Sarasota, FL Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

The City of Sarasota permits adult uses only under Zoning Code Article IV, Division 4 (Sec. IV-401 through IV-424). Sec. 00 non-refundable initial permit fee, and background disclosures on prior criminal convictions and any suspended or revoked permits; the department of building, zoning and code enforcement must grant or deny within 45 days (Sec. IV-405) or the permit is deemed granted. Sec. IV-404 sets the spacing rule: no adult use within 600 feet of any RSF, RSM or RMF residential zoning district, any church/synagogue, school, or child care/family day care facility, and no adult use within 600 feet of any other adult use, measured door to door in a straight line.

Sec. 20 a year and Sec. IV-408 expires each permit one year after issuance. Sec. every day, regardless of whether performers remain fully clothed. Sec. IV-409 lets the city suspend a permit after a 14-day cure period once notified of a violation, and Sec. IV-410 requires revocation, with a one-year bar on reapplying, for permits based on false information, drug or prostitution offenses on the premises, or operating while suspended. A denied or revoked applicant may appeal to the circuit court for Sarasota County by petition for writ of certiorari under Sec. IV-415. 20 transfer fee under Sec. IV-416; an unauthorized transfer is void and the permit reverts automatically to the city.