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Sarasota, FL Special Events & Permits: Outdoor Heater Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Rule
Heaters must sit open to the sky
Applies to
Sidewalk cafés and parklets
Enforcement
City engineer / code compliance
Citation
City Code §§ 30-22(c)(2)c, 30-26(g)(2)h

Summary

City of Sarasota rules limit outdoor patio heaters at licensed sidewalk cafés and parklets to open-air spots: no heater may sit under a roof, awning or umbrella cover.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, only portable, temporary chairs, tables, umbrellas and space heaters may be placed within the permit area. ... Space heaters shall only be placed in uncovered areas open to the sky.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Zoning: Supplement 44).

Full Breakdown

The City of Sarasota's sidewalk café ordinance lists space heaters among the few items allowed inside a permitted sidewalk café or parklet area, alongside portable chairs, tables and umbrellas, but restricts them to open-air spots: heaters may only be placed in uncovered areas open to the sky. The identical restriction is written into the parklet ordinance for platforms built over on-street parking spaces. A heater placed under an awning, roof overhang or umbrella breaches a mandatory permit condition, and the city engineer can act on the violation.

Violations & Fines

Placing a heater under cover breaches a mandatory permit condition; the city engineer can issue a notice of violation, revoke the sidewalk café permit or parklet license, and refer the matter to code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a patio heater under my restaurant's awning in Sarasota?
No. City Code requires space heaters in a permitted sidewalk café or parklet area to be placed only in spots open to the sky: an awning or roof overhang doesn't qualify.
Does the heater rule apply to parklets too?
Yes. Sec. 30-26(g)(2)h repeats the same open-sky requirement for parklet platforms built over on-street parking spaces.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sarasota

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All Sarasota rules

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