Miami, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed zone
- D2 Industrial only
- Distance requirement
- 1,000 feet from parks, schools, residential zones
- Variances
- None permitted for the distance rule
- Application requirement
- Certified land surveyor's compliance survey
- Governing code
- Miami 21, Article 6, Table 13
Summary
Miami 21 confines adult entertainment establishments to the D2 Industrial transect zone and requires 1,000 feet of separation from any park, school, or residential-zoned property, with no variances allowed.
A minimum distance of 1,000 feet shall be required from any public park, school, or property zoned for Residential Use; including such public park or school properties outside City limits or properties zoned residential by the external jurisdiction. The distance shall be measured from the front door of the proposed Adult Entertainment Establishment to the closest property line of the protected Use. Any application shall be accompanied by a survey certified by a land surveyor registered in the State of Florida showing compliance with all minimum distance requirements. Discontinued or abandoned Adult Entertainment Establishments may not resume the use until all requirements of this Code and the City Code are met. No Variances shall be permitted.
ALCOHOL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT Establishments with a valid alcohol beverage license shall be subject to Chapter 4 of the City Code, entitled “Alcoholic Beverages.” Establishments occupying more than 5,000 square feet of Floor Area shall require an Exception with approval by the City Commission. Establishments located within an Entertainment District as defined within Section 4-9 of the City Code shall not be subject to an Exception permit. Establishments with a valid alcohol beverage license shall be subject to Chapter 4 of the City Code, entitled “Alcoholic Beverages.”
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 | Ordinance 11000 (Previous Zoning Code): Supplement 22 | Miami 21 (Zoning Code): ?).
Full Breakdown
The City of Miami's zoning code, Miami 21, allows Adult Entertainment Establishments only in the D2 Industrial transect zone under Article 6, Table 13. A minimum 1,000-foot separation is required from any public park, school, or property zoned Residential Use, including such properties across the city line in another jurisdiction. Distance is measured from the establishment's front door to the closest property line of the protected use, and every application must include a certified land surveyor's survey proving compliance. No variances from the distance requirement are permitted, and a discontinued or abandoned adult entertainment use cannot resume until it meets all current Miami 21 and City Code requirements.
Violations & Fines
Locating outside D2 Industrial, operating within 1,000 feet of a park, school, or residential zone, or resuming a discontinued adult entertainment use without meeting current Miami 21 requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can an adult entertainment business locate in Miami?
Can I get a variance from the 1,000-foot spacing rule?
What proof does the city require with an application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle adult entertainment.