Bars, Nightclubs, and Entertainment Venue Permissions in Kissimmee
In the City of Kissimmee, establishments serving alcohol and providing entertainment, such as bars and nightclubs, are primarily permitted as "Recreation, indoor (private)" or "Microbreweries," and are authorized in most commercial and industrial districts including B-2, B-3, HC, and IB. While "nightclubs" and "bars" are recognized as permitted accessory uses within hotels and motels, independent venues are generally subject to a parking ratio of one space per 200 square feet of gross floor area [Section 14-7-22].
Permitted Zoning Districts for Bars and Nightclubs
The City of Kissimmee Land Development Code does not typically list "bar" or "nightclub" as a primary standalone use in its schedules. Instead, these uses are categorized under broader headers based on their primary function and operation.
Indoor Recreation and Dance Halls
Nightclubs and similar entertainment venues are classified under "Recreation, indoor (private)," which specifically includes dance halls and pool halls [Section 14-2]. Within the City of Kissimmee, this use is permitted in the following districts:
- Permitted (P): B-2 (Neighborhood Commercial), B-3 (General Commercial), HC (Highway Commercial), IB (Industrial Business), AO (Airport Operations), and AI (Airport Industrial) [Table 4-2].
- Conditional (C): BP (Business Park) [Table 4-2].
Form-Based Code Transect Zones
In the City of Kissimmee's specialized Form-Based Code areas, "Recreation, indoor (private)" is permitted in the following zones:
- Permitted (P): T5-M (Mixed-Use Center), T5-U (Mixed-Use Urban Corridor), T6 (Waterfront), and SD (Special District) [Table 5-1].
- Conditional (C): T4-O (Neighborhood Open) [Table 5-1].
Microbreweries
Microbreweries are regulated as a distinct use and are allowed more broadly in certain professional districts:
- Permitted (P): RPB (Residential Professional Business), B-2, and B-3 [Table 4-2].
- Conditional (C): B-5 (Office Commercial), HC, BP, and IB [Table 4-2].
- Form-Based Code Area: Permitted in T5-M, T5-U, and T6 [Table 5-1].
Accessory and Specialty Use Classifications
The City of Kissimmee provides specific allowances for alcohol-focused uses when they are part of a larger development or meet specialized criteria.
Accessory to Lodging
The City of Kissimmee Land Development Code explicitly identifies bars and nightclubs as customary accessory uses to "Hotels or motels." When operated as an accessory to a hotel, these uses are permitted in any district where the hotel is an allowed use, such as B-3, HC, BP, AI, T5-M, T5-U, and T6 [Section 14-7-22, Table 4-2, Table 5-1].
Adult Entertainment
Establishments classified as "Adult entertainment" are more restricted within the City of Kissimmee. These are permitted only in the B-3 (General Commercial District) and the T5-M (Mixed-Use Center) zone, though permission in T5-M is limited to establishments existing prior to August 31, 2020 [Table 4-2, Table 5-1].
Technical Standards and Parking Ratios
Establishments in the City of Kissimmee must adhere to specific parking requirements based on their classification.
| Use Classification | Parking Space Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dance Hall (Nightclub) | 1 space per 200 sq. ft. GFA |
| Civic or Social Club | 1 space per 200 sq. ft. GFA |
| Accessory Bar/Nightclub (within Hotel) | 50% of the standard ratio for that use type |
| Restaurant (with indoor/outdoor seating) | 1 space per 80 sq. ft. GFA (min. 8 spaces per takeout window) |
| Microbrewery | (Follows standard commercial/industrial ratios unless specified) |
GFA = Gross Floor Area
Operational Limitations
- Non-Profit Clubs: Within the City of Kissimmee, "non-profit clubs" are defined to exclude bars, nightclubs, or other uses operated primarily as a business for profit [Section 14-2].
- Outdoor Dining/Alcohol: In the City of Kissimmee, alcoholic beverages may be consumed in outdoor dining areas only if the primary restaurant operation is appropriately licensed by the State of Florida and the City of Kissimmee [Section 14-6-9].
- Proximity to Residential: For "Extended Home Occupations" (service-based businesses in residential areas), bars and nightclubs are strictly prohibited [Section 14-6-7.C.1].
Sections Cited
- LDC 14-2: Terms Defined
- LDC 14-4-5: Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts (Table 4-2)
- LDC 14-5-6: Site Standards (Table 5-1)
- LDC 14-6-7: Home occupations
- LDC 14-6-9: Outdoor dining
- LDC 14-7-22: Automobile parking ratios (Table 7-2)