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About Florida State Fairgrounds

Florida’s Year-Round Hub for Unforgettable Events

The story and history of the Florida State Fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds Family

Whether it’s the annual Florida State Fair or any of our hundreds of events throughout the year, the Florida State Fairgrounds has always been about providing fun for everyone and showcasing the best of our state!

What began with a small start in 1904, at Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel, has grown to encompass a family of brands across our sprawling property, offering year-round entertainment, equestrian events, and a rural living history museum.

  • Florida State Fair
  • Bob Thomas Equestrian Center
  • Agriculture - Florida State Fair
  • Cracker Country
337

Acres event space

In the Heart of Tampa
1.75M

Visitors every year

To The Fairgrounds
250+

Hosted events

Of Every Variety Each Year

A Fairgrounds Timeline

Events that shaped the history of The Fairgrounds and the Tampa Bay area.

  • Est. 1904

    Blazing Trails

    From a small start in 1904, the Florida State Fairgrounds believes that nothing brings a community together like a good time. That has been the core of our efforts since our first fair, held in downtown Tampa at Henry B. Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel.

  • 1915 - 1975

    Taking Root

    In 1915, we combined with Tampa’s Gasparilla Carnival to become the biggest, best, most-deep-fried event of the year — now known as the Florida State Fair. Floridians came from every corner of the state to eat, compete, and celebrate everything Florida.

  • 1975 - 2019

    Moving Home

    As we grew, the need for a governing body arose. In 1975, the Florida State Legislature created the Florida State Fair Authority. Now an official organization, we packed up and moved to our new home — The Fairgrounds you know and love, just off of Interstate 4.

  • 2022 to Present

    Find Your Fun

    Today, the Florida State Fairgrounds is a year-round hub for community-oriented fun. The Fairgrounds attracts over 1.5 million visitors throughout the year. We still strive to celebrate Florida through amazing events, hands-on experiences and educational opportunities.

Get Involved at The Fairgrounds

Learn how you can get involved and support the mission of the Florida State Fair and help us deliver exceptional year-round events.

Florida State Fair Governance

The Florida State Fair is a quasi-governmental Authority as provided by Florida Statute 616, the Florida State Fair Authority manages the Florida State Fair. Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture appoints all Board Members of the Florida State Fair Authority including the Hillsborough County Commissioner whose district represents the Fair.

In accordance with Florida Statue 616.251, the authority shall operate under the supervision of the Commissioner of Agriculture, which supervision may include, but is not limited to, assisting, advising, and making recommendations regarding the financing and operation of the authority. In assisting and advising the authority, the Commissioner of Agriculture may make appropriate staff of the department available to the authority.

Florida State Fair Authority Mission

The Florida State Fair Authority is a dedicated group of individuals which oversee the operations of the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair. The mission of the Florida State Fair Authority is to create positive entertainment experiences through: The annual Florida State Fair. A variety of year-round events. Quality competitive programs. A commitment to agriculture, education and community service. A focus on new opportunities.

About Our Board

The Florida State Fair Authority, also known as the Authority Board, is a twenty-two member board comprised of respected community, business and agricultural leaders from across the State of Florida. Authority board members volunteer their time and expertise to guide the administration of the State Fair and various events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds including the annual Florida State Fair. The Board meets to conduct business at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, at the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture or at times prescribed by its rules. All FSFA Board activities are conducted in compliance with the Florida Sunshine Law, §286.011, Florida Statutes.

The Fair Authority Board is led by Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, with Susanne Clemons serving as Chairman, Reggie Holt as Vice Chairman, Linda Syfrett as Treasurer, and Eve Council Gloede as Secretary. The Board Members include Doyle E. Carlton III, Richard E. Bowman, Charles “Chuck” Bruno, Thaddeus Bullard, Archie Collins, Marcia Lightsey, Charlie Lykes, Chad Lyons, A.D. “Sandy” MacKinnon, the Honorable Gwen Myers, Cynthia B. Sanders, PhD, Ted Schrader, Amanda Taylor Houston, Robert Thomas, John “Jack” T. Vogel, and Hope Storter, who serves as the Youth Member Representative.

