West Palm Beach, FL Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

City Code § 78-151 defines a 'special event' broadly to include festivals, fundraisers, races, walks/runs, athletic events and, expressly, parades, whenever the gathering closes streets, draws groups of 25 or more, requires valet or excess parking, or otherwise has an overt impact on city police, fire, traffic, or sanitation services. Section 78-152(a)(1) makes it unlawful for any person, firm or business, for-profit or not, to organize, promote, host or manage such an event on public or private property in the city without first obtaining a special event permit.

Applications for a parade or other event on public property or in the public right-of-way are due at least six weeks before the event under the § 78-153 schedule, except 'high-impact' events, defined in § 78-151 as those with a continuous road closure of 48 or more hours, expected crowds of 3,000 or more, or a gated format, which must be filed three months out. In reviewing the application, § 78-154(a) directs the city to weigh factors including road closures, alcohol, site plans, music and expected noise, and parking capacity and valet parking, and § 78-154(b) bars scheduling a parade that conflicts with another city event such as SunFest or the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Section 78-154(h) states the city 'reserves the discretion to deny any application for a special event permit,' and § 78-154(f) requires the city to state the specific reason in writing if it denies one. An applicant may appeal a denial or revocation to the city commission within ten business days of the mailed notice under § 78-162(a), and the hearing is de novo.