Special Event Permit (County Parks and St. Petersburg) in Pinellas County
Events on Pinellas County park property (generally 100+ people or beyond normal park use) need a county special event permit with a 90-business-day lead time. In St. Petersburg, city-parkland events benefiting a nonprofit go through the Parks & Recreation co-sponsored events process, and street closures (block parties) go through the Police Special Events Unit.
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Who needs this
Organizers of festivals, races, weddings, large gatherings, or street closures on public property.
Steps
- 1
County parks: apply at least 90 business days out
Complete the Special Event application (plus Facilities Use, Wedding, or Alcohol Temporary Waiver forms as applicable) and email to [email protected]. Special Event applications: no less than 90 business days and no more than 1 year before the event. Facility Use applications: 30 business days to 180 business days out. Fireworks display permits: at least 30 days out. The event is not approved until all forms are in, fees are paid, and the approval permit is issued.
pinellas.gov/special-events-and-facilities-use-guide/ - 2
County parks: pay fees on schedule
The special event fee is due within 15 days of application acknowledgement; any road closure fee is invoiced 45 days before the event and due 30 days before. Park shelters can be reserved separately up to a year ahead online.
pinellas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Special-Events-Guide - 3
St. Petersburg: co-sponsored events via Parks & Recreation
City parkland events with admission charges, vending, donations, or alcohol that benefit a local nonprofit apply by email ([email protected]) or mail to Parks & Recreation, 1400 19th St. N. Applications are reviewed by the Co-Sponsored Events Committee and approved by City Council resolution, so allow ample lead time.
stpeteparksrec.org/programs___events/events/cosponsored_even - 4
St. Petersburg: street closures via the Police Special Events Unit
Block parties and street closures require an application at least 10 business days in advance (weekends/holidays not counted, no exceptions), $30 per roadway closed (check or money order), events end by 11 p.m., and proof of liquor liability insurance if alcohol is served.
police.stpete.org/docs/specialEventsInstructionsForApplyingF
Requirements
- Completed application per venue
- Insurance where required (alcohol, road closures)
- Fees paid before approval
Documents
- Site plan/route map for larger events
- Certificate of insurance where required
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg street closure | $30.00 per roadway | Check or money order only |
| County special event fee | Varies | Due within 15 days of application acknowledgement |
Good to know
Events on the sandy beach may additionally need a Florida DEP permit (noted by Clearwater's event pages). Each city runs its own event permitting for city property; check the host city.