Parks Special Events Permit

• How to Get a Special Event Permit

  Step 1: Complete an Event Proposal Overview

  Miami Dade-County Parks has different applications for different event types:

  • Before applying for a Special Event Permit, please complete the Event Proposal Overview. The proposal will be reviewed within five business days and the applicant will be notified which application needs to be completed. Please note that receiving approval to move forward with completing an event application does not guarantee the approval of your Special Event Permit.
  • To reserve a park shelter or facility, please visit miamidadeparks.com to schedule a rental
  • A facility use fee will be determined by the park. Application fees vary on length and size of event. 

   

  Special Event Permit Class
  Event Class	Duration	Attendance	Application Submittal Date	Completed Application Due Date	Damage Deposit
  Class A	>7 days	< 5,000 attendees	120 days prior to the event date	60 days prior to event start date	$5,000
  Class B	4-6 days	Up to 5,000 attendees	90 days prior to the event date	45 days prior to event start date	$3,000
  Class C	1-3 days	Up to 2,000 attendees	45 days prior to the event date	21 days prior to event start date	$1,500
  Class D	1 day	Up to 250 attendees	14 days prior to the event date	7 days prior to event start date	$1,500
  Public Demonstration	1 day	Park Capacity	30 days prior to the event date	14 days prior to event start date	$5,000

   

  STEP 2: Review Submission Time Frames and Application Fees

  • Special Events Application must be completed:
    • 120 days prior to event start date for class A events
    • 90 days prior to event start date for class B events
    • 45 days prior to event start date for class C events
    • 14 days prior to event start date for class D events
    • 30 prior to event start date for public demonstrations
  • Application fees may apply

  STEP 3: Apply for a Special Events Permit and Collect Supporting Documents 

  • After completing an Event Proposal Overview, the applicant will be contacted by Miami-Dade Parks within five business days and will receive the Special Event Permit Application. The organizer will then be able to fill out the application online and pay the application fee after submitting the application.
  • As part of the application process, event organizers are required to submit supporting documents. Please collect and submit all required documents for the application. Please refer to the Special Event Permit Checklist.
    • Notarized Disclosure Affidavit
    • Indemnification (located in the Class A, B, C Application)
    • Insurance Certificate
      • Please include the following information as the additional insured:
        • Miami Dade County
          111 NW 1st Street, Suite 2340
          Miami, FL 33128
    • Articles of Incorporation
      • Organizations registered in Florida can find their Articles of Incorporation here.
      • Please note the person signing the application must either be listed on the Articles of Incorporation or authorized to sign the application via an authorization letter.
      • State Certificate of Tax Exemption (Special Event fee is taxable)
      • Flyer or brochure with the following ADA message:
        • Call (your event information phone number) or email (your event email address) to request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or a sign language interpreter (7 days in advance).
    • Site Map indicating area to be used
    • Copies of other regulatory permits that may be needed based on the nature of your event
      • Fireworks permit
      • Building Permits – Main Office 786-315-2000
      • Department of Environmental Resource Management Permits – 305 372-6789
      • Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) (food concessions) – 305 324-2400
      • State of Florida (sale/service of alcohol) – 305 470-6787
      • For more information about these permits, please refer to the Miami Dade Parks Special Event Permit Frequently Asked Questions
    • Proof of MDPD and MDFR coverage if required
      • MDPD Off Duty Police Services: 305-471-2513
      • MDFR: 786-331-4800
    • No Ads per Master Plan (Applicants for Crandon Park) This document is located inside the Class A, B, and C application. Applicants for Class D events will submit the Crandon Park Master Plan separately.
    • Proof-of Not-for-Profit Status (if applicable)
  • Failure by the Event Organizer to submit all required information prior to the Special Event may be grounds for the application denial. The County is under no obligation to issue a Special Events Permit for its Park and Recreation Facilities.

  Step 4: Pay Application and Submit Additional Documents

  • To pay the application fee, the event applicant must create a Park Link account if the applicant hasn’t already done so. Additional event documents can be submitted after the application fee is paid.
    • Pay application fee
  • All additional documents must be submitted to the Park Manager where the event is taking place via email.

