Florence tightens rules on outdoor dining in UNESCO area

Florence’s city government has approved a new regulation for outdoor dining areas, confirming that the total surface area of cafés and restaurant terraces within the UNESCO World Heritage area will remain frozen at current levels. The new rules also introduce tougher penalties, aesthetic criteria and a 10% reduction in total space allowed citywide compared to the previous framework.

The regulation, which still requires approval by the City Council, defines how public space can be used for outdoor dining and sets stricter limits to protect the historic centre’s appearance, livability and safety.

Mayor Sara Funaro said the goal is to balance the city’s residential character with its economic activities. The new system, she explained, aims to safeguard the UNESCO-listed centre by preventing any expansion of tables and terraces beyond the area already authorised as of November 15, 2025. The text also bans plastic materials and reinforces controls against irregular labour.

In total, 60 streets and squares inside the UNESCO perimeter will now be subject to a complete ban on outdoor seating, up from 50 listed in the earlier draft. In 20 additional streets, existing terraces can remain but may not increase in size.

Deputy mayor Jacopo Vicini, responsible for economic development and tourism, said the regulation seeks to protect law-abiding business owners. Concessions may now be revoked after two violations within one year or in cases of illegal employment. Repeated unauthorised occupations of public space will lead to a three-day suspension of the activity.

The new framework incorporates the full content of a protocol signed with the Soprintendenza, the state heritage authority, ensuring uniform rules for materials, colours and types of outdoor structures. Operators who comply with the pre-approved designs will no longer need separate reviews, reducing bureaucracy.

The regulation divides outdoor spaces into five typologies, ranging from simple tables and chairs directly on the pavement (Type A) to semi-closed or fully enclosed structures (Types C and D). For key locations such as Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Santa Maria Novella and Piazza Pitti, the city and Soprintendenza will jointly decide the permitted typologies within 30 days.

Further measures include an obligation to display a copy of the concession with the approved layout, an acoustic impact assessment for areas open after 10 p.m., and compliance with insurance, tax and safety documentation. Advertising of brands or commercial messages on terrace elements is forbidden, except for the venue’s own name and logo.

Public-space occupancies must leave at least 1.5 metres of pedestrian passage and ensure a 3.5-metre emergency lane in pedestrian areas.

Business owners have until March 15, 2026 to apply for renewal under the new rules. Existing permits will remain valid until a new decision is issued.

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