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Permits & Reservations

City parks are a favorite place for special events, family get-togethers and office outings. Picnic shelters and gazebos are available to rent provided that such rentals do not interfere with regular scheduled programs or city sponsored special events. All rental requests are on a first-come, first-served basis; are subject to approval by the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department, and require a Facility Use Permit.

When do I have to get a permit?
There are two types of park permits. A park Facility Use Permit is required for any outdoor activity with an anticipated attendance of 50-199 or for any rental of a building or community center.

A Special Event Permit is require for any outdoor activity with an anticipated attendance of 200 persons or greater and/or any outdoor activity requesting a sound amplification permit (i.e., DJ, sound system with speakers, etc).

How far in advance do I need to apply for a permit?
The sooner you submit an application, the better. All permit applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. You can apply for a permit no earlier than 365 days prior to the requested date; however, there are specific filing deadlines for permits.

  • 30 business days - Outdoor events with an anticipated attendance of 50 persons or more or for any building rental.
  • 60 business days - Events with an anticipated attendance of 200 persons or greater and/or events requesting amplified sound (i.e., DJ, sound system with speaker) or entertainment equipment.
  • 90 business days - Events taking place on city streets or Right of Way (i.e., festival, block party, fun run / walk, parade, etc.).

How do I apply for a permit?
Complete the Facility Use Application and submit it to the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department in the prescribed timeframes listed above and email or fax to (813) 274-7744.

Please note: Submission of an Application constitutes a request to use park space or a city property for the purpose of an event and does not guarantee event approval.

What are the fees for holding an event in a park?
The park rental fees and required grounds deposit for an event vary depending on the size, scope, and the event components. In addition to park rentals fees, there may be fees for other city services such as police, EMS, Fire Marshal, Solid Waste, etc. based on the size and details of the event.

Please note: Applicants may be required to provide a commercial general liability insurance policy with a limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence and a $2,000,000 general aggregate, naming the City of Tampa as additional insured depending on the nature of the event.  Download instructions for Insurance Agents.  Need to purchase insurance for your event?  Download information on purchasing special event insurance

What parks are available for rentals?
The majority of the City of Tampa parks are available for rentals for a special event. However, the size and details of the event will determine whether a particular park is appropriate for your event.

Which parks have picnic shelters available to rent?
Ten parks have picnic shelters and/or gazebos that are available to rent. 

To check availability through the Customer Service Center or visit the Reservation Office.

Reservation Office Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tampa Parks and Recreation Department
3402 W. Columbus Ave.
Email the Reservation Office

Do you offer discounted rates for non-profit organizations?
The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department is happy to offer non-profit organizations registered in the State of Florida a discount on rental rates. Your organization must submit non-profit documentation with the application form (i.e., 501(c)3). Groups considered to be non-profit include churches, civic organizations, public schools, parochial and private schools, and athletic associations. Discounts do not apply to damage deposits, application fees and attendant fees.

Can I have a wedding ceremony in a park?
Our parks can provide a scenic backdrop to your special day, but if you are planning a large wedding or an extensive reception after the wedding your event is better suited for a church, reception hall or other large indoor facility. Our parks are more appropriate for small, intimate wedding of less than 200 people.

The weather is always a factor in planning an outdoor wedding. You should be prepared for all conditions and plan accordingly. The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department does not offer an alternative locations or rain dates to be used in case of bad weather. It is recommended to have a back-up plan.

Can distribute or sell food at my event?
Food items should be served and prepared in a sanitary manner consistent with Florida Department of Health. Vendors selling any food items and persons wishing to give away food are required to be in compliance with the established Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation guidelines for Temporary Food Service Events and have all the appropriate business licenses and insurance. Anyone who serves food to the public at a temporary food service event needs a license. Food may not be stored or prepared at private residences.

Inspectors from the State of Florida may be in attendance at any event held within the City of Tampa. Food vendors are required to meet the minimum standards of the State and be prepared to purchase a temporary food service license from the inspector.

The applicant must notify the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation of the following items no less than three business days prior to the scheduled event:

  • Type of food service proposed

  • Time and location of the event

  • Complete list of food service vendor owners and operators participating

  • Current license number of each public food service establishment participating

Applicants may complete notification requirements by telephone at (850) 487-1395, in person at the appropriate district office or in writing. For more information, please review the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Guide to Temporary Food Service Events.

Helpful Planning Information

  • Illegal substances, alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited.
  • Nothing, including decorations, may be affixed to the shelter or tables.
  • Vehicles may not drive on the turf/grass or in unauthorized areas.
  • Fires must be confined to grills.
  • Petting zoos, amusement rides, water games/slide, horseshoes and paintball games are prohibited. Moon bounces are allowed, however, the company must have a current certificate insurance on file, naming the City as an additional insured.  Moon bounces are limited to one (1) per shelter rental and may not exceed the following dimensions (20' length, 20' width, 17' height).
    Insurance Forms and Instructions for Moonbounce Companies (PDF, 285K)
  • Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, except in designated dog parks.  Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets.
  • Groups of 200 or more anticipated attendees will be considered a special event, and require submission of a Special Event Application. 

Do you rent athletics fields?
If you would like to reserve an athletic field for youth and adult games and practices or other athletic events, please contact the Athletic Office at (813) 231-5270.

What if I need to cancel or postpone my event?
If an applicant cancels or postpones a scheduled event prior to the commencement, they will be entitled to a complete refund excluding the application fee and deposit, if notice of the cancellation or postponement is provided a minimum of 30 days prior to the first scheduled day (including move-in). No refunds will be issued for cancellations or postponements made 29 days prior to the first scheduled day except if the event is canceled by the City of Tampa due to a declaration of a state of emergency, issuance of a tropical storm, hurricane warning, or warning of severe inclement weather by the county.

The City of Tampa may cancel or postpone an event without prior notice for any condition affecting the public health or safety of the City or any condition that would place facilities, grounds or other natural resources at risk of damage or destruction if the event were permitted to take place.

The City of Tampa will not confirm a future date until both application fee and deposit are paid in full.

May I hold my event on a major holiday weekend (Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day)?
You may be able to hold your event on a major holiday depending on the availability of police, event location, and conflicts with other events. Applications must e received 90 days in advance of the holiday to be considered.  The Office of Special Events and the Tampa Police Department will make a determination if there are not enough resources to ensure public safety during any holiday period. Additional fees and personnel cost may apply.

Do I need a Facility Use Permit to do commercial filming/photography in a park?
Whether you're planning to produce a music video, feature film, have a student project to complete, or are simply planning a still photography shoot on city property you will need to obtain a Film Permit from the Tampa Bay Film Commission not a Facility Use Permit. However, for filming/photography in public parks, you will need to contact the Office of Special Events Office (813) 274-7723 to receive permission prior to contacting the Tampa Bay Film Commission.