Amalie Arena

Planning A Special Event

All bookings for special events including festivals, concerts, parades, runs, etc. that desire to take place on public property are initiated within the Office of Special Events.

A special event is defined as a pre-planned event, whether publicly and/or privately sponsored which is proposed to be held on public property, including, but not limited to parks, streets and/or sidewalks.

For events taking place entirely on private property, permits for special use (including alcohol) would be obtained through the Zoning office. Requests for block parties that would like to close the streets for pedestrian traffic only, while not setting anything up on the street, would be processed through the Right-of-Way office. 

If you are interested in an indoor facility rental, please contact the facility directly. If you would like to reserve a picnic shelter, you can book online or contact our Picnic Shelter Office.  

When Do I Need a Permit?

A Special Event or Facility Use Permit is required for any outdoor activity taking place on City property (streets, rights of way, or City park) with an anticipated attendance of 25 people or more. This does not generally include gatherings like birthdays, baby showers, family reunions, etc. for which a picnic shelter rental would be better suited. 

Not sure if you need a permit? Contact us at (813) 274-8854 or specialevents@tampagov.net.

Permitting Process- What Can I Expect?

  1. To begin the permitting process, you will need to complete an application in its entirety and submit it along with a site plan and $50 application fee within the special event filing deadlines. 

    Special Event Filing Deadlines:

    • A minimum of 90 days prior to the event date for any event requiring street closures, City services, and/or alcohol.
    • A minimum of 60 days prior to the event date for an event that occurs solely in a park and does not require any street closure.

    For Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park the booking priority is as follows:

    • 18-24 months prior to the event date. Please note, this park is limited to 1 special event per month.

  2. Your application and site plan will be reviewed by the relevant City departments to determine if we can move forward with your event.

  3. If your application is accepted, you will need to pay the park rental and deposit fees to reserve the date and location. Please note, applications are processed in the order they are received, and the location is not reserved until all applicable fees are paid.

  4. A dedicated Special Events Coordinator will guide you throughout the process, serving as your point of contact in coordinating all City services needed for your event. The coordinator will schedule meetings and gather the corresponding fees to provide you with one invoice covering all City departments. You will also be provided with timelines, which must be adhered to, for submitting additional documents. Depending on the type of event, you may be required to obtain additional permits.

  5. Once all requirements have been met and fees have been paid, an event permit will be issued.

Things to Remember:

  • A submitted inquiry or application does not guarantee event approval.
  • Applications may be rejected or denied on one or more of the following grounds as stated in City Code Sec. 28-31:
    • Failure to submit an application within the time periods outlined in Ch. 28 of the Code of Ordinances.
    • The application (including any required attachments) is incomplete.
    • The application contains material misrepresentation or fraudulent information.
    • The applicant owes money to the City from another event, services provided, or damages to City property.
    • Another completed application was received and given preliminary approval for the same date and or space.
    • If the event conflicts with planned programs conducted by the City or non-governmental agencies for the same date and time.
    • If the use or event proposed by the applicant would present an unreasonable danger to the health or safety of the public or applicant.
    • If the applicant cannot comply with applicable local, state, and federal license requirements for all or part of the planned event within the required timeline.
    • If the use or event is against the law.

How Do I Get Started?

  1. Gather your information. 

    If you'd like to host an event in one our parks or City right-of-way we will need to know: 

    • Type of event
    • Desired date(s)
    • Location
    • Estimated number of people expected

  2. Complete an Event Inquiry Form.

    Check to see if the date and location are available for the type of event you are proposing. 

  3. Inquiry will be reviewed and a member of our team will contact you. 

    If your requested date and location are available, you will be sent an application to complete and submit within the specified timeline. You will also need to pay a non-refundable $50 application fee.  Please note, applications are processed in the order of receipt. 

Resources

An insurance certificate that names the City as additionally insured will be required for events on City property as outlined in City Code Sec. 28-30.  The type of coverage required for your event will be determined during the coordination process. 

A site plan is a visual representation of all the operational event elements that you describe throughout your application. If any structures such as tents, stages, vendor booths/tables, etc are part of your event, your site plan must indicate the proposed location and general dimensions of the structure.
To properly assess the event, the site plan must be submitted along with the application and should include the following elements:

  • North, indicated by a directional arrow symbol.
  • Name of the area (Neighborhood, Park, etc.) you intend to use including surrounding streets with one-way streets indicated.
  • If the overall event area includes any requested street closures, plus the location and number of meters or parking spaces to be reserved.
  • The location and dimensions of all physical equipment being placed, including, but not limited to, any stage(s), vendors, booths, tents, signs, barricades, portable toilets, vehicles, etc.
  • Location of temporary alcohol sales where both sales and consumption occur, plus dimensions and type of fencing to be used.
  • Indicate 20 ft. wide fire lane clearances in all areas and the location of all fire hydrants.
  • Include electrical plans for vendors and stages, specifying how much each site requires, in terms of amps and volts.
  • Any other details you think are helpful in the physical description of your event.

The City of Tampa has guidance for ADA compliance at outdoor events. The ADA National Network also offers a guide to making events accessible to people with disabilities. 

A public performance or showing of a motion picture requires licensing in order to comply with the Federal Copyright Act. The City of Tampa does not provide such licensing and it is your responsibility to ensure compliance. You can contact organizations like SWANK Motion Pictures, Criterion Pictures, or Allrites for more information. 

The City of Tampa does not provide music licensing and it is your responsibility to ensure legal compliance if you are using copyrighted music at your event. You can contact organizations like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC , Global Music Rights, or AllTrack for more information. 

Chapter 28- Special Events

Chapter 16- Parks & Recreation

Sec. 14-150.1.3- List of parks where temporary alcohol permits are allowed

Sec. 27-132(6)- Temporary alcohol permits