How Florida County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows Work
Florida has dozens of county and regional fairs, and most run a junior livestock show for 4-H, FFA and sometimes YLPA members. Rules differ by fair: each sets its own age limits, county residency, ownership dates, tagging and weights. This guide shows what the published rules look like at several major shows. Always read your own fair's current rule book, because dates and requirements change every year.
Fair Dates
An Authentic Florida fair list updated September 29, 2026, gave these 2026 dates, and most fairs held early in the year showed 2027 dates as to be announced:
- Fall: Northeast Florida Fair in Callahan, Oct 8-18; Baker County Fair in Macclenny, Oct 20-25; Pensacola Interstate Fair, Oct 22 to Nov 1; Hillsborough County Fair in Dover, North Florida Fair in Tallahassee, Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair and Volusia County Fair in DeLand, all Nov 5-15
- Winter: South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach, Jan 16 to Feb 1; Florida State Fair in Tampa, Feb 5-16; Highlands County Fair in Sebring, Feb 6-14; Osceola and Martin County fairs, Feb 13-22
- Late winter and spring: Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Bradford County Agricultural Fair in Starke and Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, all Feb 26 to Mar 8; Sarasota County Fair, Mar 13-22; Citrus, Suwannee and Putnam fairs in late March; Lake County Fair, Apr 10-19; Hernando County Fair, Apr 24 to May 2
The Florida State Fair's 2027 dates are Thursday, February 4 through Monday, February 15, 2027, at 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North in Tampa, per the state fair FAQ. Its Agribusiness Department runs the livestock shows and can be reached at (813) 621-7821, ext. 4341 or 4339.
Who Can Show
Examples from published rules:
- Florida State Fair (beef): Florida residents who are active 4-H, YLPA or FFA members. 4-H and YLPA exhibitors must be at least 8 by September 1 of the prior year. Graduates, dropouts and students enrolled in an ag class but not attending are ineligible, and a person may enter a maximum of two youth livestock shows at the fair, per the 2026 youth beef rules.
- Florida State Fair Steer Futurity (2027): bona fide 4-H, FFA or YLPA member, 11 or older by the August 1, 2026 calf sale, with an Intermediate division (11-13) and Senior (14 and up), per the 2027 steer rules.
- North Florida Livestock Show and Sale (Madison): exhibitors ages 8 to 18 who are 4-H or FFA members from Madison, Jefferson, Hamilton, Suwannee, Taylor or Lafayette County, per the 2026 rules.
- Florida Strawberry Festival (swine, 2027): Hillsborough County FFA, YLPA or 4-H members who live east of I-75, are 8 by January 1, 2027 and keep a 2.0 GPA, per the 2027 swine rules.
Some fairs have strict personal eligibility rules, such as the Strawberry Festival requirement that exhibitors be single and never have had or fathered a child, so read every line.
Ownership, Tagging and Identification
- State Fair beef: the exhibitor must have had ownership, possession and care by December 1 of the prior year. Joint ownership and leased animals are not allowed, and all cattle need official individual identification.
- Steer Futurity: each exhibitor buys and shows one steer from the Futurity Calf Sale. Steers are weighed, tagged, tattooed and photographed at the sale, and the ear tag cannot be removed.
- North Florida Livestock Show: USDA 840 EID tags and premise ID tags are required, with mandatory weigh-in and tagging in October (October 20-21 for the 2026 show). Untagged animals may not show. Each entry requires a completed record book.
Weights and Quality
- Steer Futurity: minimum 500 lbs at the calf sale, 950 lbs at check-in on February 8, 2027, and a required gain of at least 1.75 lbs per day.
- North Florida finished steers: at least 900 lbs, under 24 months and grading Select or better. Feeder calves run 550 to 899 lbs. Swine must be 220 to 300 lbs.
- Strawberry Festival swine: entries must weigh over 200 pounds and meet at least USDA No. 2 market swine quality.
Health Papers
For cattle at the Florida State Fair, an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required. Florida-origin cattle need one dated within 90 days of exhibition, and imported cattle within 30 days. Steers are exempt from the brucellosis test, and Florida-origin beef cattle need no tuberculosis test. At North Florida, cattle must present a Florida State Health Certificate at weigh-in, and no tranquilizers may be given within seven days of the show. Check your fair for swine, sheep and goat requirements.
Entry Deadlines and Fees
- Florida State Fair youth beef 2026: online entry was due December 5, 2025, at $25 per exhibitor, with double fees for late entries through January 12, 2026. Paper and mailed entries are not accepted.
- Steer Futurity 2027: entry fee $100 ($25 nonrefundable plus a $75 down payment), due June 19, 2026.
- South Florida Fair 2026: online entries closed September 9 for steers, October 15 for market hogs and December 13 for most other species, per the premium book page.
- North Florida: $15 per livestock entry, plus a 5% sales fee and beef and pork council fees on sold animals.
- Strawberry Festival swine 2027: entries were due September 3, 2026.
Most of these deadlines fall in the fall of the year before the show. Put them on your calendar by August.
Ethics Training, Records and the Auction
Several shows require the Ethics and Animal Care training or a Youth Livestock and Show Ring Ethics certificate, and the State Fair requires record books and a YQCA certificate on set deadlines. Strawberry Festival swine exhibitors must show and sell their animal, send letters to at least five potential buyers a week before the show and send thank-you letters within two weeks after the sale. State Fair steers are sold to the highest bidder with an added supplement per pound of hanging carcass weight. The South Florida Fair holds its Youth Market Auction on January 17, 2026.
School Absences
The South Florida Fair page notes that under Florida Statutes 1003.24(5), effective July 1, 2024, school absences for 4-H or FFA activities count as excused.
How to Prepare
- Get the current rule book from your fair and your 4-H agent or ag teacher in the summer.
- Join 4-H, FFA or YLPA early, and confirm your age and residency.
- Buy or tag the project by the ownership date, and keep every receipt and record.
- Schedule the veterinarian visit so papers are dated within the allowed window.
- Practice with a scale, a halter and a clipper at home, and plan for weigh-in day.
- Never medicate or tamper with an animal. Fairs disqualify for it, and the South Florida Fair disqualifies for any animal mistreatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show at more than one fair?
Often, but check each fair. The Florida State Fair limits an exhibitor to two youth livestock shows.
Do I need to be in 4-H or FFA?
At the shows reviewed here, yes: 4-H, FFA or YLPA membership is required.
Who do I call about the State Fair livestock shows?
The Agribusiness Department at (813) 621-7821, ext. 4341 or 4339.
Find the current rules at the Florida State Fair site and your own county fair, and confirm every date.
Florida Listings Covered by This Guide
- 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 - North Florida Fair
Tallahassee regional fair where Madison County and other area 4-H members enter crafts and projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were Nov 5-15, 2026.
Tallahassee, FL Official event details - Volusia County Fair and Youth Show
Held each year in DeLand; the most recent dates were November 6-16, 2026, an 11-day run with rides, entertainment, food vendors, exhibits and livestock shows.
DeLand, FL Official event details - 4-H Day at the North Florida Fair
Madison County 4-H members, parents and volunteers get half-price $20 arm bands for this Saturday at the Tallahassee fair. Held each year; the most recent date was Nov 14, 2026.
Tallahassee, FL | (850) 973-4138 | Organizer: Madison County 4-H Official event details - South Florida Fair
Seventeen-day fair at the South Florida Fairgrounds, with agricultural exhibits and livestock showcases drawing more than 1,000 participants from 30 counties. The next fair is January 15-31, 2027.
- Florida State Fair
Twelve-day state fair at the Tampa fairgrounds, with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA judging contests and open exhibits. Held each year; the next run is February 4-15, 2027, after February 5-16, 2026.
- Manatee County Fair
Eleven-day county fair across from Palmetto High School with rides, free-admission days and livestock exhibits including youth-shown animals. Held each year; the most recent dates were Jan 15-25, 2026.
1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL 34221 Official event details - Polk County Youth Fair
Youth fair opened by hog weigh-ins and a horse show, with more than 400 market hogs, plus cattle and poultry exhibits and a plant sale. Held each year; the 79th fair ran January 23-31, 2026.
Bartow, FL Official event details - Charlotte County Fair
Winter county fair at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds on El Jobean Road in Port Charlotte, running ten days from late January into February. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 30 to February 8, 2026.
2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL | Organizer: Charlotte County Fair Official event details - DeSoto County Fair
Cattle country fair held at the DeSoto County Fairgrounds on Heard Street in Arcadia, over nine days spanning late January and early February. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 30 to February 7, 2026.
100 Heard Street, Arcadia, FL | Organizer: DeSoto County Fair Official event details - Highlands County Fair
Nine-day agriculture and livestock fair at the Sebring fairgrounds, founded in 1937; the 89th edition drew more than 35,000 visitors. Held each year; the most recent dates were Feb 6-14, 2026.
781 Magnolia Avenue, Sebring, FL | (863) 382-2255 | Organizer: Highlands County Fair Association Official event details - Martin County Fair
67th annual nonprofit fair with livestock shows, home arts exhibits, midway rides and concerts at the Stuart fairgrounds. Held each year; the most recent dates were Feb 13-22, 2026.
