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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Application deadline
60 days before the event
Application fee
$100.00, nonrefundable
License fee
$100.00 per day of operation
Police staffing ratio
1 officer per 500 attendees
Water requirement
15 gallons per person, per day
Mandatory closure hours
2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily

Summary

Anyone operating an outdoor music, dance or similar festival in unincorporated Collier County needs a license under Sec. 10-81. Applicants pay a $100.00 nonrefundable application fee, submit plans for water, sanitation, medical care and security 60 days ahead, and must close operations between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

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

No person shall operate, maintain, conduct, advertise, or sell or furnish tickets for an outdoor festival in the county unless he shall first obtain a license from the county to operate or conduct such festival. ... Application for a license to conduct an outdoor festival shall be made in writing to the clerk of the board of county commissioners at least 60 days prior to the time indicated for the commencement of the planned activity and shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $100.00 ... (8)Hours of operation. All festivals which are subject to license under this article shall close and cease operation continuously between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. of each and every day.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 126 | Land Development Code: Supplement 33).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 10-71 defines an 'outdoor festival' as any music, dance, rock or similar musical activity held outside a permanent building, open to the public for a charge or free, and Sec. 10-81 makes operating, advertising or selling tickets to one without a county license unlawful. 00, and fingerprinting of the applicant by the Sheriff's Office (Sec. 10-82). A detailed plan covering security, fire protection, water and food supply, sanitation, medical services, parking, traffic control and any overnight lighting or camping must accompany the application (Sec.

10-83). At the license hearing the Board of County Commissioners can impose conditions under Sec. 10-87: one law enforcement officer for every 500 attendees at the licensee's expense; at least 15 gallons of potable water per person per day; a licensed food concession with a dedicated restroom within 50 feet if not near existing eateries; one flush toilet for every 40 people by sex, with lavatories on a one-per-75-person basis; one 36-gallon lined trash can per 25 attendees, emptied daily; parking spaces at least 12 feet by 20 feet; and indemnity, performance and cleanup bonds set by the Board. each day (Sec. 00 per day of operation (Sec. 10-86).

Violations & Fines

Operating, advertising or selling tickets to an outdoor festival without a license, or violating any imposed condition, is a criminal offense under Sec. 10-72, punishable under Florida Statutes Section 125.69, and the county separately keeps its civil remedies, including injunctive relief and recovery of damages. The Board can also deny or revoke a license for false statements in the application or for conduct at a prior festival that created a public or private nuisance (Sec. 10-88, 10-90).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for an outdoor music festival in Collier County?
Yes. Sec. 10-81 requires a county license before anyone may operate, advertise, or sell tickets to an outdoor festival, defined by Sec. 10-71 as any music or dance activity held outside a permanent building and open to the public.
How far in advance must I apply for an outdoor festival license?
At least 60 days before the event, with a nonrefundable $100.00 application fee, per Sec. 10-82. The application must include organizer details, site ownership proof, expected attendance, and fingerprinting by the Sheriff's Office.
How much water must an outdoor festival provide in Collier County?
A minimum of 15 gallons of potable water per attendee per day, from a permitted water source, with the location of water facilities approved in advance by the county health officer under Sec. 10-87(2).
What hours can an outdoor festival operate in Collier County?
Every licensed festival must close and stop operating continuously between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. each day, without exception, under Sec. 10-87(8).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Collier County

All Collier County rules

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