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

Section 33-63 is short and absolute: no person shall hold, or cause to be held, a parade of whatsoever nature, without first having obtained a parade permit from the city manager. Section 33-64 adds that every parade or similar gathering conducted upon the streets of the city shall have a police escort, provided at the expense of the person, corporation or entity that obtains the parade permit. The two sections print no fee, no application deadline and no definition of parade. The Code also cross-references § 6-5 on riding of horses in parades.

Gatherings that are not street parades run through Land Development Code § 40.630. Political, religious or social gatherings anticipating fewer than 500 attendees at any given time need a Temporary Use Permit issued by the Development Services Department, and those with 500 or more go to the City Commission for approval by resolution. Block parties of more than 75 and fewer than 500 people need a TUP; block parties of 75 or fewer need no TUP but must notify the Police Department seven calendar days in advance. Carnivals, fairs, circuses and fireworks displays require City Commission approval.

Applications for administrative TUPs are due at least thirty calendar days before the event and Commission-level applications at least ninety calendar days before. The application needs a notarized owner's affidavit, a detailed event description, a site plan, a hold harmless agreement and proof of insurance naming the City of Margate as additional insured. Events close by 10:00 p.m. unless the City Commission approves a later time, a TUP runs no longer than twenty-one consecutive calendar days including set-up and tear-down, and each property is limited to four TUPs in a calendar year. Tax-exempt organizations under Section 501 are exempt from the fee except those with 501c4 status, and events organized, operated and funded by the City or CRA on City or CRA land need no TUP.