Special Event Permitting, including events over 500 persons, alcohol approval, and event signs
The City of Jacksonville's Office of Special Events permits events over 500 persons at any time as participants or spectators, approval for the consumption or sale of alcohol on City property, street pole banner and event signs.
Special Events Online Permit Application
Alcohol Location Exemption Application
Metropolitan Park Event Information
Park Event - Under 500 People
Street Events (Block Party) - Under 500 People
Special Event Permitting for Events Over 500 persons
A special event permit is required from the Office of Special Events if your event meets the following criteria:
- If the event is a preplanned single gathering, event or series of related consecutive daily gatherings or events
- Expected to draw 500 or more persons at any time as participants or spectators
- If the event is proposed to be held on public property and not managed by a management group.
- An event on private property that will occupy adjacent public streets or public property during the event and draw 500 or more persons at any time
If your event is expected to draw less than 500 people or less on City property, a permit is still required. Please visit the City's event permitting for information on events less than 500 people.
All permit applications for special events to be held on city property or affecting city property with 500 attendees or more will need to be permitted through the Office of Special Events. Your event may not be advertised or promoted prior to receiving approval from the City. Advertising or promoting your event prior to receiving approval may be cause for denial.
All Special Event Applications must be received no less than 90 days prior to your event. Applications may be received up to one-year prior to your event date. Beginning March 12, 2018 all event permit applications must be submitted online. This new permit form provides you the ability to save and resume your application at a later date. You may also view all pages of the online form by clicking the various arrows at the top of the web page, noted by "Step 1, Step 2, etc."
Metropolitan Park event applications are currently being accepted for events through March, 2022. For more information on Metropolitan Park rentals, click here.
Click here to apply for a Special Event Permit.
Permitting Fees
Each applicant shall submit a non-refundable fee along with completed application at least 90 days and no more than 365 days prior to proposed event date. No applications will be processed or considered without payment of the fee. The fee shall be $100.00 for the first calendar day, plus $50.00 for each whole or partial subsequent calendar day, not to exceed a maximum amount of $200.00 plus processing fees. A credit card or electronic check payments are accepted upon completing the online application.
In order to ensure a clean, sanitary environment during and after events held on public property, clean up services may be provided by the City or its designated representative.The cost for these services is the responsibility of the event organizer, and is dependent on the scope and size of the proposed event. This in no way exempts the organizer / producer from keeping the area clean.
In order to ensure a safe environment during events, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department must be on-site during your event. The cost for these services is the responsibility of the event organizer and is dependent on the scope and size of the proposed event.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office requires that the event holder set up an account in the Extra Duty Solutions portal to have officers at your event. Once an account is in the portal of Extra Duty Solutions, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Secondary Employment unit will make sure your event is staffed correctly. Please click on the link below while filling out your special event permit;
You will not be able to have an event unless the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers are present.
Extra Duty Solutions
Alcohol Location Exemption Application
Complete this form when Alcohol will be sold and or served a location that is not already approved to have alcohol under Ordinance Code 154.107. This form must be submitted at least 60 days prior to requested date of alcohol service. This form should NOT be used if you event is over 500 in attendance at any time, please fill out the Special Event Permit application (above). If alcohol will be sold or included with the price of admission, a temporary permit or special sales license must be acquired from the state of Florida and be submitted to the City in addition to an alcohol location exemption application being submitted.
Click here to apply for alcohol at en event with less than 500 people.
Event Helper
Special event policies are available through the Event Helper. To determine eligibility, please visit their website.
Event Helper Website
Special Event Banner/Signs Application
Click here to apply for Street Pole Banners and other signage installations related to an event.