Special Events & Permits in Hollywood, FL

Hollywood maintains 134 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with special events & permits. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Hollywood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Sidewalk Dining & Cafés

Hollywood restaurants and retail tobacco shops need a Sidewalk Cafe permit from the City Engineer before placing tables, chairs or an entertainment area on city sidewalks, and the cafe may only sit within a designated Cafe Zone under City Code Chapter 124.

Key details: Permitting authority: City Engineer. Eligible businesses: Restaurants and retail tobacco shops only. Bus stop/taxi stand setback: 5 feet minimum. Crosswalk setback: 2 feet minimum. Required clear pedestrian path: 4 feet (11 feet on Broadwalk).

Operating a Sidewalk Cafe without a permit, outside a designated Cafe Zone, or in violation of the setback and pedestrian-path standards of Section 124.05 is punishable under Section 10.99's general penalty: a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, or both. The Department of Public Works, Police Department and Fire Department may immediately remove or relocate Sidewalk Cafe furniture in an emergency, and the City Manager can order temporary removal for street, sidewalk or utility repairs without refunding the annual fee.

This is one of the stricter rules in Hollywood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Street Fair Rules

Hollywood requires a special event permit before any street fair, festival or public celebration opens on city property, public or private. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts reviews the application, and the Fire Marshal must sign off on life-safety before the Director can issue it. Events within 500 feet of homes need signed waivers from 80% of nearby property owners.

Key details: Permit authority: Director, Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts. Residential buffer: 80% owner waivers required within 500 feet. Pre-permit sign-off: Fire Marshal must approve fire/life-safety plan. Financial accountability: Bond may be required, refunded within 60 days. Insurance: Public liability policy required before permit issues.

Running a street fair, festival or similar public event without the Chapter 102 permit is unlawful under § 102.01. Letting attendance, booths or activity spill past the approved site-plan perimeter can cost the organizer the permit outright under § 102.04(A)(4), and the city can draw against the posted bond for cleanup, repairs or extra police, fire and Public Works staffing incurred under § 102.11. Insurance lapses trigger permit revocation within 24 hours under § 102.12(C).

Parade Permits

Any group wanting to hold a parade, public assembly or demonstration on a Hollywood street or public right-of-way must file a permit application with the Chief of Police 10 to 20 business days ahead. The Chief has three business days to act, can require an administrative fee unless the applicant can't pay, and can revoke the permit for public-safety reasons.

Key details: Filing window: 10 to 20 business days before the event. Reviewing official: Chief of Police, decision within 3 business days. Fee waiver: Available on showing of inability to pay. Appeal: Written appeal to City Manager within 3 days. Penalty: Up to $500 fine or 60 days jail.

Holding a parade, public assembly or demonstration on a Hollywood street or right-of-way without the § 104.02 permit, or violating its conditions, is punished under the general penalty section, § 10.99, with a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both. The Chief of Police can also revoke an issued permit outright for noncompliance or public-safety concerns, and disorderly participants can be ordered to disperse under § 133.23.

Compared to other cities, Hollywood takes a harder line on parade permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Hollywood is tougher than many cities when it comes to special events & permits. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Hollywood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Hollywood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.