Zoning explained · Broward County

Regional Activity Center - Arts and Sciences District Fort Lauderdale, Florida

RAC-AS is the downtown arts and sciences cultural district within the Downtown Regional Activity Center. Permitted uses are mainly cultural, hospitality, restaurant, boutique retail and office/service uses; marinas and social service facilities are conditional.

1 building zoned RAC-AS80 permitted business types
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Insights › Zoning & land use › Fort Lauderdale — RAC-AS
Permitted uses

What you can operate in RAC-AS, Fort Lauderdale

The businesses the RAC-AS district in Fort Lauderdale allows. The ones on the left are permitted by right; the ones on the right need a special approval first. (Zoning codes are set by each municipality, so RAC-AS here means specifically Fort Lauderdale's RAC-AS district.)

Allowed by right
Marine Parts and Supplies StoreWatercraft Sales and Rental, new or used, (only allowed within the NWRAC-MUne and NWRAC-MUe)Indoor Motion Picture TheaterPerforming Arts Theater, less than 300 seats (unlimited seating permitted in SRAC-SAw zoning district)Bakery StoreBar, Cocktail Lounge, NightclubCafeteriaCandy, Nuts StoreDelicatessenGrocery/Food StoreIce Cream/Yogurt StoreRestaurantBed and Breakfast DwellingHotelActive and Passive ParkCivic and Private Club FacilityLibraryMuseum and Art GalleryPolice and Fire SubstationPublic/Private RecreationCoach HomesMulti-family DwellingRowhouseAntiques StoreApparel/Clothing, Accessories StoreApothecaryArt Galleries, Art Studio, DealerArts & Crafts Supplies StoreBait and Tackle StoreBicycle ShopBook StoreCamera, Photographic Supplies StoreCandle ShopCard & Stationery StoreCigar, Tobacco StoreFabric, Needlework, Yarn ShopFlorist ShopGasoline Sales on restored premises originally designed for this purposeGeneral Store in character with historic districtGifts, Novelties, Souvenirs StoreGlassware, China, Pottery StoreHobby Items, Toys, Games StoreHoliday Merchandise, Outdoor SalesJewelry StoreLinen, Bath, Bedding StoreMusic, Musical Instruments StoreNewspapers, Magazines StoreOptical StoreParty Supply StorePharmacyShoe StoreSilversmithTapes, Videos, Music CD's StoreWoodcraftAuction HouseFilm Processing StoreHair SalonHealth and Fitness CenterInstruction: Fine Arts, Sports and Recreation, Dance, Music, TheaterInterior DecoratorMail, Postage, Fax ServiceNail SalonParking FacilityPhotographic StudioProfessional OfficeShoe Repair, Shoe ShineTailor, Dressmaking Store, Direct to the CustomerTanning SalonTattoo ArtistTravel AgencyWatch and Jewelry Repair
With special approval
Charter and Sightseeing BoatHotel MarinaMarinaMarine Service StationAmphitheaterAddiction Treatment CenterFood Distribution CenterSocial Service Facility - GeneralSocial Service Residential Facility
Build envelope

Development standards

Headline dimensional limits for this district. Confirm exact figures against the current code for your specific parcel.

StandardDowntown RAC form-based review under Sec. 47-13.20 (Downtown Master Plan design guidelines)
StandardResidential density per Comprehensive Plan allocation (Sec. 47-13.20.D)
Accessory usesAccessory uses to Hotels; Catering Services; Child Day Care - Corporate/Employee Sponsors when accessory to professional office; Outdoor Dining and Sidewalk Cafés; Watercraft Sales and Rental, new or used when accessory to a Marina
StandardRead from Sec. 47-13.1.1/13.2 (intent), 47-13.10 (uses), 47-13.20 (RAC review); permitted = by right, conditional = needs conditional-use / special-exception approval
The fine print

In plain English

BY RIGHT No hearing needed

If your business is on the by-right list, you can occupy a space in this district and open — no zoning hearing. Building permits and licensing still apply, but the use itself is already allowed.

SPECIAL Approval first

Special-approval uses can work here too, but they go through a public review before opening. Plan for extra time and possible conditions — we'll tell you which path a space needs.

Available now

Spaces zoned RAC-AS in Fort Lauderdale

1 space available in this district, largest first. Click any space to view it.

FOR SALE 793 SF
105 S Avenue of the Arts, Fort Lauderdale — 1st Floor
Fort Lauderdale
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Looking for space zoned RAC-AS in Fort Lauderdale?

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Based on the Fort Lauderdale zoning code.
Educational content — not legal or zoning advice. Verify permitted uses with the municipality for your specific parcel.