TAMPA, Fla. \u2014\u00a0The Florida State Fair officially opens today at the state fairgrounds outside Tampa, launching a 12-day run expected to draw nearly half a million visitors through February 16.<\/p>\n
As one of the largest annual events in Hillsborough County, the fair brings major crowds and this year, the Hillsborough County Sheriff\u2019s Office is rolling out several new safety measures aimed at keeping the event fun and secure.<\/p>\n
What You Need To Know<\/p>\n
\u00a0The Florida State Fair will welcome more than 400,000 people over the next two weeks Sheriff\u2019s officials say they are prepared to manage traffic, crowd control, and safety throughout the fair\u2019s run. More than 1,000 deputies will be working the fairgrounds, patrolling on foot, bike, and horseback.<\/p>\n For the first time, deputies will also use drones to help monitor crowd activity. Officials say the technology will help reduce response times to incidents such as unruly behavior or lost children.<\/p>\n Another major change this year is a new age supervision policy that goes into effect daily at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n Children attending the fair after that time must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. That adult may supervise no more than four children at a time. Sheriff Chad Chronister says the policy will be strictly enforced at the gates.<\/p>\n \u201cChildren shouldn\u2019t attend the fair unsupervised, they should attend with an adult,\u201d Chronister said. \u201cAt 5 o\u2019clock it is mandatory that they are with an individual that is at least 21 years of age, and that particular chosen individual can\u2019t supervise more than four children.\u201d<\/p>\n Deputies say one of their most common calls during the fair involves children becoming separated from their families.\u00a0<\/p>\n The sheriff\u2019s office recommends parents take a photo of their child at the start of the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n If a child becomes lost, the photo can help deputies quickly identify them and reunite them with their family.<\/p>\n Opening day also comes with special promotions, including Hero\u2019s Day free admission for first responders, active or retired military, medical workers and teachers.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also Bounce Back Deal day, where any guest entering the fair with a full admission priced ticket receives a free ticket for use any day through February 16th.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u00a0Fair opening day offering free admission for first responders, active duty or retired military members, medical workers and teachers\u00a0
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Sheriff’s office will have 1,000 deputies working security for the fair including new drones to monitor crowds \u00a0
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Traffic near the Florida State Fairgrounds East of Tampa is expected to be heavy through February 16 when the fair ends\u00a0
\nBN9 FLORIDA STATE FAIR GUIDE 2026<\/a><\/p>\n