In Florida, as in most states, the standard for signs, signals and pavement markings is the "Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MUTCD). This publication by the U.S. Department of Transportation serves as the standard for the installation of all traffic control devices.

The MUTCD indicates that a stop bar (line) is a solid white line, normally 12 to 24 inches wide, extending across all approach lanes to a STOP sign or traffic signal. A stop bar should be placed parallel to the centerline of the intersecting street. A stop bar should be used in both rural and urban areas where it is important to indicate the point, behind which vehicles are required to stop, in compliance with a STOP sign, traffic signal, officer’s direction, or other legal requirement.

A stop bar, when used, should ordinarily be placed 4 feet in advance of and parallel to the nearest crosswalk line. In the absence of a marked crosswalk, the stop bar should be placed at the desired stopping point and in no case more than 4 feet from the nearest edge of the intersecting roadway.

When a stop bar is used in conjunction with a STOP sign, it should be placed in line with the STOP sign. However, if the STOP sign cannot be located exactly where vehicles are expected to stop, the stop bar should be placed at the desired stopping point.

In general, a STOP sign should be located to optimize nighttime visibility and minimize mud splatter. In addition, a STOP sign should be located so that it is not obscured by other signs or hidden from view by roadside objects and vegetation.

In order to provide adequate lateral clearance for the motorists who may leave the roadway in rural areas and strike the sign support, a STOP sign should be located at least 6 feet from the edge of the should or, if there is no shoulder, 12 feet, with a maximum of 14 feet from the edge of the traveled way. The height to the bottom of the STOP sign in rural areas should not be less than 5 feet or more than 8 feet above the edge of the roadway.

In urban areas a lesser lateral clearance may be used where necessary. Although 2 feet is recommended as a working minimum, a clearance of 1 foot from the curb face is permissible where sidewalk width is limited or where existing poles are close to the curb. The height to the bottom of a STOP sign in urban areas should not be less than 7 feet or more than 8 feet above the top of the curb.