Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Hollywood, FL

Hollywood maintains 134 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sidewalk & pedestrian rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Hollywood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Encroachment Permits

Anyone wanting to run a business or commercial activity on a Hollywood street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way must first get a permit or franchise from the City Commission under § 104.01. The permit is revocable at any time and creates no vested right, and roadside farm-product sales and newspaper sales are exempt.

Key details: Permit issuer: City Commission or authorized city official. Permit type: Revocable; creates no vested right. Penalty: Up to $500 fine or 60 days jail. Exemption: City-grown farm/grove product sales on abutting ROW. Exemption: Newspaper and constitutionally protected material sales.

Operating a business, sales display or commercial enterprise on a Hollywood street, sidewalk or public right-of-way without first securing a City Commission permit or franchise violates § 104.01 and is punished under the general penalty section, § 10.99, with a fine of up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both. The Commission can revoke a granted permit at will since it creates no vested right.

Obstruction Rules

Hollywood bans parking any motor vehicle on a public sidewalk, a curbed swale where no curb cut exists, or the unpaved swale next to a single-family home without the owner's consent, under Code of Ordinances section 72.022. The rule covers cars, trucks, motorcycles, and motor scooters alike, and applies whether the right-of-way is public or private.

Key details: First-offense fine: $40. Repeat fines: $85, then $150 within 6 months. Covers: Sidewalks, curbed swale, unpaved ROW. Vehicles included: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters. Exception: Owner or lessee consent.

A first sidewalk or swale parking violation under section 72.022 carries a $40 fine set by section 72.999(E)(3)(b). A second violation within six months of the first raises the fine to $85, and a third or subsequent violation within that six-month window carries a $150 fine. Every citation also adds a $5 school crossing guard surcharge under section 72.999(E)(7).

Sidewalk Repair

Hollywood puts sidewalk upkeep on the abutting property owner, not the city. Owners must keep the sidewalk free of debris and maintain the unpaved swale and curb next to their land, and refusing to do so is a Chapter 36 code violation under City Code § 155.30.

Key details: Who maintains sidewalks: Abutting property owner. Swale and curb maintenance: Owner's responsibility. Failure to maintain: Chapter 36 code violation. Cutting/removing sidewalk: Permit required, § 155.34. Unrepaired opening: City closes it, bills owner.

Failing to maintain the sidewalk or swale is a violation under § 155.33, referred to Chapter 36 code enforcement, which can impose escalating fines through the Special Magistrate process until the condition is corrected. Cutting a sidewalk or curb without the § 155.34 permit is separately unlawful, and an unprotected opening left by unpermitted or careless work can be closed by the city with the cost charged back to the abutting owner.

The Bottom Line

Hollywood's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Hollywood is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Hollywood's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.