Jacksonville, FL Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 191 defines a special event as any preplanned gathering, entertainment, cultural, political, religious or sporting event expected to draw 500 or more people as participants or spectators at any point during the event, held on public property the City, an independent agency, or another governmental entity within Duval County owns, leases or controls. 103(a) makes it unlawful to stage, promote or conduct such an event without a Permit from the Chief of the Economic Development Officer (formerly the JEDC Executive Director) or a designee; events on federal or State property, or drawing fewer than 500 people, don't need one, though sponsors still must satisfy the separate permit rules of departments such as Parks, Recreation and Community Services or the Right-of-Way and Stormwater Maintenance Division.

103(b) exempts named venues outright, including the Prime F. 117. net/fees, and arrange for plumbing, electrical, sanitation, police and fire coverage. 106 sets minimum insurance at $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate for commercial general liability naming the City as an additional insured, with higher limits for liquor liability, watercraft or professional services where applicable. 107 requires the applicant to pay half of the City's service quote for police, fire and sanitation costs up front, with the balance due by the event's conclusion, secured by a bond or letter of credit.