   Step 5: Recommendations for Approval/Denial  

  • All recommendations will be forward by the Selection Committee through the appropriate Assistant Director to the Department Director for final approval. The Event Organizer will then be notified within the approval timeframe as to the status of approval for a Special Events Permit.
  • The Selection Committee has full discretion to deny a Special Events Application Package upon the following factors
    • Incompatible with Public Park Purpose
    • Adverse impact on a park’s and/or its surrounding infrastructure, natural and cultural resources
    • Adverse impacts on the traffic conditions and/or adjacent land uses and neighborhoods
    • History of poor performance in county and municipal Park and Recreations Facilities
    • Inability to secure required permit approvals
    • Inability to cover all events expenses
    • Inability or unwillingness to comply with insurance requirements
    • No clear positive social or economic benefits to the department and community
    • Unnecessary replication of existing Special Events

  Step 6: Performance Evaluation 

  • Within 14 days following the closing of a special event, the Park or Facility Manager of the site in which the event was hosted must file a Performance Evaluation. The Performance Evaluation will contribute to future evaluations of applications filed by the respective event organizer. Criteria for evaluation minimally will include:
    • Adherence to all rules and regulations associated with the Administrative Order and Miami Dade County Code
    • Adherence to the information provided in the event organizer’s application
    • Impact on the park property and surrounding land uses
    • Sensitivity to park’s cultural, environmental and historic resources
    • Enhancement to the community’s quality of life and economic development, tourism, and cooperation with department staff
  • If the evaluation is unfavorable, the Event Organizer will be notified in writing by the department of the factors contributing to an unfavorable rating and the possibility of future application denial. The Event Organizer will be given the opportunity to respond to an unfavorable evaluation. Any disputes occurring between the Event Organizer and the Park Manager regarding the evaluation will be resolved by the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Director, whose decision will be final. With an unfavorable performance evaluation, the event applicant will risk the loss of the full damage deposit.
• Film Permits

  Our parks and beaches attract many to use our facilities for photography and film. However, permits are required to use park and beach facilities for film or entertainment purposes. Apply online at FilMiami or contact Miami-Dade Office of Film or Entertainment at 305-375-3288. You can also email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

  Who needs to apply for a permit?
  Film Permits are generally required throughout Miami-Dade County and each of its municipalities for film, video or still photo shoots that are conducted on public property; on roads, streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches or public buildings. Learn who needs to apply for a permit. 

  What does the new ordinance mean?

  Productions filming on Miami-Dade County properties including the municipalities we permit for, without obtaining a film permit can be issued civil citations and be removed from the property. Learn about the new ordinance. 

  Where do I find more information?

  Please visit FilMiami and view our updated webpages that explains physical impact versus commercial/non-commercial filming.

• Non-Commercial Photo Shoots

  Marine turtle nesting film permit

  Marine Turtle Nesting Season is May 1 to Oct. 31. If you are planning to film in one of our beaches, read about beach filming restrictions during marine turtle nesting season.

Related FAQs

• When is a Miami-Dade Parks special events permit required?
  • A Miami-Dade Parks Special Events Permit is required when a Special Event takes place in a county-owned and operated Park and Recreation Facilities.
  • A Special Event constitutes those festivals, carnivals, concerts, parades and community happenings that have the purpose of enhancing recreational opportunities consistent with a park's intended use for entertainment, education, or cultural, religious, ethnic or political expression. It is understood that these events are above and beyond daily recreational programming provided by the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department or its not-for-profit programming partners.
  • The term Special Events does not include events sponsored entirely by the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department; or events that are administered through reservation at a specific park facility through the Park Manager or Facility Director, such as:
    • Small Picnics. Community picnics may require a special events permit
    • Weddings
    • Funerals
    • Elections
    • Sports competitions held at permanent athletic venues, or
    • Concert series and other artistic endeavors held at permanent performing arts venues
• How much does a Miami-Dade Parks special events permit cost?

  All Special Event Permit Applications require a non-refundable application fee that varies on length and size of the event. Event organizers are required to pay a Damage Deposit prior to the event, which will be returned to the organizer upon passing of the Performance Evaluation. In addition, a facility use fee will also be determined by the park.

   

  Special Event Permit Class
  Event Class	Duration	Attendance	Application Fee (non-refundable)	Application Due Date	Damage Deposit
  Class A	>7 days	< 5000 attendees	$250	120 days prior to event start date	$5000
  Class B	4-6 days	Up to 5000 attendees	$100	60 days prior to event start date	$3000
  Class C	1-3 days	Up to 2,000 attendees	$50	21 days prior to event start date	$1500
  Class D	1 day	Up to 250 attendees	$25	10 days prior to event start date	$1500
  Public Demonstration	1 day	Park Capacity	$25	2 days prior to event start date	$5000

• How quickly can I get a special events permit?

