Downtown Sidewalk Vending Requirements

The following are basic rules and regulations governing downtown sidewalk vendors:

1. Vending must be in accordance with Chapter 250, City Ordinance Code and City and State health codes.
2. Vending may be done only on sites listed and in the downtown area zoned CCBD.  This includes the area bounded on the south by the St. Johns River, on the east by Catherine Street, on the north by Duval Street and on the west by Newnan Street.  Together with the area on the southbank of the St. Johns River, north of Prudential Drive and south on the river.
3. For vending at Metropolitan Park call (904) 630-0837.
4. For vending at City of Jacksonville Special Events, call the Office of Special Events at (904) 630-3690.
5. General liability insurance is required before you may vend.  Insurance must be $1,000,000.00 general liability, with the City of Jacksonville/Downtown Development Authority as additional named co-insured.
6. All vendor permits will be effective on the first day of each month.
7. Vending permits must be visibly displayed at all times.
8. Vendor’s permits can be pre-empted by city-sponsored or co-sponsored events in your area.
9. Vending units must be self-contained, portable, and no larger than four feet wide by six and on-half feet high by six feet long.
10. Vending units may occupy a maximum of 60 square feet of space.
11. Each vending unit may have no more than two (2) ice chests, coolers or  other accessory containers.  These containers must be placed on or immediately next to the vending unit and not in the way of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.  Any cooking, heating or warming unit must be an integral part of the vending unit.
12. A business may operate a total of two (2) downtown vending units, operated at separate locations.  A permit must be obtained for each unit.
13. Vendor sites must beet the following location criteria:
    1. Sidewalk must be a minimum eleven (11) feet wide.
    2. Vending unit must be ten (10) feet from driveways.
    3. Vending unit must be fifty (50) feet from other vending units.
    4. Vending unit must be fifteen (15) feet from building exits.
    5. View of traffic or signage must not be blocked.
    6. Maximum sixty (60) square feet of space can be occupied for vending units.
    7. Vending unit must be a minimum one hundred feet from the establishment.
    8. Vending unit must be one hundred (100) feet from bus stop.
    9. Vending unit must be one hundred (100) feet from major arterial intersection (e.g. Bay and Main, Broad and Water Streets).
    10. Vending unit must not locate in front of parking space you do not block vehicle bumper or door swing.
14. One operator may operate a minimum of one cart per location.
15. Absolutely no moving from assigned area.
16. Vending units must be removed each night.
17. Vendors must keep immediate area neat and clean at all times.
18. Vendors cannot connect to any adjoining building or other structure.
19. Vendors cannot receive electricity or water from adjoining building by means of wire hoses or other connections.
20. The term vendor applies not only to the person that secures the permit, but also to anyone he/she has working with or for them while they are on duty.
21. Vendor’s permit may be either temporarily suspended or permanently revoked if the vendor is deemed negligent of any of the above rules and regulations, or if the vendor is observed under the influence, is abusive or rude to citizens, uncooperative to city personnel and/or creates a disturbance or conduct with would embarrass the city.

Jacksonville Economic Developement Commission (JEDC)
City Hall Annex
220 East Bay Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
(904) 630-1858