The Jacksonville City Council is considering legislation that would allow sidewalk dining throughout Downtown, as opposed to the district in the historic core where it is currently permitted.
Ordinance 2025-0772, filed by Council member Raul Arias, would allow Downtown restaurants and bars to serve patrons on sidewalks adjacent to their property, bound by an invisible line extending from the property side lot lines to the street and in the street. The ordinance would apply throughout the Downtown zoning overlay, which extends from Brooklyn through the Working Waterfront district east of EverBank Stadium.
The legislation would delete language that defines Downtown bars as those “located within the boundaries of the E-Town (Entertainment Town) Zone.” The E-Town zone is synonymous with The Elbow entertainment district in Downtown’s historic core, a collection of more than 20 bars and restaurants centered by the historic Florida Theatre at Forsyth and Newnan streets.
Similarly, the legislation would clarify that Downtown restaurants eligible for outdoor dining could be located through the overlay as opposed to the amorphous “Central Business District.”
Under Arias’ ordinance, all outdoor dining would be required to conform with city safety regulations for traffic, pedestrians and sidewalk cafes. City ordinance code stipulates that the DIA can require that a bar or a restaurant separate its sidewalk space from a pedestrian pathway “by a barrier, such as a planter, decorative wall or fencing surrounding the perimeter.”
Also, the ordinance allows for expanded outdoor dining through creation of protected sidewalk extensions into Downtown streets with approval from the Downtown Investment Authority. Examples of those extensions, which are protected by metal walls containing raised planters, can be seen at such Downtown establishments as Bellwether restaurant and Pour Taproom on Forsyth Street.
“Over the past decade, Downtown Jacksonville has experienced steady growth and diversification, with new residential, retail, and entertainment developments spreading beyond the traditional core,” Arias wrote in a bill synopsis provided to the Daily Record.
“By aligning the code with current conditions and goals for Downtown activation, this update supports continued economic growth, pedestrian safety, and the City’s broader vision of an active, welcoming, and walkable urban environment.”
City ordinance code now requires that bars and restaurants prepare food items and beverages inside but they can be served at sidewalk tables and seating. That would not change with the adoption of Arias’ legislation.
On Nov. 3, the Council Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the ordinance, with member Michael Boylan away from the dais. Also Nov. 3, the Council Rules Committee voted 7-0 to recommend its approval.
Arias said he also plans to introduce a bill to Council before October 2026 that allows Downtown bars and restaurants to remain open until 3 a.m., an hour later than currently permitted. Arias said he hoped the bill would allow Downtown bars to be more competitive with those in other areas of Jacksonville.