  The Special Events permit process is a review and approval process. Please ensure that you submit all the required documents with your application to avoid delay. Refer to the Event Checklist for the required documents. Once the application and all required documents are submitted, the application will be reviewed and approved or denied within the following timeframes:

  • Class A Events: (120) business days
  • Class B Events: (60) business days
  • Class C Events: (21) business days
  • Class D Events: (10) business days
  • Public Demonstrations: (2) business days
• What kind of insurance do I need for a special event?

  At a minimum, the following insurance must be obtained prior to the event. General Public Liability between $300,000 to $1 million coverage, depending upon event activities:

  • Automobile Liability Insurance of at least $300,000
  • Liquor Liability Insurance (if wine and/or beer being served)
  • Miami-Dade County must be listed as co-insured
  • The Office of Risk Management reviews each event on a case-by-case basis
• Can I promote my event before I get a special events permit?

  Please do not promote or publicize an event if you have not completed an application package and received final approval. Applying does not guarantee the approval of your event.

• Do I need additional permits when I apply for a special events permit?

  Yes, you may need additional permits. Outside of the Park and Recreation Department, many other agencies, including regulatory and public safety, require permits for the execution of a Special Event. These agencies set their own requirements, deadlines, and fees. It is the responsibility of the event organizer to obtain these permits and provide adequate crews for execution of clean up traffic flow.

  • Fireworks:
    • Special Events featuring fireworks must first obtain department approval followed by a firework permit from the Miami-Dade Fire/Rescue Department or appropriate municipal permitting jurisdiction if park facility falls within incorporated boundaries. A written request for the permit must be submitted to the Fire/Rescue Department at least 30 days prior to the event and be approved no later than 11 days prior to the event.
  • Building Permits – Main Office 786-315-2000
    • The following facilities/structures will require permits from the Building department or appropriate municipal jurisdiction, in accordance with local, state and federal agencies:
      • Tents larger than 10’ x 10’
      • Mechanical amusement rides
      • Electrical hook-ups for mechanical amusement rides
    • The event organizer must provide site plans and architectural drawings for these permits.
    • In addition, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue must be contacted to conduct an inspection of these facilities/structures.
  • Building Department
    • The event organizer also must submit its application to the Building Department or appropriate municipal jurisdiction for review to determine the requirement for issuance of a Zoning Use Permit.
  • Department of Environmental Resource Management Permits – 305 372-6789
    • The following cases will require permits from the Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM): Fuel disbursement
    • Waste water disposal
    • Recreation Vehicle (RV) waste water disposal
    • Office Trailers
  • Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) – 305 324-2400
    • All food service concessions and restroom facilities must meet HRS requirements. Temporary permits for food service concessions must be obtained prior to the event.
  • State of Florida – 305 470-6787
    • The sale/service of alcohol is restricted to only wine and/or beer. The Parks Department will determine the appropriateness of alcohol service for the event. If wine and/or beer is being served, a temporary Alcoholic Beverage Permit must be issued by the State of Florida, Division of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Only not-for-profit civic organizations can be issued these temporary permits.
• Does my special event require police and fire services?

  Please contact the Miami Dade Police Department and Miami Dade Fire Department to determine the needs for your event.

  • Security/Police – Contact Miami-Dade Police, 305 471-2800
    • The Miami-Dade Police Department or appropriate municipal jurisdiction reviews each event on a case-by-case basis, but generally follows these guidelines:
    • One (1) off-duty police officer is required for every 200 people
    • One (1) sergeant is required for every five (5) officers
    • One (1) lieutenant is required for every three (3) sergeants
  • Traffic Flow/Vehicle Parking – Miami-Dade Off Duty Police, 305 471-2929
    • A minimum 10-person team with a supervisor is required for Class “A” events.
    • A minimum 5-person team with a supervisor is required for Class “B” or “C” events.
  • Fire/Rescue Special event Unit, 786 331-4555
    • Fire Safety Inspections – Fire/Rescue requires a minimum of two (2) inspections prior to the event date. A fire safety inspection is required once the Special Event is underway. Fire/Rescue will review applications on a case-by-case basis to determine the number of staff required for patron rescue/response.
• Do I need a special events permit to bring a group of volunteers to Miami-Dade Parks?

  Volunteer events are administered through the Parks Leadership and Community Engagement (PLACE) program. Groups interested in donating resources, volunteer labor, in-kind materials and monetary contributions, can adopt specific park sites and natural areas. Options are available for one day or one year, for any groups larger than 10. Volunteers may be subject to background screenings.
   
  Group should fill out the Group Volunteering Request form to provide us information on your group. We ask for a minimum of (10) business days to review and approve your request.