How does my production company get a film permit in Tampa?
The
Tampa Bay Film Commission should be your first stop. 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, the Tampa
Bay Film Commission can lead you through the process of getting the
right permissions from various City Departments, such as Transportation,
Parks and Recreation, and The Office of Special Events, should you need
a street closure.
How do I know if I need a Special Event Permit?
A Special Event Permit is required when an event producer plans a
celebration, festival, fair, carnival or similar local special event
which is held wholly or partially upon a street, and the participants
need variations to the normal or usual traffic regulations or controls.
A Special Event Permit is also required when an event is requested to
occur at a City of Tampa Park facility.
In other words, if your event will require street closures or the use
of traffic control for any part of your event, you are required to
submit an application for a Special Event Permit
The Office of Special Events is responsible for coordination of all
Special Event Permits within the City of Tampa. All street closures are
approved and coordinated through the Office of Special Events.
- Responsible for all street closures, block parties, parades and
other events involving City right-of-way, Parks and city owned
property.
- Obtains the required State Road, CSX Railroad and Coast Guard
Bridge permits.
- Coordinates use of Park facilities for events
How do I begin the process of getting a Special Event Permit?
If your event involves the use of a City Park, you will need to read the
Guidelines and complete the
30-Day Park Application Form.
Please note: First time events should
provide at
least six months advance notice to insure adequate planning time.
If your event involves a street closure (for a block party, parade, run,
etc.) you should read the Guidelines and complete the
45-Day Street Closure
Application Form. Please note: First time events
should provide at
least twelve months advance notice to insure adequate planning time.
Please note: For any event involving food sales or distribution, we
also ask you to also complete the
Waste Management and Disposal Plan (PDF, 65 K) form.
Please thoroughly read all applicable Guidelines, answer all the questions, and
submit all the documents required for us to process the application.
Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted.
How do I decide which Park will be best for my Special Event?
Parks that have shelters which can be rented are considered "Special Event
Parks." These parks include: Al Lopez Park, Ballast Point Park, Copeland
Park, Lowry Park, Macfarlane Park, Picnic Island Park, and Rowlett Park.
Although each of these parks have shelters you can rent, you need to determine
if the park you select has enough parking to accommodate your anticipated
attendance.
If you're having a small-scale neighborhood event or a private function (like
a small wedding), you may opt to use one of our smaller neighborhood parks, or
ones that have gazebos.
I have clients who want me to provide a moon walk or moon bounce at one of
your parks. What do I have to do?
Please take a look at the
Moon Bounce Insurance Information (284 KB). In order to be permitted
to set up a moon bounce in one of our park facilities, your company must provide
insurance that names the City of Tampa as an additional insured as regards your
operations and that insurance must be in the limits shown on the Moon Bounce
Insurance Information document. If you or your insurance company
representative have questions, you can call our shelter office at 274-8184.
If we can't answer your questions, we will refer you to our Risk Management
Office.
Can I promote my event before I get a permit?
Please do not publicize your event if you've only filed an
application form. Filing an application does not guarantee approval
of your event. The application(s) must be approved - prior to your
promoting the event through distributing flyers, notifying the press, contacting the media, or promoting
your event by word-of-mouth.
Where will I find all the application forms, guidelines, and contact information I'll need to conduct my event?
Check out the
Information Resources page.
Do you have any other locations where I can hold a wedding or wedding
reception?
Yes, you may opt to rent the
Ragan Community Center or the
Seminole Garden
Center through the Office of Special Events. If you can't find a suitable
date at either location, you can take a look at our other Community Centers.
Ragan and Seminole are the only facilities rented through the Office of Special
Events. The other Community Centers are rented by the on-site staff at
these facilities.
How do I rent a picnic shelter?
The following parks have shelters you can rent for a family picnic or office
get together. These parks include:
Al Lopez Park
Ballast Point Park
Copeland Park
Fred Ball Park Gazebo
Lowry Park
Macfarlane Park
Picnic Island Beach
Rowlett Park
Sulphur Springs Park
Take a look at the park, find a shelter that will fit your group size, and call
the Shelter Office at 274-8184 to see if its available.
Where can I find the rules about vending on Franklin St. Mall or in a
park?
At present, vendors on Franklin St. Mall, can only sell their products
Monday through Friday, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Follow the link to
The Guidelines and Application Form for Franklin St. Mall. Today,
Desoto Park is the only facility where we have an available
vending location. Follow the link to the
Park Vending Guidelines and Application Form.
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