Special Events Permit

Special events are events that are held in the City for a period of less than two (2) weeks. A Special Event Permit is required; however, there is no charge to the applicant. The event organizer must comply with all applicable City Code and State licensure requirements relevant to the event. Examples of special events include carnivals, concerts, expos, fairs, festivals, fireworks displays, flea markets, parades, petting zoos, pony rides, tent sales and tournaments. Facility Reservations for Special Events will only be processed upon receiving the Special Event Application and full payment of associated fees.

• Special Event Application(PDF, 1MB)
• Special Event Manual(PDF, 16MB)
• Ordinance 2021-45 Special Event Permit(PDF, 1MB)

All Special Event Applications must be received no later than 30 days in advance of the event date. All sections of the application must be complete upon submission with applicable supporting documents attached. To ensure a successful event experience, it is recommended that event organizers schedule a meeting with Parks & Recreation 60-90 days prior to the event to discuss event logistics and address any questions. Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 941-429-PARK(7275) or email SpecialEvents@NorthPortFL.gov for more information regarding special event permits.

For indoor space rentals we provide:

• Chairs
• Tables
• Kitchen (extra fee)
• A/V equipment (extra fee)

For outdoor space rentals, the amenities within the park are available for use including picnic tables and grills. No additional tables or chairs will be brought to the park, however if you need more equipment, local party rental businesses have rental chairs, tables, linens, and sound equipment available.

The City Commission shall consider on a case-by-case basis special events for which the costs of City fees and or resources are subsidized through a specially funded account. For funding consideration, the event must be held in the City of North Port and meet the criteria for special events as defined in Chapter 53, Section 53-265 of the Unified Land Development Code and in the special event program guidelines(PDF, 155KB). A special event permit is not required at the time of application for assistance. However, an issued special event permit is required for the event and shall follow the guidelines for the special event permitting process.

Please note that facility reservations for Special Events applying for the Special Event Assistance Program will only be processed upon receiving the Special Event Application and full payment of the refundable deposit.

To be eligible for funding any North Port based entity or organization may apply to the program if the following apply:

• Event must be open to the public
• Event must be FREE to the public for admission. Fees may be charged for participants, such as competitors or vendors
• Event must demonstrate primary benefit to the community at large
• Event estimated attendance must be a minimum of 100 people to be eligible for the program

The amount of funding requested may be approved partially, fully or not at all based on the number of applications or funding ability. The entity or organization can apply for multiple events in a calendar year. If approved, the amount awarded will be applied to the actual cost of City fees and or resources associated with the special event up to the approved amount and the applicant is responsible for the difference, if any.

Events not eligible include: private parties and functions, political events, or any event deemed by the City as inappropriate or inconsistent with the best interests of the City or as prohibited by law.

Applying is easy. Download the Special Events Assistance Program Application(PDF, 1MB), complete and submit to SpecialEvents@NorthPortFL.gov or deliver to the Parks & Recreation Department, located at the Morgan Family Community Center (6207 W. Price Blvd.). For questions, please call 941-429-PARK(7275).

Applications for the Special Event Assistance Program are strongly encouraged to be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event taking place. This allows for an adequate time to review and seek approval of the application.

A temporary use is defined as any structure or event held in the City that is of a non-permanent nature, lasting more than two (2) weeks. A Temporary Use Permit is valid for 12 consecutive months from the date of issue, but may be renewed annually. Some examples of temporary use are: Christmas tree sales, pumpkin sales and art exhibitions.

• Temporary Use Application(PDF, 524KB)

Applications for Temporary Uses are strongly encouraged to be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event taking place. This allows for an adequate review and time to draft the permit. Applications turned in less than 2 weeks prior to an event are not guaranteed to be processed and a permit issued before the event taking place.

The City of North Port welcomes and encourages partnerships that enhance the quality of life for City residents and that support the City’s mission and strategic goals. It is the City’s intent to prioritize partnership opportunities with North Port based individuals, businesses, and non-profit entities and organizations whose missions and services align with the mission and values of the City.

Partnership Applications(PDF, 339KB) for new City events must meet the following:

• Align with the City’s mission and support one or more of the City’s strategic priorities;
• Have an identifiable and specific public purpose;
• Provide an unmet service or benefit to City residents at large;
• Not duplicate or compete with an existing City event;
• Result in direct costs being offset through event participant fees and charges; and
• Result in net revenue being equally shared between the City and Partner.

Please note no partnership application will be accepted where the partnership will be used by the applicant in furtherance of fundraising activities.

Partnership applications will be accepted annually from Jan. 15 through March 15 for consideration and possible inclusion in the budget for the following fiscal year. Applications submitted outside this timeframe will be reviewed and considered based on available funds. For more information, review the Administrative Policy for Partnerships(PDF, 184KB)  or call 941-429-PARK(7275).