Florence issues 30 fines in first weeks of new outdoor dining rules

In the first 20 days since Florence’s new outdoor dining regulation came into force on 11 February, city authorities have issued 30 fines following joint inspections by municipal offices and the local police.

The checks were initially concentrated in the Unesco-listed historic centre, including Piazza Pitti, Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Inspections later continued in Via degli Avelli, Piazza Ottaviani and Via della Scala, all areas with a high concentration of restaurants and cafés.

What the inspections found

According to the Municipality of Florence, 32 businesses were inspected. While some were found to be fully compliant, others received one or more sanctions.

In the first phase of checks, inspectors identified:

• 11 violations for the use of plastic materials in outdoor covers, which are restricted under the new rules;
• 2 cases of unauthorised advertising displayed on structures;
• 1 violation for awnings and spotlights installed without permission;
• irregularities linked to goods hung on door frames;
• and occupation of public land beyond the space granted.

Subsequent inspections recorded:

• 2 violations for exceeding authorised space with abusive occupation of public land;
• 6 cases of various discrepancies from approved projects;
• 2 irregular installations of notice boards and menu stands;
• 3 breaches of the Highway Code related to unlawful occupation of public space;
• and an additional violation of the ban on advertising.

Some of the sanctions refer specifically to Article 14 of the new regulation on excessive occupation of public land, as well as provisions of the Italian Highway Code and Florence’s urban police regulation concerning awnings, lighting fixtures and items displayed outside premises.

City officials: rules and checks must go together

Jacopo Vicini, Florence’s councillor for economic development and tourism, said the city is maintaining close attention to the protection of its historic centre, describing it as a unique and delicate heritage site. He explained that the new regulation introduces clearer rules on decorum, materials and the size of outdoor installations, and that inspections began immediately and will continue with increasing intensity across the centre.

Andrea Giorgio, councillor for security and the municipal police, thanked officers for their work and stressed that checks are essential to ensure compliance, protect the historic centre and guarantee fair conditions among operators.

What businesses need to know

Under the new regulation, business owners who meet the requirements can apply for a public land concession to set up a dehors until 30 April.

Importantly, even operators who already have authorised outdoor seating areas must submit a new application. Existing concessions will remain valid only until a new authorisation is granted or formally denied.

For residents and visitors, the stricter controls are part of a broader effort by the Municipality to reduce visual clutter, limit the use of unsuitable materials and bring greater uniformity to outdoor dining areas in Florence’s historic centre.

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