Fair 2023

As we continue planning to bring your favorite traditions back in 2023, your safety is our top priority. Event options are being evaluated and enhanced health and safety practices are being put in place to bring you 12 days of fun.

View the complete list of Florida State Fair policies

• All bags, backpacks and packages are subject to inspection prior to entering the Fair.
• All persons are subject to screening for prohibited items using hand-held metal detectors prior to entering the Fair.
• As a reminder, the following items are not permitted to be brought into for the safety of our animals and our guests: weapons (except for those carried and concealed pursuant to a valid concealed weapons permit, pursuant to Chapter 790, Florida Statutes); knives, any other type of sharp objects, hard or soft coolers and any hazardous items or materials.
• Any item that a guest presents that security deems unsafe or inappropriate will also not be allowed inside the Fair. These decisions are made on a case by case basis.
• Luggage, coolers, and bags with wheels are not permitted inside the Fair.
• The Fair is not responsible for fire, theft, damage or loss of vehicle including articles left within.
• Safety is our top concern. Surveillance cameras will be operating throughout the Fairgrounds every day of the Fair. The security of the property is under the jurisdiction of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.  Daily during the Fair, you can expect the presence of officers from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department.

The Fair will be open daily from February 9-20, 2023.

Monday – Thursday, Gates open: 11:00 a.m. Midway Opens: 1:00 p.m.

Friday – Sunday and President’s Day, Gates open: 10:00 a.m. Midway Opens: 10:30 a.m.

Entry into the Fairgrounds will not be permitted after 9:00 p.m.

Fair Buildings will close at 9:00 p.m. Outdoor Concessions and the Midway will remain open after 9:00 p.m.  Closing times will vary based on attendance and weather conditions.

Guest safety is our number one priority and there are certain weather circumstances that may cause the Fair to close earlier than scheduled. As soon as closures are confirmed the website operating calendar will be updated with the Fair’s current operating status.

The Fairground’s address is 301 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida. There are 3 entrances into the Fairgrounds parking facilities: Orient Road, Martin Luther King and US 301. It is absolutely critical for guests to remember which road/highway you used to enter the parking facilities and which gate (1, 2, 3 or 4) you used to walk into the interior grounds.

Parking is free for all Fair guests.

View our map.

The Florida State Fair is a family destination, and requires that guests wear appropriate clothing while at the Fairgrounds. Shirts, skirts or pants (including jeans or shorts) and shoes must be worn at all times.

We know they are fun, but for safety reasons, NO recreation wheels, including skateboards, rollerblades, hover boards, and other tennis shoe style roller skates are permitted at the Fair.

No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into the Fair. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies, baby food/formula, and individually wrapped children’s snacks.

We know you love your pets and we love animals, too––but they are not allowed in the Fair (with the exception of service animals). Guests who use service animals must retain control of their animals at all times and should keep them on a leash or harness while visiting.

View the complete list in the Florida State Fair policies

Scootaround, a Fair vendor, rents scooters and wheelchairs to guests. Their tent is located just inside Gates 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings on the Fairgrounds.

Lost items are collected at the lost and found location right outside the Expo Hall center doors on the midway side. The Fairgrounds is not responsible for lost, missing or stolen personal property.

The Florida State Fair has over 90 different rides on the midway, many of which do include varying height restrictions. Please be aware of height requirements for each ride before purchasing an armband as refunds are not offered. Click the link below to view the ride restrictions list on the Wade Shows website.

There are numerous Guest Services kiosks located throughout the Fair. When you enter the Fair, you will be provided a map which illustrates the location of these.