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Home > Offices > Recreation and Community Services > Recreation and Community Programming > Recreation Programs > Permits

Park Permitting - The Department of Parks, Recreation and Entertainment encourages everyone to visit and enjoy our variety of parks and recreational facilities.  Consider a park if you are planning a family get-together, wedding, or other group activity.  Our permitting office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Picnic Shelter - Required to reserve pavilions at select parks. Pavilions are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Reservation fees are as follows:

  • single pavilion - $10 plus tax
  • double pavilion - $20 plus tax (plus $10 plus tax for each additional pavilion).

    Reserve a picnic shelter online.

  • Contact:

    Carm Gordon - 630-3519 or CGordon@coj.net

    Requirements:

    Application (available online).

    Link to list of parks requiring permits for picnic shelters.


    Special Use Permits/Wedding Permits  - Required for any organized gathering, event that is being promoted to the public, features special equipment (i.e., inflatables, pony rides, etc.), requires electricity and/or is at Sister's Creek or a Riverwalk location.  Application processing time is minimum 15 business days prior to the event. Special Use Permit fees are $35 plus tax.

    Reserve a park for a special event online.

    Contact: Shana Goshorn- 630-3575 or sgoshorn@coj.net
    Requirements: Application (available online), proof of $1-million general liability insurance, detailed description of event, and copies of all promotional materials prior to distribution.

    Size and type of park and scope of event are considered when permitting special events.  


    Special Requests:
    Alcohol In addition to the above, requests for Alcohol also requires a 501c3, state liquor license and on-site security to be provided by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
    Electricity In addition to the above user is required to contact Terry McWhorter, Electrical Manager, at 630-5401 or terrym@coj.net.  Fee is $28 per hour, minimum four hours.
    Rental of Sister's Creek In addition to the above, user must have a vending permit if food or goods are being sold or distributed to the public, on-site security provided by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.  Fee is $500 +tax/day for partial park, $1,000 +tax/day for entire park.
    Vending In addition to the above user is required to provide occupational license.  IF food is being sold, user is also required to provide most recent health inspection.
    Musical Entertainment Permitting requirements vary.  Please call 630-3575 for details regarding specific park requirements. 
    Special Equipment (e.g., inflatables, ponies)

    In addition to the above, user is required to provide proof of $1-million general liability insurance for vendor of equipment.

    Other requirements may apply based on scope of event.

    Contact:
    (904) 630-4100
    851 N. Market St.
    Jacksonville, FL 32202
    funexperts@coj.net

    Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
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