifications must be submitted, showing: location, construction method, materials, illumination method, securing details, and sign structure class.
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Electrical permit & inspection required for EMCs and other illuminated signs.
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Owner/lessee consent must be provided in writing.
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Review timeline: 30 days. If no action, application is deemed denied, with right to appeal.
Local Project Example
In Medley’s industrial zones, EMC signs are often used by logistics companies for entry monuments. One recent project involved a 12-ft freestanding EMC at a warehouse complex along NW South River Drive, permitted under Miami-Dade IU-2 zoning.
Full Ordinance Text
For the exact permitting rules, see
“No sign … shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained, or relocated … until a permit has been issued by the Department … Electrically illuminated signs … shall require a separate electrical permit and inspection.”
External References
🗺️ Walls Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Walls Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal