FAQ

The Florida State Fairgrounds is the home of the annual Florida State Fair and over 250 year-round events! The Fairgrounds stretches across 330 acres and is permanently located adjacent to I-4 and I-75 in the heart of bustling Tampa Bay.

Bob Thomas Equestrian Center
The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center is a premier show facility designed for horse shows, competitions and other special events, often hosting equestrian events for approximately 46 weeks out of the year. The Equestrian Center includes exercise grounds, warm-up rings, two covered show rings, a Grand Prix Ring, and an indoor, climate-controlled pavilion. For additional information, please contact the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at (813) 627-4217 or email Clay Crosby at Clay.Crosby@FloridaStateFair.com

Agribusiness
The Agribusiness Department handles the livestock portion of the Florida State Fair and coordinates all open and youth farm animal shows, as well as year-round tours and programming like Ag-Venture to expose students to the agricultural industry. The goal of the Agribusiness Department is to provide quality, competitive programs representing Florida’s vast agricultural community. For additional information, contact the Agribusiness Department at 813-621-7821 ext. 4341, ext. 4339 or visit this link.

Cracker Country Living History Museum
Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton Jr. Cracker Country is a living history museum located within the Florida State Fairgrounds. In Cracker Country, you can discover the history of the early 1900s in rural Florida. The museum holds a collection of thirteen original buildings, both public and private, dating from 1870-1912. Cracker Country is not open to the public year round, but does open its gates for a few select dates throughout the year, as well as during the annual Florida State Fair. Learn more about Cracker Country here.

Florida Learning Garden
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has teamed up with the Florida State Fair Fairgrounds to develop an interactive Learning Garden. The garden illustrates the variety of ways food and Florida-friendly landscaping can be grown in Florida. During the Florida State Fair, the Learning Garden will be open for fair visitors to tour. If you would like to donate or sponsor the learning garden, contact Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful at (813) 221-8733 or by email at info@keeptbb.org.

The street address for the Fairgrounds is:
Florida State Fair Authority
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610

Please see our Events Calendar to find out parking information for each event. Some events may require a fee to park. Parking for the disabled requires a designated license plate or hangtag.

The Florida State Fairgrounds has limited camping space available for specific events during the year. For reservations or more information, please contact Kimberley Moritz by email at Kimberley.Moritz@floridastatefair.com.

The fairgrounds also has several hotel partners in close proximity. For a list of recommended hotels, click here.

The Fairgrounds is more than happy to help answer your question or give more information. Please call our main line at (813) 621-7821, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST for assistance with all other inquiries and requests.

Professional Concessions Inc. is our exclusive provider for all catering and concession needs for events at the Fairgrounds, excluding festivals or cultural celebrations. Visit our Catering page for more information.

The Fairgrounds facilities can meet the needs of any event, large or small. Our management, staff and contracted service providers offer custom-tailored programs to facilitate the success of your event. See our Event Rentals page for detailed information about our buildings and accommodations.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Sales Department at (813) 621-7821 ext. 4205.

The Florida State Fairgrounds is excited to create new community partnerships to help support the education, entertainment and community-based efforts of the fairgrounds.

For new partnership inquiries, please contact Patty Chandler at (813) 957-7385 or by email at Shannon.Dixie@FloridaStateFair.com.

We want everyone to have a blast AND stay safe! Security will check all bags and packages and will screen for prohibited items using hand-held metal detectors. Prohibited items include: unlawful weapons or firearms as those terms are defined by Florida law, items that can be used as, resemble, or has the appearance of an unlawful weapon or firearem, luggage, coolers, bags with wheels, and full-face masks. As safety is our top priority, we will have surveillance cameras operating daily, and officers from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department on-site.

The ride armband includes almost our entire midway of 80+ rides, except for around 3 or 4 specialty attractions, such as the mechanical bull and bungee jump that require a separate payment.

After 5:00 PM Youth Policy
For all 12 days of the 2026 Florida State Fair, after 5:00 p.m. persons 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an admission-paying parent or guardian, 21 years of age or older with a valid ID, in order to join the fair fun!

Guests are free to bring their own wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers! These items can also be rented at Gates 1, 2, and 4:

• Electric Scooter $75
• Wheelchair $30
• Wagon -$20
• Single Stroller- $20
• Double Stroller -$25

HomeTown Mobility is now accepting reservations online or by calling (712) 938-2029 from 9am-5pm Monday – Friday, there is a $10 call in processing fee for all reservations done over the phone. We are also open 7 days a week during the fair/event to answer questions or assist with a call-in Reservation.

As always, we hold a limited number of wheelchairs and scooters for walk-up customers on a first come first serve basis. Reservations are encouraged and need to be made at least 24hrs in advance. A driver’s license or state ID is required for all rentals. Cancellations must be made 48 hrs. in advance to receive a full refund, less a $5 cancellation fee per rental unit.

Lost items are collected at the lost and found location right outside the Expo Hall center doors on the midway side. We’ll do our best to reunite you with your stuff, but remember that the Fair is not responsible for lost, missing, or stolen personal property.

Click here to read our 2026 Policies and Procedures.

We love pets, but they’re not allowed at the Fair (except for service animals). The Florida State Fairgrounds follows the guidance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only service animals that are trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed in the public outdoor areas and buildings.

We love a good ride, but for safety’s sake, skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards, and tennis-shoe-style roller skates are a no-go at the Fair.

Our midway is packed with over 90 rides, ranging from mild to wild! Many have minimum or maximum height requirements, so keep this in mind before purchasing an armband, as we do not offer refunds. Visit the Wade Shows Website to view the ride restrictions list.

Ride credits are as follows: 7 for $10, 25 for $30 and 50 for $50. Rides cost between 4-8 credits each – see here for a list of rides and their cost!

During advance sales through February 4, parking will be available online for $8 per vehicle. Once the fair begins, parking may be purchased online at a discounted rate of $10 or for $15 onsite. There are 3 entrances into the fairgrounds: US HWY 301, MLK Blvd, and Orient Rd.

Yes, there is! We will have bars and pop-up stands throughout the fairgrounds.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, rides and operations might be temporarily affected. We always do our best to keep the fun going, but please remember that all purchases are final—no refunds or rainchecks. We will continue to post the most updated information at Floridastatefair.com and all of our social media channels.

One of the best parts of the Fair is enjoying the delicious food! Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, except for guests with special dietary needs, food allergies, baby food/formula, or individually wrapped snacks for kids.

• All artwork is accepted as long as it meets our rules requirements. Each Handbook contains those specific requirements.
• Your artwork or crafts will be on display for thousands of people to see all 12 days of the Fair.
• Each Adult Exhibitor gets one free admission ticket to any day of the Fair. Youth exhibitors will receive two free admission tickets to any day of the Fair.
• You will have a chance to take home cash prizes and ribbons if your piece wins.
• It is fun to see your work displayed!

Any type of Arts & Crafts, Photography, Fiber Arts, Sewing & Quilting, Legos, Technology, Architecture, Aquariums, Plants, Baked Goods and Preserved Foods. Our youth competitions are open to Florida residents in grades 1 – 12.

Yes, there are many ways to volunteer before, during & after the Fair. Please contact our Volunteer department here.

Yes… we can receive shipped items. They are usually due to arrive prior to the in person delivery date. See specific handbook for details. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the entrant.

Your shipped item will need to be accompanied by a Shipping Form & return postage.

Link to Shipping Form

All entries will be displayed at the Fair whether they receive an award or not. In keeping with the Florida State Fair’s family orientation; items of an offensive, controversial or objectionable nature or subject matter will not be accepted.

If you have exhibited before or have requested to be added to our email list you will receive an email in September stating that the handbooks which contain the rules, important dates and entry information are ready and posted on our website. There will be announcements on our Facebook page as well.

That varies between each competition. Please consult each competition handbook for those details.

The Florida State Fair is 12 days of fun ending on President’s Day. The 2026 fair dates are Thursday, February 5 – Monday, February 16, 2026.

Indoor vendors: a 10 amp services is included in the pricing of your contract.

Outdoor vendors: Electrical options and pricing are listed in the application. Indicate the service you will need when completing the application.

General Liability Insurance is required. Florida State Fair Authority must be named as Additional Insured and Certificate Holder.

Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance – Waiver of Subrogation Required Coverage limits to meet or exceed statutory limits for the State of Florida A Waiver of Subrogation Endorsement aka Waiver of Transfer of Rights of Recovery Against Others in favor of the Florida State Fair Authority applied to Worker’s Compensation.

Commercial Auto Liability Insurance: $1 Million each occurrence. –  Endorsement Required.

Applies to any vehicle registered as a commercial vehicle or any vehicle over 26,000 lbs.  Endorsement to the policy naming the Florida State Fair Authority as the additional insured. The Florida State Statute (316.646 FS) requires all licensed vehicles to carry proper proof of insurance. Any Licensee, participant and/or vendor wishing to bring any vehicle inside of the fairgrounds perimeter fencing may be requested to show proof of such insurance before allowed entry.

Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. While there is no deadline for applications, popular product and food categories fill quickly. Once the category is filled, applications will be placed on a waiting list.

A limited amount of complimentary Vendor parking is available during the Fair. If additional parking is needed, 12-day general parking passes may be purchased at Credentials for $60. This option is available to vendors only.

All vendors must apply or re-apply each year.

Two complimentary entry badges, good for the entirety of the fair, are included in the price of your location. Each additional badge is $45.

Please refer to our sponsorships page for more information.

Vendors must operate all 12 days of the Florida State Fair. There may be additional opportunities available as a sponsor or promotional exhibit. Please email, vendors@floridastatefair.com for more information.

Vendors are selected based on experience, quality, demand, appearance of display, availability of space and uniqueness of product, menu or service.

Vendor applications will be available on this page starting September 1, 2025.

Roughly 500,000 people attend the annual Florida State Fair!

Due dates for payment depend on when the license for space is issued. Typically, the first half of the balance is due mid-September with the remaining balance due mid-December.

Basic Wi-Fi is available at no charge. Enhanced Wi-Fi services are available for purchase when logging onto the network. Options include: 1 day access for two devices, 2 day access for two devices, 3-5 day access for two devices. There is also a universal license available for up to 30 devices.

Camping during the annual Florida State Fair is for Concessionaires, Vendors, Livestock Exhibitors, etc. Reservations are required and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the application located on the vendor page of the Florida State Fair website.

• It is the most fun you can have while making a meaningful impact on your community.
• Based on the number of volunteer hours you perform; you can earn free tickets to the 2027 Florida State Fair.
• For each 4-hour shift you complete you can earn a discount coupon at pre-determined Fair food booths
• You will receive an official FSF Volunteer tee shirt.
• Receive an invitation to the end-of-season volunteer banquet

Volunteer shifts are typically scheduled in four (4) hour increments. But we are very flexible and can design a schedule to fit your availability.

DECEMBER

• Volunteer documents are due no later than December 31st, 2025

JANUARY

• Pre-fair begins January 5th, 2026
• New and veteran Florida State Fair Volunteer training
  • January 26th at 10:00am
  • January 31st at 2:00pm (Teen training, as well)

FEBRUARY

• Florida State Fair – February 5th – 16th
• Post-fair break-down – February 17th – 21st

Florida State Fair volunteers are used in various areas throughout the fairgrounds. You could:

• Participate in annual volunteer opportunities and social events
• Spend the day with farm animals
• Welcoming fairgoers
• Help visitors find their way
• Petition patrons to compete in fair-food eating contests
• And so much more!

Whatever your desire, there are volunteer opportunities you could sign up for. You can try a new experience every day or stick to your favorite area during the 12-day Fair. For more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities, please click here.

All Florida State Fair Volunteers must:

• Annually fill out a volunteer application online (Deadline to register for the 2026 Fair is December 31st, 2025)
• Submit to a background check each year
• Attend a Florida State Fair Volunteer training

Yes! Teens must be between the ages of 16 and 17 years old (by February 5th) to qualify for the volunteer program. There is an application process. Please contact the Florida State Fair Volunteer Coordinator for more information, please email us.

Depending on expected attendance and event type, security staffing, crowd control, bag checks, and emergency planning may be required. The Fairgrounds will work with you to determine appropriate measures.

Load-in/load-out schedules must be coordinated with your event manager. The Fairgrounds will specify access points, vehicle routes, staging areas, equipment unloading rules, and required staffing. Early or late access may be available for an additional fee.

Yes. Promoters can schedule an on-site tour to review venue options, discuss logistics, and ensure the selected space fits the event’s needs.

Some equipment may be available; otherwise, promoters can bring their own systems. Wristbands, scanners, and ticket booths can be arranged through the event manager.

Our venue does offer basic equipment rentals (tables, chairs, bleachers, risers), though availability varies. Additional items may be supplied by third-party vendors.

The Florida State Fairgrounds is the home of the annual Florida State Fair and over 250 year-round events! The Fairgrounds stretches across 330 acres and is permanently located adjacent to I-4 and I-75 in the heart of bustling Tampa Bay.

Bob Thomas Equestrian Center
The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center is a premier show facility designed for horse shows, competitions and other special events, often hosting equestrian events for approximately 46 weeks out of the year. The Equestrian Center includes exercise grounds, warm-up rings, two covered show rings, a Grand Prix Ring, and an indoor, climate-controlled pavilion. For additional information, please contact the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at (813) 627-4217 or email Clay Crosby at Clay.Crosby@FloridaStateFair.com

Agribusiness
The Agribusiness Department handles the livestock portion of the Florida State Fair and coordinates all open and youth farm animal shows, as well as year-round tours and programming like Ag-Venture to expose students to the agricultural industry. The goal of the Agribusiness Department is to provide quality, competitive programs representing Florida’s vast agricultural community. For additional information, contact the Agribusiness Department at 813-621-7821 ext. 4341, ext. 4339 or visit this link.

Cracker Country Living History Museum
Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton Jr. Cracker Country is a living history museum located within the Florida State Fairgrounds. In Cracker Country, you can discover the history of the early 1900s in rural Florida. The museum holds a collection of thirteen original buildings, both public and private, dating from 1870-1912. Cracker Country is not open to the public year round, but does open its gates for a few select dates throughout the year, as well as during the annual Florida State Fair. Learn more about Cracker Country here.

Florida Learning Garden
Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has teamed up with the Florida State Fair Fairgrounds to develop an interactive Learning Garden. The garden illustrates the variety of ways food and Florida-friendly landscaping can be grown in Florida. During the Florida State Fair, the Learning Garden will be open for fair visitors to tour. If you would like to donate or sponsor the learning garden, contact Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful at (813) 221-8733 or by email at info@keeptbb.org.

The street address for the Fairgrounds is:
Florida State Fair Authority
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610

The Florida State Fairgrounds has limited camping space available for specific events during the year. For reservations or more information, please contact Kimberley Moritz by email at Kimberley.Moritz@floridastatefair.com.

The fairgrounds also has several hotel partners in close proximity. For a list of recommended hotels, click here.

The Fairgrounds is more than happy to help answer your question or give more information. Please call our main line at (813) 621-7821, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST for assistance with all other inquiries and requests.

Cracker Country is a rural Florida history museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Set on four beautiful acres of live oak trees, the museum includes 13 original structures built in Florida between 1870-1912. The buildings were relocated from around the state, restored and furnished to represent aspects of home life, transportation and commerce as it was in many rural communities just before the turn of the 20th century.

The museum focuses on providing opportunities to learn about the daily lives of late 19th century Floridians, through hands-on school field trips, tours, special events and the annual Florida State Fair. Our programs incorporate historically dressed interpreters, folk life demonstrations and preservation of our historic resources.

All field trip groups and homeschools use the Orient Road entrance. For public event parking, please refer to the specific event for details.

Cracker Country follows the guidance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only service animals that are trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed in the public outdoor areas and buildings.

Cracker Country welcomes you to bring a picnic lunch for field trips, homeschool days and public events.

For the annual Fair, one of the best parts is enjoying the delicious food! Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, except for guests with special dietary needs, food allergies, baby food/formula, or individually wrapped snacks for kids.

Yes! The museum is available for rental as an event venue. Email museum@floridastatefair.com for details.

Authentic items made pre-1910 are considered on an individual basis. We are only able to accept items for which we have an immediate need. To submit an item for consideration, please send pictures and a detailed description to museum@floridastatefair.com.

Yes! The Cracker Country General Store features a wide selection of historical toys, games, candy, books, 1890s reproduction items and much more. The General Store accepts cash, major credit cards and payment apps.

Proceeds from sales in the General Store help support Cracker Country’s education programs.

Cracker Country is open daily during the annual Florida State Fair in February. The remainder of the year, the museum is open exclusively for field trips, homeschool events and featured public events. Learn about our upcoming events here.

Learn more about our educational field trip programs here.

Cracker Country welcomes groups of 15 or more of any age for Florida history tours. Learn more about group tours here.

Personal photos and videos are allowed throughout the museum buildings and grounds. Professional photography/videography is prohibited during all public events. For more information on booking the museum for professional or commercial photography or videography, please email us at Museum@FloridaStateFair.com.

The Florida State Fairgrounds requires one adult (teacher or chaperone) per every 10 students. All required adults receive free admission for the field trip. Adults accompanying the group beyond the required number of chaperones must each purchase an admissions ticket through your school. Cracker Country is not open to the public during your visit. Individual tickets cannot be sold at the gate. All adult chaperones must arrive on time and enter the field trip with the school. The gates into the Fairgrounds will be closed once the field trip program begins, so late chaperones CANNOT be admitted.

Chaperones and adults are responsible for the behavior of the group and are required to supervise and stay with students at all times during the visit.

Download our: Chaperone Letter

Field Trips take place rain or shine. Please encourage your group to dress appropriately for outdoor activities.

During heavy rain or severe weather we may cancel your tour the day of the tour by calling the phone number you provide. Due to Florida’s quickly changing forecasts a decision to cancel will never be made prior to the date of your tour. If we cancel your tour due to severe weather, we will make every effort to reschedule your group on an alternative date.

All student and adult admissions must be paid together in a single group transaction. Individual ticket purchases are not permitted.

We also accept cash, check, and all major credit cards for your convenience. Checks should be made payable to: Florida State Fair Authority.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please do not bring the following into the museum:

• Food or drinks (except water bottles)
• Backpacks (students only; adults may carry bags if needed)
• Coolers or packed lunches (please leave these on the bus)

Water fountains are available throughout the museum, and your tour includes scheduled water breaks.

If you cancel your field trip 30 days or more after it has been confirmed, you will owe a $50.00 cancellation fee. All cancellations must be in writing and emailed to Museum@FloridaStateFair.com or mailed to:

Attn: Cracker Country
P.O. Box 11766
Tampa, Fl. 33680

A $75.00 non-refundable deposit is due 30 after your field trip is confirmed by Cracker Country. If payment is not received by this date, your group may not be eligible to attend the field trip.

Pay Online: click here

The remaining balance, after subtracting the $75.00 deposit, will be due the day of your field trip. We recognize that student numbers can and do change, so fees will be adjusted based on the number of students attending the day of your tour. We regret that we are not able to accept purchase orders so please plan to pay by cash, check or credit card when you arrive.

A minimum of 15 participants is required for a field trip program. Groups with fewer participants may be booked for a minimum fee of $150.00 (equivalent to 15 paid admissions).

Groups are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are provided for use after the tour ends. Please leave all lunches and coolers in a vehicle until it is time for lunch. Note there are no food service facilities on the Fairgrounds.

In the Cracker Country General Store, you will find a wide selection of historical toys, games, candy, books, 1890s reproductions, and much more. Prices start at an affordable $0.40. The General Store accepts cash and all major credit cards. Proceeds from sales in the General Store help support Cracker Country’s education programs.

Please note: Florida Industry & Long Ago & Today Field Trips do not include a visit to the museum gift shop.

All catering packages are served buffet style with an attractive and efficient display, include premium disposable cutlery and paper goods, and a professional and friendly team to prepare, serve and maintain buffet and beverages throughout your event.

Yes, your catering manager is looking forward to working with you to make sure each of your guest’s dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Absolutely, we look forward to working with you to craft the right menu for your event. Let’s get creative!

Yes! Please let your PCI contact know that you would like to discuss a hosted bar to serve your guests a variety of quality libations.

Yes, catering minimum is $1,200 pretax and service fee.

PCI does not provide seating or table linens, only linens on PCI buffet or beverage display tables will be provided.

The earlier the better! Menu selection and final guest count are due two weeks before your event date.

Your PCI point of contact will help your team customize the perfect menu for your event and share an estimate for your approval. Once menu and estimate are approved, a 25% deposit secures the date. Follow-up calls will be scheduled leading up to your event to confirm your menu, guest count, and final details.

Yes, each catering is subject to a 18% service charge and 7.5% sales tax.

• Service Term: At least a year of service between September–May
• Minimum Commitment:
  • 8 hours per month, or
  • 5 days during the Florida State Fair
• Availability: Currently seeking volunteers available weekdays only

Youth Volunteers must attend and assist during the following dates in 2026:

• January 24 | 9:45am–12:00pm — Youth Volunteer Training
• January 31 | 10:00am–1:00pm — Florida State Fair Training
• February 5–16 | Times vary — Florida State Fair
  • Must complete at least 4 shifts during the Fair
• October (TBA) | 6:30pm–9:30pm — Tall Tales Event
• December (TBA) | 9:45am–4:00pm — Christmas in the Country

As a Cracker Country Volunteer, you’ll step back in time to the 1890s! Volunteers wear period clothing and demonstrate traditional skills and crafts, helping guests experience rural Florida history during:

• School field trips
• Special events
• The annual Florida State Fair

Your volunteer hours may count toward scholarships, clubs, or other programs. Please confirm with your school or organization. We’re happy to sign any required paperwork.

Adult Volunteers: Must be at least 18 years old

Youth Volunteers (History Connectors): Must turn 13 by December 31, 2025