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Special Event Permit Application

  1. Application Fee - $100 

    If application is submitted fourteen (14) days or less prior to the event, Application Fee - $500 

    ***Payable only by check or money order to the “City of Opa-locka”*** 

    A Special Event Permit is required for any event held in the City of Opa-locka with more than twenty-five (25) attendees. 

    For processing, it is recommended that your application be submitted a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the event; and up to forty-five (45) days if Miami-Dade Fire EMS is required. No application will be accepted less than seven (14) days prior to the event, in accordance with Parks & Recreations Department Policy for Special Events, and/or per City Ordinance 17-19.


  2. Thank you for selecting the City of Opa-locka as the site for your special event. The information requested in this application will be used to determine your eligibility for a permit to conduct your proposed event. Please note that submission of your application should in no way be construed as final approval of your request; it is considered a request for a permit only. In order to issue a Special Event Permit, all fees must be paid and all required insurance certificates and permits must be obtained and submitted. 

    Please answer all questions, printing clearly. Attach the mandatory parking plan and site plan that includes the layout of the event. Depending on the type of event, you may also need to complete additional attachments. Attach additional sheets as needed to clearly describe your event. Any misrepresentation of information in this application or deviation from the final permit conditions may result in the immediate revocation of the event permit. 

    This application will be distributed to City departments that will be involved in permitting and/or supporting the event described in this application. The departments will review the application in order to determine required conditions, estimated cost of City support services (if needed), and permits that will be required. As the applicant, you will be responsible for providing, prior to the event, any necessary insurance certificates and prepayment of fees for any City services that will be required. After your event, you will be responsible for paying the City of Opa-locka for the actual cost of City services.

  3. Special Event PERMIT [SEP] Application review process. [4-weeks]

    Week 1-2:

    • Receive application, organization Letter of intent, event site plans and proof of insurance from applicant
    • Applicant MUST pay SEP fee for the review to commence. SEP Permit Number is assigned to application
    • Review plans to comply with Zoning Code.
    • PCD Staff will provide email via docusign/memo to designated Department Heads of the SEP committee for review of application and plans. Allow 2 weeks for returned comments. For event 99 patrons or less, City of Opa-locka PD review is required. For large events over 100 patrons, City of Opa-locka PD and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue review is required. Miami-Dade Fire Submission is separate from application and requires direct communication with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. They will communicate with applicant directly.
    • Confirm if the event will have alcoholic beverages to be sold and or consumed at the event. This requires City Commission approval. Item must be submitted for City Commission agenda for consideration [this item will add 30-60 day to the review process]. 
    • Confirm if the event will occur beyond the restricted hours. All events must cease operation at 11pm during the week and 12 midnight on the weekend. Operation past this hour requires City Commission approval. Item must be submitted for City Commission agenda for consideration. [this item will add 30-60 day to the review process]

    Week 3-4:

    • Collect review comments from each department [including Opa-locka PD and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue], collaborate into one letter to the sent to the applicant regarding deficiencies for response and action as warranted. Ask to receive revised comments and corrections from applicant within 1-2 weeks to maintain scheduling.
    • If all issues have been addressed and resolved, PCD staff submit application to CMO for signature and approval for event to occur. Once the CMO has approved the SEP, the applicant is contact to pick up the approved application.  Applicant must contact Opa-locka PD for supplemental fees and scheduling for off-duty police/security coverage.

    SEP process takes approximately 30 days for the regular application fee. For an accelerated SEP submission made less than 30 days but more than 14 days from the event date, the applicants must pay the higher application fee. No SEP application will be considered for review if submitted less than 14 days from the event date.

  4. Required Forms Checklist
  5. Type of Event (check all that apply)
  6. ​​*** Please also provide a detailed description of your event ON YOUR ORGANIZATIONS LETTERHEAD​​ ***
  7. Name

  8. Phone

  9. Email

  10. Name

  11. Phone

  12. Email

    • Valid Florida Driver's License
    • 501(c)(3)
    • Business Identification
  13. A computerized map/architectural site plan attached showing cross streets and location of proposed venue; along with staging set up and full logistical set-up must be included in your packet. 

