Last checked: November 6, 2026. Confidence: high for the sampling permit, medium for the handbill zones.
This is not legal advice. It is a plain-English summary of public city rules. Codes change, posted code text can lag new ordinances, and some rules have been challenged in court. Confirm with the permit office linked below before your team hits the street.
- The city issues a Brand Promotion / Temporary Sampling permit for mobile distribution by a five-person team or one stationary 10x10 pop-up, in commercial and mixed-use districts. Apply at least 14 working days ahead. Insurance naming the city is required.
- Mobile teams may not set up tables, tents, banners, flags or signs. Keep five feet of sidewalk clear, no flyers on buildings, trees or poles, and no sampling within 20 feet of an outdoor cafe without written OK.
- City Code 46-92 lists commercial handbill ban zones in parts of South Beach (including Ocean Drive, parts of Collins and Washington Avenues, Espanola Way and Lummus Park), and treats flyers on cars as litter.
- Court context: in FF Cosmetics FL v. City of Miami Beach (11th Cir. 2017), the court upheld an injunction against enforcing 46-92 in parts of the Historic District, finding it likely overbroad.
Verifywhether the city enforces the 46-92 zones today, and beach rules.
Official sources
- Brand Promotion / Temporary Sampling permits
- Miami Beach City Code (search "commercial handbill", Sec. 46-92)
- FF Cosmetics opinion (PDF)
More on STC in this market: Miami Beach street team marketing.
Want a team that handles the permits in Miami Beach?
Street Teams Co plans, staffs and runs street team campaigns. Tell us the city and the activation and we will talk through what it takes. See our street team marketing agency and product sampling pages.
Contact us Book a callNot legal advice. Summaries of public city rules as of the dates shown. Always confirm with the city permit office and your own counsel.