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.
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. A Special Event Permit is also required when an event is requested to
occur at a City of Tampa Park facility and which is expected to have 200
or more participants.
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 complete the
Basic and Additional Application forms and relevant packets within the
60-Day Application Deadline.
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 complete the Basic and Additional Application forms and
relevant packets within the 90-Day Application Deadline. Please note: First time events
should provide at
least twelve months advance notice to insure adequate planning time.
If your event involves a request for City Co-sponsorship (for any aspect of
your event) you should complete the Basic and Additional Application forms and
relevant packets PLUS the application for Co-sponsorship form within the
90-Day Application Deadline.
Where will I find the Application Forms and Packets?
You can refer to
the page,
Knowing What Special Event
Forms and Planning Packets to Complete.
Please thoroughly read all applicable instructions, answer all the questions, and
submit all the documents required for us to process the application.
Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted and will delay processing.
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)
and map(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.
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, Cypress Point 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 bounce at one of your parks.
What do I have to do?
You must have insurance naming the City of Tampa as an additional insured,
please refer to 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.
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
Cypress Point 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.
Do you have a list of contacts for special events? Yes, please see our
listing of
Important
Phone Numbers for Planning Your Special Event
Do you have a list of all on-line documents, applications and forms?
Yes, please see our listing Index of Online Documents.
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