Allowable Zoning Districts for Bars and Nightclubs in the City of Orlando
In the City of Orlando, bars and nightclubs are primarily permitted in Activity Center (AC), Mixed Use (MU), and specific Office (O) or Industrial-Commercial (IC) districts, provided they meet strict distance separation requirements. Most bars and nightclubs must be located at least 1,000 feet from K-12 schools and churches, though this requirement is reduced to 200 feet within the AC-3A/T Downtown Metropolitan Activity Core Center District [Section 58.706]. Additionally, new nightclubs in the City of Orlando are prohibited if they are located within 300 feet of an existing legally approved nightclub [Section 58.705].
Allowable Districts by Use Category
The City of Orlando distinguishes between "Bars" (Level 8 intensity) and "Nightclubs" (Level 9 intensity). The following table outlines the permissions for these uses across various zoning districts [Figure 2, Part 2].
| Zoning District | Bar Permission | Nightclub Permission |
|---|---|---|
| MU-1 & MU-2 (Mixed Use Corridor) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| AC-N (Neighborhood Activity Center) | Permitted (P) | Conditional Use (C) |
| AC-1 (Community Activity Center) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| AC-2 (Urban Activity Center) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| AC-3 (Metropolitan Activity Center) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| AC-3A (Downtown Metropolitan Core) | Permitted (P)¹ | Permitted (P)¹ |
| O-3 (Office and Residential) | Permitted (P) | Prohibited |
| IC (Industrial-Commercial) | Permitted (P) | Permitted (P) |
| MXD-1 (Mixed Residential-Office) | Permitted (Accessory) | Prohibited |
| MXD-2 & O-2 | Conditional (Historic Only)² | Prohibited |
¹ Requires a Planning Official Determination for new or expanding businesses when distance separation requirements apply [Footnote 40]. ² Only allowed as a Conditional Use within a designated historic landmark [Key to Abbreviations].
Specific Location and Spacing Standards
The City of Orlando imposes several technical standards regarding the placement of these establishments to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents and sensitive institutions.
Distance from Protected Institutions
Establishments selling alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption must adhere to the following minimum distances from K-12 schools or churches [Section 58.706]:
| Location Context | Minimum Distance Required |
|---|---|
| Outside the AC-3A/T District | 1,000 feet |
| Inside the AC-3A/T District | 200 feet |
Nightclub Spacing and the Downtown Entertainment Area
In the City of Orlando, specifically within the Downtown Entertainment Area, a new nightclub or the expansion of an existing one is prohibited if the establishment is located within 300 feet of any other legally approved nightclub [Section 58.705]. This distance is measured by the shortest and most direct bearing from the property line of the existing nightclub to the property line of the proposed site.
Special Plan Provisions
Certain areas within the City of Orlando operate under "Special Plans" that may modify standard zoning permissions.
SODO Special Plan
Within the SODO (South Orange/Michigan) district, "Eating and Drinking" uses are permitted in the following transects [Section 62.499]:
- T-4 (General Urban): Permitted.
- T-5 (Urban Center): Permitted.
- T-6 (Urban Core): Permitted.
Orange Blossom Trail Special Plan
In the MU-1 District portion of the Orange Blossom Trail corridor, eating and drinking establishments are classified as Conditional Uses and must be approved as part of a mixed-use development [Section 62.406].
North International Drive Special Plan
Under this special plan, "Eating and Drinking" uses are generally permitted, but "Nightclubs" and "Bars" must maintain a cohesive image that supports the tourist-commercial nature of the district. The district discourages uses that are not compatible with a family-oriented tourist environment [Section 62.496].
Operational Requirements for Restaurants Serving Alcohol
In the City of Orlando, an establishment may be classified as a restaurant rather than a bar if it meets specific criteria. If a restaurant fails to meet these standards, it must be reclassified as a bar or nightclub [Section 58.705]:
- Food Sales: The establishment must derive at least 51% of its gross revenue from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Accessory Bar: An accessory bar area is permitted, provided food is continuously ready for service during all hours of operation.
- No Cover Charge: The restaurant must not have a cover charge to maintain its classification.
Sections Cited
- Section 58.705 (General Requirements)
- Section 58.706 (Distance from Churches and Schools)
- Figure 2, Part 2 (Table of Allowable Uses)
- Section 62.406 (Orange Blossom Trail Special Plan)
- Section 62.496 (North International Drive Special Plan)
- Section 62.499 (SODO Special Plan)
- Key to Abbreviations (Standard Definitions)