New protocol aims to protect Florence’s heritage and regulate public space.
Starting at the beginning of 2026, outdoor seating for restaurants and shops in Florence will be restricted or banned in certain areas, in an attempt to preserve the city’s historical structure and upkeep.
The new protocol was signed by the Municipality of Florence and the Superintendence for Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape with the goal of protecting the city’s artistic and architectural heritage.
In addition to protecting the city’s heritage, residents have submitted multiple complaints to the mayor regarding restaurants’ extended seating, claiming that it blocks narrow streets and damages the city’s appearance.
Some of these streets and locations include Ponte Vecchio, Piazza di Santa Maria Nuova, Piazzale degli Uffizi, and Borgo Santa Croce.
Florence’s Historic Centre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its rich history and its central role in the Italian Renaissance. In 2021, the site’s boundaries were expanded to include areas around San Miniato al Monte.
The Municipality and the Superintendence will jointly define permitted layouts within a 30-day period following the signing of the protocol. Some of the city’s most notable squares, including Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Repubblica, and Piazza Pitti, will be affected.
Under the new protocol, outdoor seating will be restricted in some areas or heavily regulated regarding what is allowed on the streets or in the squares.
It will be regulated strictly based on five categories, which range from allowing only tables and chairs with small umbrellas to permitting enclosed and roofed structures as an extension of the shop.
A new intermediate category will also be introduced, allowing partial enclosures with a transparent side panel for use during the winter months.
New installations can be expected to follow the symmetry of the piazzas and preserve the open-space structure that characterizes these squares.
These updated protocols are the most significant revision to public-space regulations that Florence has seen in 15 years. The changes aim to help preserve the city’s architectural heritage and ensure a more balanced use of public spaces.
An additional rule introduces stricter regulations on plastic materials used outdoors, including awnings, tarps, bright-colored lighting, and branded décor.
Shop and café owners will be encouraged to incorporate more plants or seasonal flowers that are local to the area.
The protocols still require approval by the city council, and the new systems and regulations are expected to take effect in early 2026.
There will still be 73 streets where outdoor setups will be allowed. These streets will retain outdoor seating, but all setups will need to comply with the new regulations and protocols.
