Sign Company FAQs for Tampa Businesses
Straight answers to the questions Tampa, Riverview and Brandon business owners ask us most about new signs, permits and sign repair.
Do I need a permit for a new business sign in Tampa?
Almost always. Permanent exterior signs need a sign permit from the city or county where your business is located, such as the City of Tampa or Hillsborough County, and electrical signs also need an electrical inspection. Shopping centers often add their own landlord sign criteria on top of that. We prepare the drawings, handle the permit paperwork and schedule the inspections for you.
How long does a new channel letter sign take?
Most projects are completed in 10–14 business days from design approval, because we design, fabricate and install everything in-house at our Riverview shop. Permit review and landlord approval can add time, and we'll give you a realistic schedule with your quote.
How much does a new sign cost?
It depends on the size and number of letters, the lighting style (front-lit, halo-lit or both), the mounting, and what your permit and landlord require. Send us your logo and a photo of your building and we'll send a free design and an exact quote, usually the same day.
What are channel letters made of?
Each letter is a fabricated metal channel (the sides, or returns) with a translucent acrylic face on front-lit letters, lit from inside by UL-listed LEDs. Letters can be mounted on a raceway, directly to the wall, or on a custom-painted aluminum or composite backer panel. See our channel letters page for examples.
What's the difference between front-lit and halo-lit letters?
Front-lit letters glow through their colored faces for maximum visibility day and night. Halo-lit (reverse) letters have solid faces and shine light back onto the wall, creating a glowing outline. We can also combine both on one sign.
How much does a sign repair cost?
Our minimum service call is $275. That covers the truck coming out and the first hour and a half on site. After that, time is billed in half-hour increments (for example, a two-hour call is $350), plus parts. Payment is due at the time of service, and card payments carry a 3.5% transaction fee. If payment isn't made at the time of service, a $275 return-trip fee applies to come back and finish the job. Before you book, try the two quick checks on our sign repair page; a tripped breaker or a time clock that lost its setting is often the whole problem.
What should I send with a repair request?
A nighttime photo of the sign showing what's lit and what's out, the sign's address, and whether you checked the breaker and the time clock. That lets us bring the right parts on the first trip.
Do you install signs yourselves? Are you licensed?
Yes. We are a licensed Florida electrical sign contractor (License #ES12002067), and our own crew installs every sign with our bucket trucks and Elliott sign crane. Nothing is subcontracted.
Is there a warranty?
Warranty terms for new signs are written on your quote, so you know exactly what's covered before you approve. LED message centers are backed by the manufacturer's warranty; see our LED message signs page for details. Repair terms are listed on your repair estimate.
What areas do you serve?
All of Hillsborough County, including Tampa, South Tampa and Westshore, Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, FishHawk, Lithia, Seffner, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Gibsonton, Sun City Center and Wimauma. We also cover St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater and the rest of Pinellas County; south through Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and north Sarasota; and north to New Tampa, Lutz, Land O' Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Every sign is built at our shop at 10312 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview.