Gasparilla Pirate Festival Lawyers

Important Gasparilla Festival Rules

While there has been a decline in Gasparilla Pirate Festival arrests over the last few years, it is still a serious issue. This can be addressed by being knowledgeable about the event’s rules and regulations.

For example, the following items and actions are strictly prohibited:

• Underage alcohol consumption
• Open alcohol containers
• Kegs or vessels of mass alcohol distribution
• Styrofoam cups and containers
• Glass containers of any kind
• Coolers (exceptions made for medical needs)

By knowing the regulations surrounding the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, you can ensure that you have fun while still being safe and protecting your legal rights.

Open Container Violations

Most of the arrests that occur at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest are for open container violations. Parade-goers will be detained and issued citations for possessing alcohol outside of the designated area along the parade route (the “wet zone”), where the alcohol is permitted. An open container violation is treated as a second-degree misdemeanor.

Underage Drinking Violations

Underage drinking is another common cause for arrest at the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Florida draws a tough line when it comes to minors drinking alcohol: there are zero exceptions. According to the Florida Statutes §562.111, a minor’s possession of an alcoholic beverage is a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of 60 days in jail, a monetary fine of $500, and suspension or revocation of their driver’s license. For repeat offenses, this is a first-degree misdemeanor with license suspension or revocation.

BUI & Other Arrests at Gasparilla

The other crime that law enforcement will be looking for is BUI. If you are planning on taking your boat to Gasparilla, the captain should not drink any alcohol. You can be stopped for a safety check of your vessel to see if you have all of your required safety equipment. Boating under the influence (BUI) can be charged under 46 USC 2302(c). 

Gasparilla Pirate Fest “Zero Tolerance” Policy

Gasparilla Pirate Festival is known for community fun, but it is also known for open container violations, fights, underage drinking, and more. For this reason, police officers strictly enforce their “Zero Tolerance” policy. Primarily, this means that the police enforce “wet” and “dry” zones. These are areas where you will and will not be able to carry open containers of alcohol. The only areas where open containers will be tolerated are along the direct parade route and the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Other Gasparilla Pirate Fest regulations include:

• Nobody can carry around glass containers of any sort.
• Alcohol cannot be carried/stored in kegs or similar large containers.
• “Flashing” or displays of nudity for beads is prohibited.
• Alcoholic beverages must be consumed from a can or plastic bottle.
• No driving while under the influence.
• No weapons, motorized vehicles, or bicycles are allowed.
• There will be no fighting or property damage allowed.
• Trespassing on private property will not be tolerated.

Call Thomas & Paulk for Skilled Counsel

Thomas & Paulk is a criminal defense firm with extensive experience defending those who are facing DUI, BUI, open container, assault, and all types of charges. As one of the premier criminal defense firms in the Tampa area, our team has the experience needed to help clients fight their charges. For help with any Gasparilla-related matter, give us a call today.