How Do I

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. 

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:  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.

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.