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City of Miami Sidewalk Café Permit: Miami restaurant guide

City of Miami — Department of Resilience and Public Works

What it is

Permit to place tables and chairs on the public sidewalk (right-of-way) next to your restaurant.

When a restaurant needs it

Outdoor seating on the public sidewalk. Seating on private property is a zoning matter, not this permit.

How to apply

Apply in the iPW portal, upload documents via ProjectDox, pay fees, post the security deposit in person, and pass inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Business Tax Receipt as a restaurant/food establishment
Certificate of Use
Professional survey (no older than 6 months) including the right-of-way
Liability insurance naming City of Miami as additional insured
Architect/engineer scaled layout drawing
Photos of proposed furniture

Fee

$175 non-refundable application fee plus $10 inspection fee; security deposit by cashier's check for new cafés.

Processing time

Response typically within ten working days of complete submission.

Renewal

Periodic renewal required (cadence not stated on the City page).

Who files

The restaurant operator applies; the layout drawing must be by an architect or engineer.

Good to know

Because it requires your BTR and CU, this is one of the last permits you can get, so plan for indoor-only service at opening.

Official source

City of Miami — sidewalk café permit

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.