Special Event Instructions
General Requirement
It shall be unlawful for any person, organization, or entity to stage, conduct, engage in, participate in, aid, form, start, or hold a special or outdoor event within the City of Miami Springs without first submitting a Special Event Application, paying all required fees, and obtaining approval and a permit as required by Chapter 80 of the City of Miami Springs Code of Ordinances.
Special events shall not be permitted to be located or operated in the City except as provided in Chapter 80.
What Is a Special Event?
A special (outdoor) event includes, but is not limited to:
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Concerts, festivals, races, walks, parades, ceremonies, rallies, marches, displays, motorcades, demonstrations, exhibitions, carnivals, circuses, shows, or similar gatherings
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Events held outdoors, under tents, on stages, or using temporary structures
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Events to which members of the public are invited as participants or spectators
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Events that may impact traffic, parking, noise, or require City services or use of public property
Certain minor activities, city-sponsored events, and qualifying outdoor retail events may be exempt as outlined in Chapter 80.
Application Deadline
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Applications must be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the event date.
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Applications submitted fewer than 60 days before the event are subject to a late fee.
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All required documents, fees, insurance, and agreements must be submitted no later than ten (10) days prior to the event.
Permit Approval
A special event may not be held unless it has been reviewed and approved by the City Manager’s Office, and where required, approved by the City Council, pursuant to Chapter 80.
Approval is based on whether the event:
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Poses a threat to public safety
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Impedes traffic or pedestrian flow
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Creates a disturbance to surrounding properties
Permit Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Completed Application and Fees
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Completed Special Event Application
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Applicable application fee and any required deposits or rental fees (as established by Resolution No. 2018-3818)
2. Event Description
A detailed description including:
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Event purpose and activities
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Event location
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Date(s), hours of operation, and duration
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Estimated number of participants and spectators
3. Site Plan/ Venue Layout
A site plan showing all temporary installations in relation to surrounding properties, including:
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Tents, stages, booths, and entertainment areas
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Portable toilets and sanitation facilities
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Trash and recycling containers
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Emergency access routes
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Parking areas, signage, and barricades
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Electrical sources and generators (if applicable)
4. Parking and Traffic Plan
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Parking plan and/or traffic control plan, if applicable
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Identification of any street or sidewalk closures (FDOT Permit may be required)
5. Property Authorization & Cleanup Responsibility
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For events on private property: written consent from the property owner
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For events on public property: acknowledgment that the applicant is responsible for cleanup unless otherwise approved by the City
6. Amusement Rides or Mechanical Devices (if applicable)
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Copy of contracts with ride or equipment providers
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Proof of valid state or county business licenses
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No amusement rides may be installed prior to permit issuance
7. Insurance
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Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Miami Springs as an additional insured
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Coverage amounts as required by the City’s Risk Management Division
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Additional coverage may be required if alcohol is served
8. Indemnification and Hold Harmless Letter
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Executed indemnification and hold harmless agreement in favor of the City
9. Temporary Structures
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Description and location of tents, canopies, stages, or other temporary structures
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Flame-proof certificates and required building permits
10. Food, Beverage & Alcohol Plan
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Description of food and beverage service
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Copies of applicable health permits
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Alcohol permits from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, if applicable
Police & Public Works Requirements
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Police staffing for traffic or crowd control may be required and must be paid in advance
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Public Works services (barricades, sanitation, utilities) must be coordinated in advance
Event Operations
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The person designated as in charge of the event must be present at the event at all times
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The permit must be posted conspicuously and produced upon request
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Events may not extend beyond 11:00 p.m. unless specifically approved
Enforcement & Penalties
Events conducted without a permit or in violation of permit conditions may be subject to:
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Immediate cease and desist orders
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Code enforcement action and fines
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Denial of future permits
Exemptions
Certain events may be exempt from permitting requirements, including:
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Minor activities with fewer than 50 attendees and minimal impact
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City-sponsored or co-sponsored events
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Certain outdoor retail events meeting specific criteria
Applicants are encouraged to contact the City prior to planning to determine eligibility for an exemption.
City of Miami Springs — Special Event Fees & Requirements
The following fees and requirements are established in accordance with Chapter 80 of the City of Miami Springs Code of Ordinances (Special Events) and Resolution No. 2018-3818, as adopted by the Mayor and City Council.
Special Event Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee (Non-Resident) | $25.00 | Due at time of application |
| Application Fee (Resident) | Waived | Proof of residency required |
| Late Application Fee | $100.00 | Applies if application is submitted less than 30 days before the event |
| Circle Right-of-Way / Gazebo Rental | $750 (3-hour minimum) | $150 for each additional hour |
| Curtiss Parkway / Westward Drive Right-of-Way Rental | $300 (3-hour minimum) | $75 for each additional hour |
| Police Services |
$65 per officer per hour $75 per Supervisor per hour *$100 per office on holidays |
3-hour minimum; payable in advance |
| Refundable Clean-Up / Damage Deposit | $100 – $500 | Amount determined by staff based on event size and scope |
Important Information
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A Special Event Permit is required for most outdoor events held on public property, involving amplified sound, or expected to attract large crowds.
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Applications should be submitted at least 60 days in advance, as required by Section 80-21 and Section 80-49 of the City Code.
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Additional permits, insurance, and department approvals may be required depending on the nature of the event.
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Certain events may qualify for exemptions, including minor activities (less than 50 people) and city-sponsored events, as outlined in Section 80-84 and Section 80-85 of the City Code.
Reference Ordinance & Resolution
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City of Miami Springs Code of Ordinances, Chapter 80 – Special Events
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Resolution No. 2018-3818 (October 22, 2018) — Establishing Special Event Fees
For events that include liquor service, please also complete the Permit Application for Liquor Sales, available at the following link:
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/alcoholic-beverages-and-tobacco/special-events/