Yes, in most cases you do need a tent
permit if the tent is larger than 10x10 feet, will be used for public events,
or includes lighting, AC, or sidewalls. Local building departments such as the
City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale and others require
temporary structure permits to make sure your tent meets fire safety,
anchoring, and egress exit requirements.
At Imperial Event Rentals, we handle the
entire tent permitting process for you. Our team works directly with city and
county officials to prepare the required site plan, engineering drawings,
fire-retardant certifications, and inspection scheduling, so you don’t have to
worry about paperwork or delays.
If your event is at a private home or
commercial property, Ask Us and we’ll
help determine whether a permit is required and guide you through each step.
This ensures your setup is fully compliant, safe, and ready for inspection on
time.
What we need from you (the client):
To start the permit application, we’ll
need:
- Event layout or site plan – a
simple drawing showing where the tent and equipment will be placed.
- Description of the event – include
the type of event, wedding, festival, corporate, etc. and the use of the
tent dining, exhibit, storage, etc.
- List of items under the tent – such
as tables, chairs, stage, catering area, or dance floor.
- Event name and dates and times – to
include on the official application.
- Owner’s notarized signature on the
permit application (required by most city building departments).
What Imperial Event Rentals takes care
of:
Our team handles all the technical and
coordination steps for you:
- General Contractor
- Electrical Contractor
- Mechanical Contractor
- Structure drawings and engineering calculations stamped by a Florida licensed engineer.
- Aerial snapshot of the event site
showing nearby streets and the approximate tent location.
·
Electrical plans and
calculations (for lighting, outlets, or
generators).
- Mechanical plans and calculations
(if using AC or fans).
- Life Safety Plans for larger public
events, exit paths, fire lanes, emergency access.
- Life Safety Kit for the event,
including exit signs, no-smoking signs, and fire extinguishers.
- Permit Handling
Typical Costs
Associated with a Tent Permit
Tabla de Costos de Permisos y Servicios
| Item / Service | Description | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|
| Permit Application Fee | Charged by the city or county to open a tent or temporary structure permit. Vary by City. | $250 – $400 |
| Engineering Drawings | Required for structure tents, including layout and anchoring details (stamped by Florida engineer). | $750 |
| Engineering Calculations | Additional load calculations (wind, ballast, or structural safety). | Included |
| Aerial Site Plan | Satellite image showing tent placement and nearby streets. | Included |
| Life Safety Plan | Required for large public events; includes exits, fire lanes, and crowd flow diagram. | $2500 |
| Life Safety Kit | Includes exit signs, fire extinguishers, no-smoking signs, etc. | $350 |
| Electrical Contractor Fees | Required if tent includes lighting, power outlets, or generators. | $750 |
| Electrical Drawings & Calculations | City-required drawings for power layout and loads. | $1500 |
| Mechanical Contractor Fees | Needed if tent has air conditioning or fans. | $750 |
| Mechanical Drawings & Calculations | Plans showing cooling equipment and airflow. | $1500 |
| General Contractor / Master Permit | A master contractor is often required to pull the primary permit for the event. | $750 |
| Fire Inspection Fee | Fire Marshal inspection before or during the event it vary by city. | $75 – $150 |
| Processing & Coordination 1 City (Imperial Event Rentals) | We handle document preparation, city submittals, scheduling, and follow-up with the building and fire departments. | $750 |
| Processing & Coordination Multi city (Imperial Event Rentals) | We handle document preparation, city submittals, scheduling, and follow-up with the building and fire departments. | $1500 |
Important Note About Fire Department
Reviews
Some cities in
South Florida do not have their own fire department. In these cases, we must
submit your tent permit to two separate offices:
- The city or municipality where your event will take place, and
- The local fire department that provides fire safety services
for that area.
This ensures your
permit is properly reviewed and approved by both building and fire safety
authorities, keeping your event fully compliant with local regulations.
Our goal: stress-free permitting
Our permitting specialists work directly
with city building and fire departments across South Florida to prepare,
submit, and track your tent permit from start to finish. We ensure your setup
meets all life safety, engineering, and electrical requirements, so your event
can open on time without surprises.
Areas we handle tent permits for:
- Miami-Dade County: Miami, Coral
Gables, Doral, Hialeah, Miami Beach, Homestead, Kendall and more
- Broward County: Fort Lauderdale,
Hollywood, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar and others.
- Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach,
Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens
- Orange County: Orlando, Kissimi,
Sarasota, Winter Garden, Winter Park, City of Orlando, Altamonte Springs.
- Hillsborough County: Brandon,
Tampa, Riverview, Plant City
- Pinellas County: St. Petersburg,
Clearwater, Largo
- Manatee County: Bradenton, Lakewood
Ranch
Elevate the presentation of your table with this exquisite set of plates, where nature and elegance merge in a unique design. Each piece is adorned wi..Minimum order: multiple of 10 - price per piece
This piece is a work of art handmade by Italian artisans. Luxurious materials, intricate details and subtle touches combine to create a unique piece. ..Minimum order: multiple of 10 - price per piece
"Indulge in the artistry of Italian craftsmanship with our ceramic charger plate, meticulously adorned with an intricate lace design. Each plate is a ..
"Embark on a journey toward enduring charm with our Provence Charger Plate. Its interlocking rattan arches shape the edge, creating a long-lasting des..
Is a decorative glass plate with black beads, ideal for gala events and high-end decoration.Description: - Material: Glass - Color: BlackSize:- ..
This fascinating glass plate blends black and gold details, infusing a sense of luxury and charm into exclusive events. Its refined and magical design..
Is an essential element for high end events and elegant celebrations.With a sophisticated design, this white piece with gold edges adds a touch of lux..Minimum order: multiple of 10 - price per piece
This set of plates features an impeccable design that combines elegance and modernity. Its deep matte black finish highlights luxury in every detail, ..Minimum order: multiple of 10 - price per piece
This golden stainless steel plate features a delicate floral design in its center, adding a special touch to events. Its refined and careful style bri..
"Seville Placemat Charger Plate is meticulously woven with intricate rattan details, exhibiting a circular and symmetrical design that evokes a feelin..
This glass plate, highlighted by a subtle gold detail on its rim, elevates the aesthetics of any event. Its refined and meticulous design adds distinc..
Gold and green patterned glass plate stands out with floral details on the rim. Brings a touch of style to special events, with a design that enhances..
