Operating a Downtown Sidewalk Café, Restaurant or Bar

Pursuant to Chapter 250, Part 8 of the City Code, the City of Jacksonville established the permitting process for those operators using the Public Right of Way (sidewalk(s) fronting their establishment) for Downtown sidewalk cafes.  This process required all downtown cafés, restaurants and bars that use the sidewalk outside their establishment to submit information and acquire a permit from the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC).

Failure to comply with Chapter 250, Part 8 of the City Code may result in revocation or suspension of your permit, a fine may be issued by the City of Jacksonville, and you will be required to remove all tables, chairs, serving equipment, etc. used in operations of the sidewalk café.

Downtown Sidewalk Cafe, Restaurant and Bar Application (PDF 79k)

Downtown Sidewalk Vendors

Ordinance 93-1761-1390 created Section 5, Downtown Sidewalk Vendors, of Chapter 250 of the City of Jacksonville's Municipal Code.

The primary purpose of public sidewalks is for use by pedestrian traffic. However, vending on public sidewalks promotes the public interest by contributing to an active and attractive pedestrian environment. Therefore, to permit such activity it is necessary to provide reasonable regulation of downtown sidewalk vending to protect the public, health, safety and welfare and to promote free, unimpeded and safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow. Part of this protection involves regulation of vending cart size, designation of vending locations and size and insurance requirements to adequately protect the rights of citizens. The regulations contained in this part do not prohibit pure speech under the United States Constitution, but merely regulate the activities which are commercial in nature.

Downtown Sidewalk Vending Permit Application (PDF 1.05Mb)

Downtown Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (PDF 29k)

Downtown Northbank Vending Locations (PDF 3Mb)

Downtown Southbank Vending Locations (PDF 161k)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jim Klement, JEDC Redevelopment Coordinator at (904) 630-2689 or by email at jklement@coj.net. 

Please note:  These provisions do not apply outside of the downtown areas depicted in the above downloadable maps.