Miami Beach, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Sec. 82-151(b) requires anyone who will "obstruct or cause to be obstructed any street or sidewalk in this city or impede the general movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic thereon" to first get a permit from the Public Works Department. 00 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage naming the city as an additional insured, plus workers' compensation and employer's liability coverage, all from a carrier rated B+ or better. The applicant must also post a cash deposit sized by the public works director to cover potential property damage and debris removal, refundable if unused.

The permit fee is whichever is higher: the flat fee set in appendix A, or the certified-appraisal market value of the area being closed, with any metered-parking closure costs billed separately by the parking department. Sec. 00 for a fourth, with a fifth or subsequent violation in 12 months prosecuted under Sec. 1-14 instead of the civil track. A person or entity with three or more violations in 12 months also loses eligibility for a new obstruction permit for a full year. Parades, filming, newsracks, sidewalk cafes and special events are exempted because they are separately permitted elsewhere in the Code.