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

A "sidewalk cafe" is a food or beverage establishment's outdoor use of a public sidewalk, right-of-way or plaza, characterized by tables, chairs, umbrellas and related items approved on the right-of-way use permit. Service hours inside the permit area are limited to the permittee's regular business hours, and cooking or food preparation in the permit area is flatly prohibited and unlawful. Alcoholic beverage sales at sidewalk cafes are generally prohibited, with a narrow exception for establishments holding a quota state license with a 2-COP or 4-COP classification, which may serve beer and wine only, seated in the cafe's designated seating area; a copy of the state license must be produced to city personnel on request.

Any operator serving alcohol must carry liquor liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.00 acceptable to the city, in addition to the general liability coverage required of every right-of-way use. Tables and chairs must be commercial-grade wrought iron, cast aluminum, steel or heavy commercial wood, capped at 36 inches in diameter or length and 30 inches in height, and plastic, PVC or residential-grade furniture is barred. Umbrellas must clear the sidewalk by at least seven feet, and paper, plastic and Styrofoam food or drink containers are prohibited unless the cafe is self-service without wait staff.