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

Chapter 13, Article II, Division 2 of the Code of General Ordinances defines an "outdoor public assembly" as any ceremony, show, pageant, rally, demonstration or assembly calculated to attract more than 50 people at once, held on a street, sidewalk, or city property or park (Sec. 13-30 definitions). Section 13-71 makes it unlawful to stage or participate in such an assembly without a park permit from the director, and unlawful for the person in charge to violate a permit condition. Applicants file with the department at least 30 days before the event under Section 13-72, listing the organizer, assembly chairperson, date, hours, route or location, expected participants and spectators, sound equipment, signs and banners; the director may charge a permit fee and can waive the 30-day window for good cause after checking with the police chief.

Section 13-73 lets the director grant the permit only if the event will not substantially interrupt traffic along its route, won't overtax fire, police or ambulance coverage, has adequate sanitation and parking, and doesn't collide with another permitted event at the same time and place or one that would overextend police resources citywide. A denial must be explained in writing at least five working days before the event (Sec. 13-74), and the applicant can appeal to the director within five working days (Sec. 13-75). Instead of denying outright, the director may offer an alternate date, time, route or location (Sec.

13-76). Every permit issued must state the nature and hours of the assembly and the streets, parks or facilities to be traversed (Sec. 13-78), and the permittee must carry it during the event and follow every condition and applicable law (Sec. 13-79). Section 13-77 requires the applicant to carry liability insurance and indemnify the city against claims arising from the event.