    County roads require a permit from Miami-Dade County (305-375-2030). The Florida State Department of Transportation (FDOT) requires that event organizers obtain a permit for the closure of all state roads. This permit must be filed with FDOT thirty (30) days prior to the event date. Please contact call 305-654-7163 to obtain the application for closing or use of state roads. The applicant may be required to contact residents or businesses along the closure route and have them sign a petition. Local roads will be closed with City Manager approval (Ord. _______)

  14. Note: Hiring of City services fort rash removal is required.

  15. Use of Show mobile will require a non-waivable fee to cover cost of set up and breakdown. This fee cannot be waived.

  16. (Note: The electrician you hire needs to apply for a permit through the City of Opa-locka.) 

  17. Will you be erecting the any of the following?
  18. Note: Tent permits are required for tents larger than 10’ x 10’. 

    (Please include these items on your site map and provide the city a detailed floor plan for the event.)

  19. Will your event include any of the following?
  20. Note: All amusement rides must be approved by the state. All carnival, amusement or carnival type events shall provide the required insurance policy or policies as stipulates by the City of Opa-locka and must get proper permits from the City’s Building and Licensing Department.

  21. (Foul language, offensive materials, strippers, erotic dancers or lewd or lascivious behavior is PROHIBITED. All music events must end at 11pm, unless approve by City Commission and/or City Manager’s Office

  22. (Note: Beverages must be dispensed in soft containers. No glass containers or cans allowed.)

  23. Please note: Sanitary and food facilities shall be provided by the Licensee in accordance with applicable laws and regulations of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (Form DBPR HR-7029, Division of Hotels and Restaurant Application for Temporary Event Vendor License). Licensee agrees to ensure that any and all grease remaining after the event by food vendors shall be properly disposed of in accordance with any applicable standards. In the event Licensee fails to properly dispose of the grease, the City will charge Licensee for the cost incurred by the City to do so.

  24. CONCESSIONAIRE RIGHTS: Licensee shall have exclusive concessionaire rights within the permitted area

  25. You are required to hire City of Opa-locka Police for your event.

    The Police Department determines how to staff the event with off-duty officers for crowd, traffic or other public safety concerns. The police department will inform you of the number of officers needed. Staffing is larger for events that serve alcohol and/or close roadways. PLEASE CALL 305-953-2868 for more information on off-duty officers.

    You may be required to hire EMS to be on-site at your event. This will be provided by Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue. Their review process is 30-days. The City of Opa-locka Special Events Committee will advise you accordingly.

  26. Prior to the commencement of any event, the City of Opa-locka requires organizers of the special event to provide the City with a valid certificate of insurance showing: 

    General Liability Insurance: $1,000,000 minimum combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage. 

    Liquor Liability Insurance: $1,000,000 minimum limit, if alcoholic beverages are being served or sold at the event. 

    Workers’ Compensation: Statutory coverage.

    Employers’ Liability: $500,000 / accident / disease / policy limit. Proof of workers’ compensation coverage is required from employers with four (4) or more employees. 

    • All Certificates of Insurance shall include a description of the special event, event location and event date(s). 
    • All liability policies shall be issued by an “A” rated or better insurance carrier, endorsed by A & M Best and authorized to transact business in the State of Florida. 
    • The City of Opa-locka must be named additional insured on all liability policies.
    •  The issuing insurer shall endeavor to notify the City of Opa-locka of any policy cancellation by mailing 10 days written notice to the City prior to issuance of a cancellation notice. 
    • All special event organizers shall indemnify and save the City of Opa-locka harmless from any and all claims, suits, actions, damages or causes of action arising as a result of the special event. Sign here to verify you have read the entire event application and conditions.


  27. Sign here to verify you have read the entire event application and conditions.
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  29. This field is not part of the form submission.