Permitting Your Special Event
Do you want to host a special event in the City of Jacksonville? These instructions will guide you through applying for a special event permit and gathering the necessary documents. Your event may also require additional approvals from departments such as the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department or the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, but you must begin with this process first. We will advise you of any additional steps required once your application is reviewed.
Before anything else, determine what kind of event you're hosting and how many people you expect. This affects which permit you need and how early you must apply.
Event Size Matters:
- Under 500 attendees: You’ll apply for a Park Event or Street Event (Block Party) permit. These are simpler and managed through JaxParks or Traffic Engineering.
- Park Event - Under 500 People
- Street Events (Block Party) - Under 500 People
- Event Permitting (less than 500 people)
- Over 500 attendees: You’ll need a Special Event Permit from the Office of Special Events. This applies to events on public property or private events that spill into public spaces.
Application Deadlines:
- YOUR PERMIT APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMIT AT LEAST 90 DAYS BEFORE YOUR EVENT DATE.
- You can apply up to one year in advance, which is ideal for large-scale events or those requiring city services like police or fire rescue.
- Do not advertise or promote your event until it’s approved—doing so may result in denial.
Understanding the rules helps you avoid delays or denials. These guidelines vary depending on location, size, and activities.
Public vs. Private Property:
- Events on public property (parks, streets, city venues) always require permits.
- Events on private property may still need permits if they affect public areas or exceed 500 attendees.
Alcohol Service:
- If you plan to serve or sell alcohol on city property, you must submit an Alcohol Location Exemption Application at least 60 days in advance.
Alcohol Location Exemption Application
Apply for alcohol at en event with less than 500 people.
- You’ll also need a State of Florida alcohol license if alcohol is sold or included with admission.
Temporary Permit or Special Sales Florida License
Safety & Sanitation:
- Events must meet public safety standards, including crowd control, emergency access, and sanitary facilities.
- Police and fire rescue presence may be required depending on event size and scope.
Gather all necessary materials before submitting your application. Missing items can delay approval.
- Event Details: Date, time, location, estimated attendance
- Food & Alcohol Plans: Vendor info, licenses, and alcohol exemption forms
- Cookout or Grilling Plans: May require fire safety review from JFRD
- Site Plan: Map showing layout of tents, stages, booths, entrances/exits
- Safety Plan: Emergency contacts, crowd management, medical support
- Insurance Certificate: Required for events on city property
- Additional Permits: For amplified sound, signage, street closures, or large structures like stages and tents
- Permit Fee:
- $100 for the first calendar day
- $50 for each additional day
- Maximum: $200 + processing fees
- Payment is required at the time of application (credit card or e-check)
- Additional Costs May Include:
- Police and fire rescue staffing (required for large events) Extra Duty Solutions
- Clean-up services (based on event size and scope)
- Equipment rentals (barricades, stages, sanitation stations)
- Insurance premiums (varies by event type and risk level
- Events with approved permits can display banners on designated street poles throughout Downtown Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Click the link below to view and reserve available street poles with banner arms.
- Special Events Banner Special Event Banner/Signs Application
- Insurance Certificate: Required for events on city property; must meet city standards, use this link begin the event insurance process Event Insurance Helper