1. Responsibility for your Organization: An “Organization” is defined as a group of people that will participate in the parade together. The term organization is liberally utilized when referring to all groups participating in the Grand Parade. 

   Each Organization is responsible for maintaining control and supervision of all participants within its unit at all times, including before, during, and after the duration of the Parade. 

2. Vehicle Requirements and Documentation: All motorized entries (including towing vehicles, motorcycles, and any small motorized vehicles such as convertibles, golf carts, etc.) must have the required documentation submitted by the application deadline, including:
   - A completed vehicle application for each vehicle participating in the parade
   - Copies of the driver’s license for each vehicle driver participating in the parade
   - Proof of current insurance that is active through the date of the parade for each vehicle. NOTE: PMG Leadership reserves the right to request additional documentation or clarification at any time. 

   Only vehicles that are participating in the Parade will be allowed inside the “Line-Up Area” located on Spring Street between Garden and Main Streets.
   
   Vehicle drivers are held to the expectations and requirements established herein and any additional expectations and requirements provided by PMG. Vehicle drivers and Safety Walkers may not consume alcohol before or during the Parade. 
   
   Missing documentation for vehicles or drivers may result in late fees, denial of the application, or other such appropriate actions at the discretion of PMG. 

3. Fees and Entry Definitions:
   - Float ($450): A decorated motorized vehicle pulling a trailer or platform carrying up to 50 passengers. Select this option for your first (or only) float.
   - Additional Float ($375 each): Each additional float beyond the first entry is charged at a reduced rate. Select this option for each additional float beyond the first motorized entry.
   - Vehicle ($450): Any full size, motorized vehicle with up to four (4) participants riding in the vehicle. Vehicle entries do not include trailers, platforms, or float-style builds. Select this option for a standalone vehicle that will be riding in the Parade.
   - Additional Vehicle ($375 each): Each additional vehicle entry beyond the first entry is charged at a reduced rate. Select this option for each additional vehicle beyond the first entry.
   - Tandem Float ($650 each): A float divided into two or more connected sections pulled by a single towing vehicle and operated by the Organization as one unit. Spotter requirements apply pursuant to the details below. 
   - Walking Krewe ($375): A non-motorized unit of up to twenty (20) participants marching in the Parade. A minimum of four (4) spotters is required.
   - Additional Walking Krewe ($155 each): Select this option for every additional group of ten (10) participants beyond the initial twenty (20). 
   - Small Motorized Vehicle ($200 each): Includes motorcycles, scooters, go-carts, mini-vehicles, or similar small sized motorized entries. Minimum of four (4) units required. Maximum of ten (10) units permitted. All insurance and vehicle documentation must be submitted and approved prior to the deadline. Safety Walker requirements may be applied where applicable. PMG Leadership will confirm if necessary.
   
   NOTE: Golf Carts are strictly prohibited without express PMG approval. Approved Golf Carts must remain in place in the Line-Up Area and may not be driven around. Violations may result in removal from the Parade and disqualification from future Parades produced by PMG.
   
   
4. Timeliness and Readiness: The parade begins at 2:00pm, rain or shine. All entries must be fully staged, loaded, and ready to move when directed by PMG Marshals.
   
   
5. Description of Entries: All vehicles and components of the Parade Entry must be listed on the application with appropriate descriptions where necessary. Walking groups must describe any components containing motorized vehicles.
   
   
6. Parade Throws and Crowd Safety: All throws must comply with the applicable City of Pensacola ordinances and PMG rules. Hard or heavy objects that may cause injury when thrown are strictly prohibited. All throws must be lightweight and intended for safe distribution.

   Throws cannot be distributed or thrown in the Line-Up Area. No items may be thrown until your entry has fully crossed into the barricaded path at the intersection of Spring and Garden Streets. No items may be thrown once your entry reaches the end of the Parade Route where the barricades end.
   
   Vehicles are not allowed into the Line-Up Area to drop off members of the Organization or throws to load onto the float. 
   
   The following items are strictly prohibited and will result in removal from the Parade and future parades produced by PMG: 
   - Candy
   - Confetti
   - Loose glitter
   Failure to comply may result in a monetary fine, removal from the Parade, or disqualification from participation in future Parades produced by PMG.

7. Spotters and Safety Walkers: Safety Walkers are mandatory for all motorized entries. Safety Walkers must remain positioned alongside wheels and assist with safe movement, crowd spacing, and immediate communication with the driver.
   

   Each motorized unit must have: 

   - At least one (1) Safety Walker per wheel, including the wheels of the towing vehicle, AND
   - No fewer than four (4) Safety Walkers per motorized vehicle
   
   This requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable. Failure to comply may result in a monetary fine, removal from the Parade, or disqualification from participation in future Parades produced by PMG.

   Safety Walker Responsibility:

   - Must remain positioned alongside the float/vehicle, aligned with the wheels of the vehicle, at all times. 
   - Monitor crowd proximity and prevent spectators from entering unsafe areas or coming too close to the moving vehicle.
   - Immediately communicate any safety concerns to the vehicle driver. 
   - Follow any and all instructions from PMG Parade Marshals, PMG Leadership, and law enforcement.
   - Must be over the age of 18 years old with sufficient maturity to understand the dangers associated with operating vehicles in close proximity to pedestrians. It is the responsibility of the Organization to ensure compliance. 
   - Must refrain from any alcohol or mind-altering substances before or during the Parade.
   
   Safety Walkers cannot throw items in the Parade. They may hand items directly to spectators when safe and appropriate. 

8. Float and Structure and Sizing:  All Parade Entries must comply with the following dimensions. 
   - Maximum Height: 13 feet above street level
   - Maximum Length: 30 feet or less
   - All entries must be able to complete the U-Turn at the intersection of Wright and Palafox Streets
   - Trailers must be properly secured and safety chains provided pursuant to Florida Statutes 316.530.
   - Flatbeds/Trailers must have secure railings at least 42 inches above the platform.
   
   
9. Fire Extinguishers: A minimum of one (1) 5-pound dry chemical fire extinguisher is required on each float. 
   
   
10. No Stopping and No Counter-Motion: Entries may not stop intentionally on the Parade Route or Line-Up Area, unless expressly instructed to do so by PMG Parade Marshals, PMG Leadership, or law enforcement. 

    Counter-Motion, or movement in reverse, is strictly prohibited as it creates a substantial safety risk to both your Organization and others nearby. 

11. Follow All Safety Instructions:  All participants and Organizations must follow the instructions of law enforcement, PMG Leadership, and PMG Parade Marshals.
    
    
12. Emergency Protocol: All participants must immediately follow instructions from PMG Parade Marshals, PMG Leadership, and law enforcement in the case of an emergency. Organizations may not attempt independent corrective action without direction. In the event of mechanical failure,  medical emergency, or any other emergent situation, a representative of the Organization must notify law enforcement and PMG Leadership immediately.
    
    
13. Maintain Spacing: Maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet between your Organization’s parade entry and the entries both in-front and behind your Organization. Avoid gaps within the Parade whenever possible. Intentional gaps disrupt the parade and cause significant threats to the safety of the participants and spectators. 

    Failure to comply may result in a monetary fine, removal from the Parade, or disqualification from participation in future Parades produced by PMG.

14.  Sound Systems: Amplified music/PA systems must be operated at a level and direction that does not interfere with adjacent musical units or inhibits the PMG Parade Marshals from safely organizing the parade. PMG Leadership may require volume reduction or shutoff at their discretion.

15. Staging the Float and Participants Riding on the Float: Each Organization is responsible for transporting riders and throws, as well as ensuring timely arrival at the Line-Up Area. Unauthorized vehicles that are not riding in the Parade or pulling a float are strictly prohibited from entering the Line-Up Area and Parade Route. Please plan accordingly.
    
