City of Miami Alcohol Zoning Approval (Alcohol Reservation Letter + sign-off on state application): Miami restaurant guide
City of Miami — Office of Zoning Confirm with the city
What it is
Florida requires the local zoning authority to execute zoning approval on every new alcohol license application. In the City of Miami this involves an alcohol reservation letter supported by a certified distance survey, then zoning sign-off.
When a restaurant needs it
Any restaurant applying for a state alcoholic beverage license (new or change of location).
How to apply
Commission a signed and sealed liquor (distance) survey, submit the alcohol reservation letter request to the Office of Zoning via ePlan, then get the City's zoning sign-off on the DBPR application after required local inspections.
Documents you’ll need
- Index and signed letter of intent
- Signed and sealed liquor survey by a licensed surveyor
- Folio and property address list
- DBPR alcohol application zoning page
- Certificate of Use (when adding alcohol to an existing business)
Good to know
Chapter 4 of the City Code sets distance separations from schools, churches, residential districts and other licensees, with exemptions for qualifying restaurants. A Planning Department reform of outdoor dining and 4COP rules was in draft in Dec 2025, so have a land-use attorney confirm current rules.
Official source
City of Miami — Alcohol Reservation Letter checklist · City of Miami — Warrant for alcohol beverages checklist
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.