Davie staff proposes digital billboard at Farm Park; would require local bill and public outreach

Town Administrator Richard Lemack presented information to the council on a proposal to seek a state local bill that would permit a double-faced digital billboard on town-owned property at the Farm Park expansion along the I‑75 corridor.

Lemack said the proposed site is on the Farm Park expansion tract and that because billboards must be on commercially zoned land, the use requires a local bill. He said the town would own the land, hire a vendor to build and manage the board, and provide a revenue share. Lemack estimated the town could realize approximately $300,000 to $500,000 in annual revenue from the sign.

As required by the proposed sequence, staff would notify residents within 1,000 feet of the proposed location and hold a public meeting; Lemack said meeting results would be included in council consideration if the council directs staff to proceed. He outlined a preliminary schedule: a pre-legislative workshop on Sept. 29, 2025 (nonbinding), a council hearing on Oct. 15, 2025; staff would submit the local bill to the delegation on Oct. 17, with the delegation’s first public hearing Oct. 27 and a second hearing Nov. 13, 2025.

Lemack recommended earmarking revenue for Farm Park operating costs, citing animals, feed, fertilization, insurance and caretaker staffing as future expenses. One council member said they oppose billboards generally and described them as visual pollution and driving distractions, and said they would continue to vote against them. Other council members indicated they were "good with" proceeding with the outreach and process.

Lemack said the proposed billboard would be subject to the same advertising restrictions as previously approved town billboards and that the town would follow statutory and procedural outreach before filing a local bill.