    
16. Conduct and Removal: PMG reserves the right to exclude or remove any participant and/or Organization whose conduct violates PMG policies or the purposes of the event.

    The Parade is intended to be family-friendly and therefore PG-rated. Nudity or public intoxication will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the event and/or future disqualification from any Parade produced by PMG. 

17. Liability Notice: Pensacola Mardi Gras Inc., Pensacola Mardi Gras Foundation Inc., the City of Pensacola, and Escambia County are not liable for injuries to participants and spectators, nor damage to floats, vehicles, or personal property within the event footprint. Participation in the Parade constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of the inherent risks associated with public events involving motorized vehicles and large crowds.
    
    
18. Application Submittal Does Not Guarantee Removal: Submission of an application to participate in the parade and for vehicles/drivers does not guarantee acceptance. Acceptance will be confirmed by PMG Leadership via email. 

    Late fees will apply to applications received after the deadline has passed and to incomplete applications that submit missing information after the deadline for applications has passed. Late fees are at the discretion of PMG Leadership.

19. Refund Policy: PMG does not issue refunds for weather, disasters, civil unrest, public emergencies, or personal matters. All payments for parade applications are non-refundable upon submission. If your Organization has a change in circumstances and cannot participate in the Parade after paying for an application, please reach out to PMG Leadership to discuss your options.
    
    
20. Representative Signature: A representative from your Organization must sign the application and confirm that they provided the Rules & Regulations to all participants in the Parade, including the vehicle driver. 

*If your organization is pulling a float / trailer you must fill out and complete the Vehicle Application and provide PMGI with all required documents.
State law requires each operator of a towing vehicle be responsible for seeing that their trailer is property secured and safety chains are provided (Florida
Statute 316.530).
** Late Applications are subject to a late fee at the discretion of PMGI. A charge of $225.00 may be charged in addition to the application fee.
***All Motorized Vehicles MUST meet insurance requirements per Rules and Regulations.

In consideration for being permitted to participate in the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade (“Parade”), the undersigned, on behalf of the organization identified below (“Organization”), agrees as follows:

The Organization accepts responsibility for the conduct and participation of its members, riders, walkers, drivers, volunteers, representatives, and other individuals participating in the Parade on its behalf. The Organization agrees to comply with all applicable Parade Rules and Regulations and all instructions given by Pensacola Mardi Gras, law enforcement, parade marshals, and other authorized event officials.

The Organization agrees to indemnify, defend, release, and hold harmless Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc., Pensacola Mardi Gras Foundation, Inc., the City of Pensacola, Escambia County, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, volunteers, representatives, insurers, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, arising out of or related to:

• the Organization’s participation in the Parade, including staging, line-up, the parade route, and departure from the Parade;
• the preparation for or transportation to or from the Parade;
• the acts or omissions of the Organization or any of its participants; and
• the ownership, operation, use, or presence of any vehicle, float, trailer, equipment, or other property associated with the Organization’s participation.

The Organization acknowledges that participation in a parade involves inherent risks, including personal injury, death, property damage, interaction with moving vehicles and floats, and interaction with large crowds. The Organization knowingly and voluntarily assumes the risks associated with its participation in the Parade.

The Organization understands that failure to comply with the Parade Rules and Regulations or instructions of authorized event officials may result in removal from the Parade.

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida.

By signing below, the undersigned certifies that they are authorized to sign on behalf of the Organization, have read and understand this Agreement, and agree to its terms on behalf of the Organization.

First Float: $450.00 (4 spotters required per float)

Additional Floats: $375.00 (4 spotters required per float)

Tandem Floats: $650.00 (1 spotter per wheel) 2 attatched max)

Walking Krewe: $375.00 (4 Spotters required per walking krewe) up to 20 participants

Additional Walking Krewe: $155.00 (4 Spotters required per walking krewe) (for each additn'l 10 people)

Small Motorized Vehicle: $200.00 ($125 each unit with a minimum of 4 units maximum of 10 units)