Special Events Checklist

The Florida Building Code requires permits for temporary tents, portable structures, portable sanitary facilities, electrical connections to a main power source and/or portable generator, potable water connections, gas/propane connections. Permits are also required for events that involve food preparation and/or rides and attractions.

Florida State Statue 489 only allows contractors certified by the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or Broward County Central Examining Boards to apply and obtain required permits by the Florida Building Code for Special Events. Only contractors certified in the specific discipline type can obtain permits as follows. 

  General Contractor - Tents, Canopies, Platforms, Stages, etc.
  Electrical Contractor - Generators, Lighting, Electrical power distribution etc.
  Plumbing Contractor - Temporary bathroom facilities, Gas equipment, etc.
  Mechanical Contractor - Air Conditioning systems, fire extinguishing apparatus, etc.

All routing must be completed prior to submitting a permit application to the building division for the following agencies:

  Zoning
  Fire Marshal's Office
  State of Florida DBPR (Food Preparation)
  State of Florida Agriculture (Rides)

Plans must include a site plan that indicates:

  Setbacks
  Egress to and from the site
  Location of  Booths*
  Location of  Rides
  Electrical details**
  Compliance with all ADA/handicap requirements.
  Structural details/shop drawings for tents or canopies.

*Booths using and storing L.P. gas need to comply with  NFPA 54 & 58 as well as FBC Fuel Gas Code requirements:

  Show sizes and locations of all gas containers. All gas containers must be secured
       and protected.
  Provide the total number of occupants anticipated at peak times
  Show location and number of existing and proposed sanitary facilities
       (existing facilities that are within 500 ft of the event may be included).
  Indicate location of all fire extinguishers 
  
**Electrical details to be shown on the plan:

  Indicate overhead power lines and clearances. 
  If multiple power sources, indicate bonding on grounding detail.
  Provide load calculations, indicate all loads that are to be connected.
  Provide KVA ratings of generators and indicate the type of cables being used
       (hard usage required). 
  Note that "lamps used for general illumination in tents or concessions shall be protected from
       accidental breakage by suitable fixtures or guards (no open fixtures).
  Fire extinguishers are required at generators (Minimum 2A10BC).

The above described information must be submitted to the Building Code Services Division a minimum of  two (2) weeks prior to the event.