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

Article IV of Chapter 16 defines a carnival as 'an amusement enterprise consisting of side shows, vaudeville, games of chance, merry-go-rounds, fairs, traveling amusement shows or centers,' plus any association formed to run one, under Sec. 16-71. Sec. 16-72(a) then bars any carnival or fair from operating in the city unless the city council issues a special exception permit by unanimous vote, the strictest approval threshold in the chapter. Carnivals or fairs run by churches or nonprofit civic organizations are exempt if the nonprofit coordinates with the city and assures public health, safety and welfare (Sec.

16-72(b)), and events at city parks must not conflict with scheduled youth activities (Sec. 16-72(c)). To apply, an operator files with the development services department along with the required fees under Sec. 16-73(a); after council approval, the operator must separately obtain a special event permit from the city licensing officer, with the complete application submitted at least seven days before the carnival's scheduled opening, or face a one-business-day delay in opening for processing and inspection (Sec. 16-73(b)). Before any permit issues, the applicant must assure the city the event will not be held on city property and that adequate restrooms and police protection will be provided (Sec.

16-74). Operators may not subcontract the operation of any prize games to an outside agency (Sec. 16-75), must show adequate off-street parking approved by the development services director (Sec. 16-76), and must submit a state-licensed amusement device inspector's safety report on every ride before the event can open (Sec. 16-77).