Miami Lakes workshop signals code overhaul for signs, flags and electronic displays

Town of Miami Lakes attorneys and councilmembers spent a workshop on Oct. 12 reviewing the town sign code, focusing on flags, political signage at parks and a gap in rules for electronic displays. The council instructed town attorneys and staff to rework the sign ordinance, tighten time‑place‑manner rules, and return with a draft for council consideration.

The discussion centered on constitutional limits from the U.S. Supreme Court and Florida case law and how those limits shape what municipal governments may regulate. Lawrence Okubiella, speaking for the town, cited Reed v. Town of Gilbert and summarized the constitutional risk in plain terms: “If you have to read it, you probably are,” referring to content‑based limits on regulating flags and signs. Okubiella said municipalities may regulate aesthetics and neutral rules about size, location and duration under a rational‑basis test, but content‑based restrictions on political or religious speech trigger strict scrutiny.

Council members and staff spent extended time on two enforcement examples: signs at Town parks during early voting…