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Bay County, FL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Bay County Code § 5-151
Who must post
Holder of a granted special event permit
Info required
Name, address, email, phone of each vendor
Posting location
Continuously at each vendor's booth
Vendor list deadline
36 hours before event if not ready
Penalty
Up to $500 civil infraction, § 7-1

Summary

Anyone granted a Bay County special event permit must post the name, address and phone number of every vendor, artist or entertainer on site, on a form supplied by the county manager. The rule ties back into the vendor list every applicant must already submit with the underlying permit application.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

If the permit is granted, the applicant shall conspicuously display to the public (on a form to be provided by the county manager) the name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number of each vendor, artist, or other person offering goods, services, or entertainment at the special event, including if different, the name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of the individual with on-site responsibility for the vendor, artist or other person. Such form shall be continuously displayed at the booth or specific location within the special event where such goods, services or entertainment are offered.

Full Breakdown

Bay County Code of Ordinances § 5-151 requires that once a special event permit is granted, the applicant conspicuously display, on a form provided by the county manager, the name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of each vendor, artist or other person offering goods, services or entertainment, plus the on-site contact if different. The form must stay posted continuously at the booth or location where the goods, services or entertainment are offered, so patrons and code enforcement officers can identify who is operating there.

This posting duty grows out of the vendor list an applicant must already submit with the permit application under § 5-147(b)(3): a list of every vendor, independent contractor or firm associated with the event, describing the goods or services offered and naming the person with on-site responsibility. If that list is not ready at application time, the applicant may certify it will be furnished no later than 36 hours before the event; failing to timely provide it terminates the special event permit. The county limits use of the vendor and entertainer information to identifying the source of goods or services after the event and to routine county business contacts; it cannot be used to grant or deny the permit itself.

Together, §§ 5-147 and 5-151 create a two-step vendor accountability system for street fairs, festivals and other permitted events: disclosure at the application stage and public posting during the event.

Violations & Fines

Failing to post the required vendor-contact form, or omitting a vendor from it, is enforceable as a civil infraction under Bay County Code § 7-1, carrying a fine of up to $500.00 per violation, or under the general penalty of § 1-6 (fine up to $500.00, up to 60 days in jail, or both). Under § 5-147(b)(3), failing to timely deliver a promised vendor list at least 36 hours before the event results in automatic termination of the special event permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bay County require vendors at a street fair to be listed by name?
Yes. Under § 5-147(b)(3), the special event permit application must list the name and address of every vendor, independent contractor or firm offering goods or services, describing what each one sells and naming the person with on-site responsibility. Once the permit is granted, § 5-151 requires that same contact information be posted publicly at each vendor's booth for the duration of the event.
What if the vendor list is not ready when I apply?
The applicant may submit a written statement agreeing to furnish the complete vendor list no later than 36 hours before the event. Bay County Code § 5-147(b)(3) warns that failing to timely provide that list will result in termination of the special event permit, so organizers of festivals and street fairs need firm vendor commitments well before opening day.
Can the county deny my permit based on who my vendors are?
No. Section 5-147(b)(3) states that vendor and entertainer contact information may be used only to identify the source of goods or services after the event and for routine county business contact, and may not be used to grant or deny the permit. Permit decisions instead rest on the criteria set out in § 5-150.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bay County

All Bay County rules

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