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

Sec. 18-27(d) sets the permitting path for events at the parks named in Sec. 18-27(a), from Bay Point Park to Watson Field Park. Any event that qualifies as a "public assembly" under the county's separate Ordinance No. 5, article II) must get approval under that ordinance rather than through the parks division alone. Everything else, meaning special events or assemblies not covered by Ordinance No. 030-1996, must be approved and scheduled through the county's parks and recreation coordinator, subject to whatever activities are already booked; the organizer must submit a complete application and, if required, proof of insurance at least seven days before the event or assembly.

Recreational organizers who want a field on a recurring basis face a separate rule: athletic activity organizers using a playing field on multiple occasions during a season must get the coordinator's approval and schedule before the season starts, and tennis-court tournament organizers must likewise schedule ahead of any tournament. Events that charge admission are confined to the specific area the county parks and recreation division designates, and admission fees may only be collected at that designated spot. Ballfield, tennis and basketball court lighting for an evening event needs separate advance approval from the coordinator, with written requests due 48 hours ahead on weekdays and 72 hours ahead for weekend use, submitted on an approved county use form.