What the Florida State Fair Is
The Florida State Fair is a twelve-day fair at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, drawing about 500,000 visitors a year. Beyond the midway, it is the stage for open and youth livestock shows, a creative living competition for school-age exhibitors, and year-round agriculture education programs run by the Fair's Agribusiness Department. The 2027 Fair runs Thursday, February 4 through Monday, February 15, 2027, ending on Presidents' Day.
Ways to Take Part
| Program | Who it is for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Youth livestock shows | Bona fide 4-H, FFA or YLPA members in Florida | Run by the Agribusiness Department; exhibitors may enter a maximum of 2 youth livestock shows at the 2027 Fair |
| Youth Steer Futurity | Exhibitors aged 11 or older on August 1, 2026 | Entry limited to 85 steers; Intermediate (11-13) and Senior (14 and up) divisions |
| Creative Living competitions | Florida residents in grades 1-12 (youth) and adults | Arts and crafts, photography, sewing and quilting, Legos, baked goods, preserved foods, plants and more |
| Visitors | Everyone | Midway, exhibits, shows, food |
Spotlight: The Youth Steer Futurity
The Futurity is a buy-and-feed program. Exhibitors buy a Florida-raised calf of at least 500 pounds at the Calf Sale and Seminar (August 1, 2026, with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the sale at 8:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds), feed it at home, and bring it back for the show. Each exhibitor buys and shows one steer and signs an agreement not to show or sell it at any other terminal show.
2027 Futurity timeline
- Student designation, birth dates and BQA/YQCA certificates due January 11, 2027
- Steer arrival February 8, 1-4 p.m.; check-in 2-5 p.m.; ultrasound 1-4 p.m.; parent and exhibitor meeting 6 p.m.
- Showmanship Contest (optional) February 9 at 3 p.m.
- Record Book Skills Test (mandatory) February 10 at 10 a.m.
- Show evening of February 10 or 11 at 6 p.m. (the rules list both dates, so confirm with the Fair)
- Awards Luncheon February 11 at noon in the Horse Pavilion; steers released at 2:30 p.m.
At check-in steers must weigh at least 950 pounds and have gained an average of 1.75 pounds per day since August 1. Steers enter through the Livestock Gate at the Orient Road entrance.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
The Futurity entry is $100 total: a $25 non-refundable entry fee and a $75 down payment on the steer. Late entries (June 20-26, 2026) cost $200. Grooming chute space is $25 per space.
Animal premiums per class run from $300 for Grand Champion and $200 for Reserve down to $80 for 10th and below. Gain-in-weight and ultrasound grade-and-yield premiums pay up to $125, Premier Steer earns $150 plus a belt buckle, and carcass payments are made per pound of hanging weight. Senior Champion Youth earns $500 in achievement points money, and named awards include the Charles P. Lykes Memorial ($500), the Charlie Moore Scholarship ($400) and the Cindy Revels Scholarship ($250). Exhibitors must attend the Awards Luncheon to receive checks.
Where to Go
Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610. The grounds have three entrances: U.S. 301, MLK Blvd and Orient Rd. Online parking is $10 during the Fair or $15 on site. Camping is limited to livestock exhibitors, vendors and similar groups, and needs a reservation.
Visitor Rules
Bags are checked at the gate. Weapons, luggage, coolers, wheeled bags and full-face masks are not allowed, and pets are not allowed except service animals. Outside food and drink is not allowed except for dietary needs, baby food and individually wrapped kids' snacks. After 5:00 p.m., anyone 17 or younger must be with a paying parent, guardian or adult 21 or older with valid ID. Ride credits are 7 for $10, 25 for $30 or 50 for $50. Adult Creative Living exhibitors get one free admission ticket and youth exhibitors get two.
Questions
Can an adult enter the Creative Living contests?
Yes. There are adult and youth competitions, and handbooks with rules and deadlines are emailed in September and posted on the Fair's website.
Who do I call about livestock?
The Fair main line is (813) 621-7821, weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Agribusiness staff are at extensions 4341 and 4339.
Can a parent help groom a Futurity steer?
No. Only exhibitors and authorized persons may handle animals, and parents may not assist with grooming, fitting or showing on the grounds.
Are refunds given for weather?
No. Purchases are final, with no refunds or rainchecks for weather.
Official Links
Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Florida county fairs and junior livestock shows each set their own rules, but most ask for 4-H, FFA or YLPA membership, an ownership date, official identification and a health certificate.
State Fair
The 2027 Florida State Fair runs February 4 to 15 in Tampa, per the state fair FAQ. Beef exhibitors must be active 4-H, YLPA or FFA members and own the animal by the set date, per the 2026 beef rules.
Other shows
The 2026 fair list shows county fairs from October through May. Many 2027 dates were still to be announced.
Health papers
Florida-origin cattle need an inspection certificate dated within 90 days of the show.
Next steps
Get your fair's current rule book early. Deadlines often fall the autumn before the show.
Read the full guide: Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Florida Strawberry Festival
Eleven days of strawberry shortcake, concerts, midway rides and youth livestock shows in Plant City. Held each year; the 2027 festival is March 4-14, after February 26 to March 8 in 2026.
- Florida Strawberry Festival Youth Livestock Shows
Youth swine, dairy, lamb and beef steer shows and sales, plus livestock judging, at the Plant City festival grounds. Next run Mar 4-14, 2027, with swine opening Mar 4.
- Florida 4-H State Dairy Show
State 4-H dairy cattle show for youth in the dairy project, free to enter, with registration open February 1 to March 18, 2027. The next show is April 1-3, 2027.
- Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training at Gulf Coast REC
Full-day food safety training for produce growers at the Gulf Coast center in Wimauma, with a $40 fee. Held each year; the most recent date was April 28, 2026.
14625 Co. Rd. 672, Wimauma, FL 33598 | 813-634-0000 | Organizer: UF/IFAS Official event details - Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The 71st Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair moved to a new fairgrounds with an Agriculture Barn and competitions in agriculture, horticulture and culinary arts. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 5-15, 2026.
13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 | Organizer: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.