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Sidewalk Dining and Displays

Outside dining areas are allowed only after obtaining the proper zoning variances.

  • Outside display of merchandise is not allowed unless by special seasonal permit or variance, per Miami-Dade County Code Section 19-15.9
  • Consider the safety of disabled persons, children in strollers and the emergency exit from the site

  • A shopping center owner must obtain a zoning variance to allow outside dining and create extra-wide walkways.

Commercial Property Compliance

These regulations apply to business, commercial and industrial properties. Enforcement is done on a complaint basis.

Merchants and business property owners will receive a courtesy warning to correct violations. Civil citations will be issued after non-compliance or in cases where it’s a repeat offense.

Notice Regarding Anonymous Complaints

Florida Statute 125.69 requires that a code inspector only proceed to investigate an anonymous complaint if the code inspector determines, based only on the information from the complaint, that the violation reported presents an imminent threat to the public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resources. If a code inspector does not have enough information or determines that the information provided does not indicate an imminent threat, then the anonymous complaint will not be investigated.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you understand that your complaint will not be investigated if the code inspector determines they do not have enough information or that the information provided does not indicate an imminent threat.

If you do not want to remain anonymous, an investigation can proceed regardless of whether there is an imminent threat, but you must provide both your name and address.