Margate, FL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Section 33-27 is the core rule. It is unlawful for any auctioneer, commission merchant or other merchant or person to obstruct the free passage on any sidewalk or street for the purpose of selling, vending, showing or disposing of wares or merchandise or of delivering the same. The test is obstruction of free passage, so a seller who leaves the walkway clear is measured against the other rules below, not this one. Section 33-28 makes a conviction for an Article I violation a second-degree misdemeanor.

Anyone selling from a vehicle or a fixed spot needs a local business tax receipt under Chapter 25. Section 25-1 requires the receipt before the business starts, § 25-3(d) requires the receipt for a business operated from a moving vehicle to be affixed in a prominent place in the vehicle, and the § 25-11 schedule lists a movable vehicle from which goods, food, wares or merchandise is sold or service is rendered at $200.00 per vehicle. Receipts expire on September 30 each year under § 25-2.

Restaurants can put tables on the public sidewalk only through a walkway cafe under Land Development Code § 40.622. It is an accessory use to a restaurant or other food service establishment and needs an application, a hold harmless agreement and public liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, with liquor liability coverage of the same amount for cafes serving alcohol. The dining area must leave a four-foot clear pedestrian passage, any fence cannot exceed three feet in height, hours cannot exceed the restaurant's, and furniture must come in when an advisory for hazardous weather issues. Cooking facilities are prohibited on the sidewalk except temporary mobile facilities used in finishing meals substantially prepared inside the building, and those must be removed immediately when not in use. The City can revoke or suspend the permit on seven days' notice if the holder fails to correct violations within seven days of a City notice.