#flstatefair On Instagram

Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots of events, entertainment, and action that bring year-round fun to The Fairgrounds.

POV: You’re trying to decide what to eat at the Florida State Fair… and the answer is YES. 😋🍟🍧

✨ Calling all foodies 👋 This one’s for you! ✨

🗓️ February 5 - 16, 2026
🎟️ Get your tickets using the link in our bio!

#flstatefair #foodies #florida #fairfood #fairfun
New year, even bigger yeehaw! 🤠 As America turns 250, we're kicking off the year the Florida State Fair way. Louder, prouder, and our sunniest celebration yet! ✨🇺🇸

GET READY! 🎡
❤️ February 5-16, 2026
📍 Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL
🎟️ Find your tickets using the link in our bio!

#flstatefair #fairfun #america
The Florida State Fair celebrates creativity in every form! Creativity thrives under Florida skies, and this year, as America marks 250 years, we’re honoring the traditions, stories, and skills that continue to inspire generations. ☀️🇺🇸

Guests will experience vibrant artwork, handmade craftsmanship, incredible talent, and so many creative displays throughout the fairgrounds.

❤️ Don’t miss America’s Sunniest Celebration, February 5–16!

Looking for tickets or more information? Find them using the link in our bio!

#flstatefair #rootedinsunshine
Are y'all feeling that too? Florida State Fair fun is in the air! 😍🫶🏼

Get your advance tickets now and get ready for America's Sunniest Celebration, February 5-16, 2026! 🎟️ Get your tickets using the link in our bio!

#flstatefair #fairfun #fairfood #flagriculture #midway
🎟️ Advance tickets are LIVE! Sunshine, rides, fair food, and Florida fun are calling your name!

Snag your tickets now by visiting the link in our bio and start the countdown to America's Sunniest Celebration this February 5–16! ☀️🎡🍦

#flstatefair
Spreading holiday cheer, Florida State Fair style! 🎄✨ Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. 🫶🏼

#floridastatefair #florida #fairfun
Currently thinking about…The Florida State Fair coming up REAL soon! 👀🥰

❤️ February 5-16, 2026
📍 Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL
🎟️ Find your tickets using the link in our bio!
👇 Tell us what you're most excited for this year!

#flstatefair #fairfun #fairfood #flagriculture #midway
The good news? You don't have to look too far! 🥰🎄

Tickets to the Florida State Fair are on sale now! Find them using the link in our bio!

🗓️February 5-16, 2026

#flstatefair #christmasgifts #fairfun #giftofexperience
🛻 Sponsor Spotlight!
A huge thank you to @brandonfordtampa—one of America’s largest volume Ford dealers, proudly serving Tampa Bay with unbeatable selection and service. Their sponsorship of the Florida State Fair helps us create unforgettable experiences for families across our community.

Thank you, Brandon Ford, for driving the excitement forward! 🎡✨
Florida, it's hard to believe it's almost time already! 🥰🌅

Come celebrate America's Sunniest Celebration, the Florida State Fair this February 5-16, 2026. ❤️

🎟️ Get your tickets using the link in our bio!

#flstatefair #fairfun #florida #tampa
🎄Our elves are clocked in!
The Cracker Country crew is hustling to make tomorrow’s Christmas in the Country merry & bright.

🎁Who’s excited for old-fashioned holiday cheer!

More info at the link in our bio!

#flstatefairgrounds #weekendevents #tampafl #tampaevents #christmasevents #tampachristmas

Got Questions?

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Know Before You Go

Events & Tickets
Fairgrounds Map
  • MidFlorida Amphitheater MLK Blvd Entrance, Gate 1
  • Bob Thomas Equestrian Center
    Bob Thomas Equestrian Center Orient Road Entrance, Gate 4
  • TECO Arena
    TECO Arena MLK Blvd Entrance, Gate 2
  • Cracker Country
    Cracker Country Orient Road Entrance, Gate 3
  • Florida State Fairgrounds - Expo Hall
    Expo Hall
  • Florida State Fairgrounds - Entertainment Hall
    Entertainment Hall
  • Florida State Fairgrounds - The Florida Center
    Florida Center
  • Florida State Fairgrounds - Special Events Center
    Special Events Center