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

Section 90-9(a) makes a department permit mandatory before engaging in any activity listed in subsection (b) on county-owned or managed land, and if the permit allows someone to stay past posted hours or enter a closed area, the permit itself must say so. Application forms come from the department and a fee may apply; getting a section 90-9 permit does not excuse an applicant from also meeting the separate permit requirements of section 10-26 et seq. Subsection (b) lists seven permit-triggering activities: scientific research (biological assays, species surveys, archaeological or hydrological/geological/chemical studies), commercial photography, television broadcasting and private photography of special settings, structures or performances (accredited press are exempted), camping, bounce houses, special events, large groups, and commercial activity.

"Special event" is defined in section 90-3 as any organized event or activity that involves or significantly impacts a county-owned or managed land and to which the public is invited as participants or spectators, including races, tournaments, demonstrations or festivals; a musical or entertainment festival under section 10-26 needs separate permits under both chapter 10 and this article. A "large group" is defined as a gathering over 50 people that lacks a special event permit or picnic shelter reservation. Under section 90-9(c) through (e), permits are not transferable to anyone other than the person to whom they were issued, any permit can be revoked for failing to comply with an imposed condition, and, because the lands are held proprietarily by the county, the section creates no right or entitlement to receive a permit. The board may also charge parking, entrance or user fees for park use under section 90-17(c).