Bradenton, FL Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Land Use Regulations § 4.3.11 covers sidewalk cafés in the City of Bradenton, Manatee County. The café is outdoor seating in conjunction with a restaurant or drinking establishment, permitted in accordance with schedule 3.2.1.2 upon approval of a certificate of use or special use permit.

Seating is sized to the frontage. Section 4.3.11.1 limits outdoor seats and tables to the number that can be reasonably accommodated by the available widths of the storefront and sidewalk. Adjacent sidewalk bulb-out areas can be considered on an individual basis, even if not directly in front of the storefront, when the affected storefront owner does not object. Clear pedestrian access has to be maintained at all times, and no seating or tables can interfere with ingress or egress of buildings or create an unsafe situation with street traffic. The owner or operator removes seating and tables from the sidewalk and places them out of public view when the business is closed, or when an authorized agent of the city asks.

Under § 4.3.11.2 the operator maintains the public sidewalk for safety and cleanliness on a daily basis, and litter, dirt, grime, grease and food cannot be allowed to accumulate at any time. Under § 4.3.11.3 the operator signs an indemnity agreement provided by the PCD director and supplies proof of public liability insurance as approved by the city attorney.

Alcohol on public property needs more. Section 4.3.11.4 requires city council approval, pursuant to subsections 2.2.9 and 4.3.1 and F.S. chapters 561 and 562, and city council reserves the right to limit the number of sidewalk cafés with alcoholic beverage service. The applicant must also submit a new or modified State of Florida Alcoholic Beverage License showing the sidewalk area as part of the licensed area, and cannot operate in that capacity until proof of the license reaches the PCD director.

The application package under § 4.3.11.5 has a completed certificate of use application and a site plan showing the café name and address, business and property owners, existing interior seating capacity, the number and dimensions of outdoor tables, pedestrian circulation, nearby benches, fire hydrants, building exits, landscaping, curbing and parking meters, and proposed hours of operation.