Johnson & Johnson, Inc. v. Florida Department of Transportation

Appellant seeks reversal of that portion of a Department order requiring removal of four of its outdoor advertising signs if it does not remove certain lighting from the signs. We find that the Department’s order is without supporting statutory authority and reverse.

Appellant’s signs were erected and permitted by the Department prior to 1971, and were grandfathered in as nonconforming structures by Sections 479.23 and 479.-24, Florida Statutes (1977). In August, 1977, however the Department issued appellant an “alleged violation of Chapter 479,” claiming that the signs had been enlarged and…