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Kissimmee commissioners revoke 2024 Civic Center signage exception, tighten rules for early voting period
Summary
The commission voted 4–1 to revoke a March 2024 policy that allowed public signage at the Kissimmee Civic Center during election periods and directed staff to prohibit signs and campaign tents during the early voting period; enforcement options include $150 citations and trespass removal.
The City Commission voted to revoke the March 2024 City Commission policy that had authorized limited non-governmental signage at the Kissimmee Civic Center during election periods. The motion, passed 4–1, also adjusted the policy to prohibit tents and signage at the Civic Center during early voting.
Craig Holland, Development Services Director, told commissioners the 2024 policy had been an exception to the city code that otherwise prohibits signage on public property and rights-of-way unless placed by a government agency. Holland identified code provisions that would govern enforcement, including sections 14-11-11Q and 14-11-11I and the citation penalty already in city code. “The revocation of this policy would mean no signs could be placed by anyone other than government agencies at the Civic Center property,” Holland said.
City staff noted existing enforcement options: code citations (the transcript references a $150 citation amount per violation), and the ability to treat unpermitted activity on city property as trespass. The city attorney and manager confirmed the Supervisor of Elections is considered a government agency and its signage is permitted under state law and city code.
Commissioners debated whether a total ban was appropriate or whether limits could be used instead. Several commissioners argued that “too much gray” had led to conflict in prior election cycles and favored a black-and-white rule for city property; others raised concerns about visibility for voters and campaign communication. The commission also asked staff to craft ordinance language if the commission desired an outright ban on tents and shade structures on city property.
One public commenter, Jordan Rivera, praised the city’s transportation services and urged consideration of service-area expansion for Freebee; Kenisha Valentin of Speeds Like Honey asked for support to open a small downtown shop earlier in the meeting (public comment items are recorded separately). Following discussion, commissioners voted to revoke the March 2024 policy and adopt the more restrictive approach during early voting. The motion carried with four votes in favor and one opposed.
