Frequently Asked Questions

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SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS

When is a Special Events permit required?
A Special Events permit is needed when an event is taking place on public property and/ or in a private commercial property like a hotel, restaurant or retail space, when changing the allowable use of the space as per the existing City license for the property. The City requires 60 days notice for an event on public property and 30 days notice for an event on private commercial property. The City does not issue Special Event Permits for private residential property.

How much do permits cost?
Every event is different in nature, scope and expected attendance, therefore fees may fluctuate. The standard application fee is $258.00; permit fee is $258.00; there is also a security deposit of $2500.00 (a deposit applies for both public and private property.) Other fees include vehicle beach access passes at $155.00 per pass, square footage fee of .26 cents per sq. ft., a concession fee of 15% for beach events and 10% for non-beach events (based on ticket, merchandise, food and beverage sales). In certain public locations, the City charges a user fee of 25% based on the total amount of all City Services combined including Police, Fire, Parking, Sanitation, etc. The Special Events Office will advise the client as to which fees will apply.

 How quickly can I get a permit?
The Special Events permit process is a review and approval process. Once you apply, the Special Events Office will send you a checklist of requirements. This will be your guide as to what documents to submit and which approval to obtain. Our office issues the Special Events permit once all approvals have been given and all event coordination has been finalized by the Event Producer.

Can I violate the noise ordinance with a special events permit?
A Special Events permit does not grant the applicant/ producer the ability to violate the Noise Ordinance. Both the Miami-Dade County Noise Ordinance, Section 21-28, and the City of Miami Beach Noise Ordinance, Article IV, Sections 46-151 to 46-162, are applicable and enforceable on both public and private property within the City limits of Miami Beach. The Noise Ordinance is in effect 24 hours a day. Should excessive noise occur between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. in such manner to be plainly audible at a distance of 100 ft from a building, structure or vehicle in which it is located and a complaint made, a Code officer will then assess the complaint and make a decision on whether or not the Noise Ordinance has been violated. Failure to comply with the Noise Ordinance may result in a possible citation and/ or immediate revocation of the Special Event Permit.

How do I get a Building Department permit?
If you are erecting a temporary structure such as tent, fencing, staging, trussing, electrical (generators), plumbing (restroom(s) units / port-o-lets), bleachers, pool covers, or other structures, you will be required to obtain a temporary structure permit from the Building Department. You will need engineered structural drawings and a licensed contractor to pull the permit. Please contact the Building Department for a fee schedule at 305.673.7610 or visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/building.

What kind of insurance do I need for an Event?
The City of Miami Beach requires that you provide a certificate of Insurance with a minimum of 1M General Liability coverage.  The City of Miami Beach, with our address, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL  33139 must be listed as the certificate holder and the City also has to be listed as Additional Insured. This exact verbiage must be included under the section of Description of Operations/Locations/Vehicles/Special Items: (Example: The City of Miami Beach is included as an additional insured with respects to event name, dates including event load-in and load-out, location, and type of activity.)

Proof of Worker’s Compensation is required if you employ more than three full-time employees by Florida statute.

Liquor Liability: If applicable to your event, a Liquor Liability policy of minimum 1M is required. If liquor liability is being provided by someone other than the applicant, such as a caterer, please provide the vendor’s liquor liability certificate. The certificate of insurance must name the City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 as a certificate holder and also as additional insured.

 How do I reserve an off-duty officer?
If you are holding an event on public property you will most likely need to hire an Off-duty Police officer. Please call the Off-duty Police office at 305.673.7823. You are required to pre-pay for officers.

 How can I rent metered spaces?
If you need to rent meters for event production, please fill out the parking space rental form and submit as per the instructions on the form. Please note that meter numbers can be found on metal discs glued to the curb. Please be advised that the Parking Department will not reserve meter spaces for personal vehicles.

 

SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

Special Events Sponsorship Program Informational Session

What is the Miami Beach Special Events Sponsorship Program?

The  Special Event Sponsorship Program is designed to support event organizers that deliver events in a safe and healthy manner and encourage our residents, visitors, and tourists to connect in publicly accessible events that create memorable, engaging, and innovative experiences. The special events industry contributes substantially to the reputation, essence, innovation, and sustainability of Miami Beach.

When does the sponsorship application open and close?

Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Applications for events held October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023, will be open January 1 – February 28, 2023. Staff will make recommendations to the City Commission on or before April 2022. The Program application can be found at MBEventSponsorship.gosmart.org

What is the difference between funding and in-kind support?

Cash versus waiver of fees and/or city services. Off-duty Police Department services, Fire Department services, and Building Department fees are excluded.

In-Kind support for Non-Profit entities may include:

  • Application and Permit Fees
  • Square Footage Fees
  • Vehicle Beach Access Passes
  • User Fees
  • City Services Administrative Fees


Who can apply?

  1. Both profit and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. For-profit organizations must provide their Federal Tax ID and event budget. If the Applicant is located in Miami Beach, Applicant must also provide your Business Tax Receipt (BTR) # in the Sponsorship Application.
  2. Applicants applying through a “fiscal agent” are not eligible.

When will I find out if I received sponsorship?

Applications for FY 2022/2023 will be assessed and applicants notified on or before May 1, 2022.

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of their application outcome in writing, and successful applicants will be published on our website.

All funding decisions are final. Unsuccessful applicants will not be reimbursed for the time spent on the application process.

What is the total funding for the sponsorship?

Up to $1.5m may be available – subject to City Commission approval.

Who can I contact regarding my application?

You may email Events@miamibeachfl.gov or call 305.673.7577

What can the sponsorship be used for?

ELIGIBLE SPONSORSHIP ACTIVITIES

  • Sponsorship is specifically allocated for events that activate and attract community engagement to and in Miami Beach.
  • Eligible activities/ events include outdoor concerts, art fairs and exhibits, festivals, parades, cultural and community programming, charitable fundraising, and athletic events.

ELIGIBLE SPONSORSHIP USES

  • Event Equipment/ Supplies/ Rentals
  • Marketing/ Advertising/ Promotion
  • Entertainment/ Talent
  • Event Security
  • City Services Administrative Fees
  • Film/ Photography

INELIGIBLE SPONSORSHIP USES

  • Building Permits
  • City Services Personnel Fees
  • Rent/Lease or Mortgage
  • Local or State Licenses
  • Insurance
  • Taxes
  • Travel Expenses
  • Late Payment Fees or Fines
  • Purchase of Alcohol or Tobacco Products
  • Salaries/ Staff Wages
  • Utility Bills
  • Debt Replacement
  • Licenses/Certificates

How will applications be assessed?

The City will allocate funding to eligible events by looking holistically at all activations occurring across the city, ensuring an even spread across dates, locations, and types of events.

Applications are assessed on their eligibility and ability to deliver on the program objectives. Eligible applicants are not guaranteed funding. Only the strongest applications receive funding through a competitive, merit-based assessment process. Ineligible applications will be withdrawn from the assessment process.

What are the objectives of the sponsorships?

  • Provide unique and engaging experiences that increase resident quality of life;
  • Increase tourism by hotel rooms block contract(s) and targeted tourist attendance;
  • Promote Miami Beach as a national and international tourist destination;
  • Provide accessible event(s) to the general public; and
  • Strengthen the city by enhancing the cultural events.