Lake County, FL Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Under Lake County Code § 16-9, anyone seeking to hold an organized activity, tournament, gathering or exclusive-use reservation of a sports field, court, pavilion or recreation building in a county park must first obtain a permit from the Parks and Trails Division. The written application must state the applicant's name, address and telephone number along with the duration, hours and location of the proposed activity. The division grants the permit only when eleven separate conditions in § 16-9 are met: the activity will not interfere with normal park use, will not divert police or emergency services from other areas, will not create an unreasonable risk of injury or promote disorderly conduct under Fla.

03, adequate sanitary facilities will be available, the noise level will suit the surrounding area, the activity will not conflict with other permits already issued, it will not endanger public health, safety or welfare, all fees have been paid, the applicant has signed the applicable park rules, proof of liability insurance naming Lake County as an additional insured has been furnished where required, and proof of any other needed local, state or federal approval has been submitted. Under § 16-6, exclusive use of any sports field, court, pavilion or recreation building always requires an approved permit through the division, even when the park itself is open to the general public.

Section 16-10 lets the Board of County Commissioners designate specific parks or activities as fee-based by resolution and charge admission, facility-rental or special-event fees; entering a fee park or activity without paying is itself unlawful. Reservable picnic areas and facilities are marked with signage identifying them as requiring an advance reservation, while non-reservable amenities remain first-come, first-served.