Pinellas County, FL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit lead time
- 90 days advance
- Permit fee
- $100
- Surety bond
- $1,000 minimum
- Curfew
- 11 p.m.–10 a.m.
Summary
Promoters of outdoor musical or entertainment festivals anywhere in Pinellas County, incorporated or unincorporated, must obtain a county permit at least 90 days before the event and post a surety bond.
Any person who operates or maintains upon lands owned, leased or rented by such person any musical or entertainment festival as defined in this article in any part of the incorporated or unincorporated areas of Pinellas County shall make application for and obtain a permit from the board of county commissioners at least 90 days prior to the scheduled commencement of the festival. Such application shall include a detailed diagram of the area where the festival is planned, which diagram shall clearly indicate the location of parking areas, toilet facilities, sink facilities, and potable drinking water, as well as the exact location of the entertainment area. Upon receipt of such application by the board, the county sheriff shall make an investigation of the applicant to determine his financial responsibility and his moral character and shall make a report of his investigation to the board of county commissioners, which shall thereupon approve or reject such application.
(Ord. No. 70-3, § 3, 6-30-70)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 124).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 10-30 requires anyone operating an outdoor musical or entertainment festival lasting more than four hours to apply for a board of county commissioners permit at least 90 days ahead; the sheriff investigates the applicant's finances and character first. Sec. 10-31 sets a $100 permit fee plus a surety bond of at least $1,000 before any advertising or ticket sales, Sec. 10-39 requires one licensed security guard per 200 attendees, and Sec. 10-36 caps activities to between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Violations & Fines
The board may revoke the permit under Sec. 10-33 for violating this article or county health/building regulations; general article violations are punishable under Sec. 1-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the festival permit apply inside cities like Clearwater too?
What happens if a festival ignores its permit conditions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pinellas County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Pinellas County to another location·View the Florida special events & permits overview
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