• How We Support Your Event

  The City of Lakeland recognizes the value special events contribute to our community's vibrancy—connecting neighbors, welcoming visitors, and supporting local businesses. Our goal is to help organizers plan successful events while supporting public safety, protecting City resources, and minimizing impacts to surrounding neighborhoods.

  Our Mission

  The Special Events Review Team (SERT) exists to provide a knowledgeable, customer-focused process that guides organizers through special event planning and permitting—so hosting an event on public property is clear, coordinated, and predictable.

  How We Got Here

  In 2012, City leadership recognized consistent feedback from event organizers: coordinating a special event often meant contacting multiple departments across the organization to fulfill various requirements. To address this challenge, City departments partnered through an intensive process-improvement effort to streamline the experience while still meeting each department's responsibilities. The result was SERT—a coordinated, single-point review process designed to reduce confusion, improve communication, and set events up for success.

  What We Do

  SERT brings together key City departments and subject-matter experts to review event plans, identify needs early, and help organizers understand requirements and timelines. This team-based approach supports both:

  • Great event experiences for attendees and organizers, and
  • Safe, reliable operations for the community and public spaces impacted by events.

  We are here to help throughout the process. If you have questions about permitting or would like suggestions for hosting a successful special event, email SpecialEventQuestions@Lakelandgov.net

• Steps to Obtain a Special Event Permit

  You will be required to:

   1. Submit information regarding your event through the iMS permitting portal: iMS | City of Lakeland (lakelandgov.net). The City of Lakeland Special Event Review Team will review your application and communicate authorization or whether additional information is needed. 

   2. Provide proof of insurance coverage for your Special Event by providing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with the City of Lakeland Listed as "additionally insured" for no less than one million dollars. Other requirements may be needed pending Risk Management Review.

   3. In some cases, you will be required to employ LPD police personnel for "extra-duty detail" work*; this determination is made on a case-by-case review of the permit logistics. If required or requested, an Extra Duty Detail Request Form must be filled out.

  *If hiring police personnel, please ensure the application is notarized before returning it.

• Submitting Your Permit Application

  Complete your permit application by visiting the iMS permitting portal: iMS | City of Lakeland (lakelandgov.net)

  • iMS How To's PDF
  • Once you have set up your account in iMS, navigate to the "Create a Permit" button. Once on that screen, scroll down to the "Special Event" option and select. 
  • Page one of the process contains the "Supplemental Forms" you must upload into the permit portal. Depending on your event needs, you will upload specific documents to be completed and uploaded before your permit application can be approved. You do not need to have all forms uploaded to move forward with the permit and start the initial steps. 
• Important Info
  • The Special Event Review Team is no longer accepting previous versions of the permit application. All events must be submitted through the iMS permitting portal. (See the next section for a how-to document and helpful tips.)
  • Street Closure requests must be submitted at least (2) weeks before the event date.
  • At this time, we are not closing streets for private block parties.
  • The completed application must be in the permit portal no later than 30 business days before the event. No exceptions.
  • Special Event Permit Exemptions: Individuals may assemble in traditional public forums within the City if their activities are consistent with ordinary use of a public park or the public right-of-way. If the following are true for your rally or gathering, follow the link in the last bullet and complete the Expressive Event Gathering form. 
    • Activities must not interfere with any other permitted activities or events and shall not have exclusive use of an area or block access or the flow of traffic.
    • All applicable laws and ordinances must be adhered to, including the City of Lakeland’s noise ordinance.
    • No equipment, stages, or tents are allowed on any public space outside of the requirements set forth in the City’s Code of Ordinances.
    • Vehicles may only access areas designated for normal vehicle operation.
    • No commercial activity is allowed.
    • Expressive Event Gathering < - Follow the link for more information on whether your event qualifies.

Contact Info

For additional information, email SpecialEventQuestions@lakelandgov.net