Permanent point lights under the eaves keep a storefront, restaurant or office visible after dark all year. For Pinellas businesses, the real questions are sign rules, the building owner’s approval and where the power comes from. You may also hear it called permanent holiday lighting.
Request a quote
Tell us what you need and where you are. A licensed electrician will call or text you back to set a time. For an emergency, call (727) 476-7079, 24/7.
Why most businesses run steady colors
Several Pinellas jurisdictions treat changing or animated light on a building as signage. Unincorporated Pinellas treats color changes on a sign face as animation, St. Petersburg does not allow sign lighting that changes color, brightness or direction, and Clearwater permits LED outlining of a building only when it holds a steady color and brightness. Largo, Pinellas Park and Seminole also restrict flashing or animated signs. In practice, a commercial building usually runs one steady color, often the brand color or warm white.
Rules differ by city and can change, so check with the city or county planning office for your address before choosing animated effects.
Schedules that match business hours
Because permanent lights run on schedules from an app, a business can turn the lights on at dusk and off at closing, or keep it on overnight for visibility and security. Seasonal colors can be set for the holidays within the same steady-color approach.
Landlords, associations and shared buildings
In leased space, the building owner usually controls exterior changes. Shopping centers and office parks often have their own sign and lighting criteria in the lease or association documents. Getting written approval early avoids having to change the plan later.
Power and outlets
The controller plugs into an existing indoor outlet, usually in the garage or a back room. The electrical code requires outdoor receptacles to be GFCI protected and weather-resistant, with an in-use cover where exposed to rain.
Beachfront businesses
Restaurants, motels and shops on the Gulf beaches may fall under sea turtle lighting rules during nesting season, which in Pinellas runs May 1 through October 31. Light visible from the beach is restricted, so beach-facing sections may need to stay off during those months.
Related: JellyFish lighting · permanent lighting · Pinellas County · Clearwater · St. Petersburg · commercial electrician
Approval steps for a storefront
Businesses rarely need HOA sign-off, but most need a landlord or property manager to agree first. A typical sequence:
- Check your lease for rules on exterior signs, lights and alterations.
- Ask us for a design preview and product sheet showing the track on your facade.
- Send them to the landlord or manager for written consent.
- Confirm any center-wide lighting standards before we schedule.
How we install for a business
We walk the building, find power for the controller and quote in writing. Install can be scheduled before opening or after closing, so customers are not dodging ladders. When a new outlet or circuit is needed, we pull the permit. Before leaving, we set schedules to your hours and train a staff member on the app.
Mounting under the eave or canopy
On a business, the track goes under the eave, canopy edge or soffit and along the side walls, not on the roof. That keeps it out of the weather and makes it nearly invisible during the day.
Call (727) 476-7079 or request a free estimate.
Also useful: lights for condos, townhomes and villas · game-day and holiday color schedules.
Frequently asked questions
Does my landlord need to approve permanent lights? Usually, yes. Most leases require consent for exterior changes, so get it in writing before install.
Can you install outside business hours? Yes. We can schedule early morning or after closing.
Can my business use color-changing permanent lights? Often not on the building facade. Several Pinellas jurisdictions treat changing light as an animated sign, so most businesses run a steady color. Check your city or county rules first.
Do the lights need a special outlet? No. The controller and its power supplies plug into existing indoor outlets, usually in a garage or back room. We add an outlet only if needed.
Are there rules for businesses on the beach? Yes. Sea turtle lighting rules limit light visible from the beach from May 1 through October 31 in Pinellas.
Can a plaza or condo building light every unit the same way? Yes. With the owner’s or association’s approval, we can light a whole building as one design with separate zones. See permanent lights for condos, townhomes and villas.
Questions about your building or home? Call (727) 476-7079 or visit our JellyFish lighting page.