2616 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart, FL 34996 | 772-220-3247 | Organizer: Martin County Fair Association, Inc. Official event details - Osceola County Fair and Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show
Held each year; the most recent dates were February 13-22, 2026 (the 82nd edition). FFA and 4-H exhibitors show goats, chickens, cattle, sheep, rabbits and swine, with free K-12 admission on two afternoons.
1911 Kissimmee Valley Ln, Kissimmee, FL | Organizer: Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show Official event details - Hardee County Fair
The 80th Hardee County Fair ran Feb 14-21, 2026 with youth programs, livestock exhibitions, pageants, arts and crafts, a citrus program and a midway. Held each year; the most recent dates were Feb 14-21, 2026.
Wauchula, FL Official event details - Southeastern Youth Fair
Non-profit youth fair for Marion County 4-H and FFA members, centered on the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Held each year; the 86th fair ran February 19-28, 2026.
- Pasco County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were February 19-22, 2026. Livestock shows, a plant show, art exhibits, a petting zoo and carnival rides fill the fairgrounds, with a Saturday senior day for ages 55 and up.
36722 CR 52, Dade City, FL | Organizer: Pasco County Fair Association Official event details - Washington County Youth Fair
Held each year; the 2026 fair ran February 23 to March 2 at the Ag Center. 4-H and FFA youth from Washington, Holmes and Bay counties showed poultry, goats, steers, heifers and swine, with an online livestock sale of local beef and pork.
1424 Jackson Avenue, Suite A, Chipley, FL | Organizer: UF/IFAS Extension Washington County Official event details - Bradford County Agricultural Fair
Bradford County's agricultural fair fills the Bradford Agricultural Fairgrounds on North Temple Avenue in Starke for just under two weeks. Held each year; the most recent dates were February 26 to March 8, 2026.
2300 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL | Organizer: Bradford County Agricultural Fair Official event details - St. Lucie County Fair
Held each year; the 60th fair opened Friday, February 27, 2026, with 45 midway rides, a rodeo, a demolition derby, a petting zoo and livestock exhibits featuring about 600 animals.
Fort Pierce, FL Official event details - Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show
Free youth fair at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center in Newberry where local 4-H and FFA members exhibit livestock and non-livestock projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 5-10, 2026.
23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry, FL | Organizer: Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show Association Official event details - Miami-Dade County Youth Fair and Exposition
74th annual youth fair with a youth agriculture program and rides at the Miami fairgrounds; closed Mar 16, 17, 30 and 31. Held each year; the most recent dates were Mar 12 to Apr 5, 2026.
10901 SW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33165 Official event details - Sarasota County Fair
Held each year; the most recent run was March 13-22, 2026, themed on America's 250th birthday. 4-H and Youth Leaders in Production Agriculture members show pigs, goats, chickens and cattle; swine must be bled before the auction.
3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL Official event details - Collier Fair
Collier County's fair takes over the county fairgrounds on 39th Avenue NE in Naples for eleven days each spring. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 19-29, 2026.
751 39th Ave NE, Naples, FL | Organizer: Collier Fair Official event details - Okeechobee County Fair
Seven-day county fair at the Okeechobee County Fairgrounds run by the county fair association. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 15-21, 2026.
4601 FL-710, Okeechobee, FL | Organizer: Okeechobee County Fair Association Official event details - Clay County Agricultural Fair
The 40th Clay County Agricultural Fair ran 11 days at the fairgrounds west of Green Cove Springs, with livestock barns, a midway, pig racing and concerts in the Cattleman's Arena. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 2-12, 2026.
2463 FL-16, Green Cove Springs, FL | Organizer: Clay County Agricultural Fair Official event details - Lake County Fair
Ten-day Lake County fair at the Eustis fairgrounds, with midway rides, exhibits and community agriculture displays. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 10-19, 2026.
2101 County Road 452, Eustis, FL | Organizer: Lake County Fair Association Official event details - Flagler County Fair
Five-day spring fair at the Flagler County Fairgrounds on Sawgrass Road in Bunnell, a short run compared with most Florida county fairs. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 13-17, 2026.
150 Sawgrass Rd, Bunnell, FL | Organizer: Flagler County Fair Official event details - Brevard County 4-H Fair & Market Poultry Auction
Free public 4-H fair with a Saturday breakfast and a market poultry auction where over 35 youth sell Barred Rock hens, alongside rabbit, goat, baking and STEM projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 17-18, 2026.
3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, FL 32926 | (321) 633-1702 | Organizer: Brevard County 4-H Official event details - Hernando County Fair
Week-long county fair on the Brooksville fairgrounds with rides, exhibits and youth livestock projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were April 24 to May 1, 2026.
6436 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL | Organizer: Hernando County Fair Association Official event details - Baker County Agricultural Fair
Baker County's yearly agricultural fair is staged at the Baker County Fairgrounds in Macclenny, with home arts, baked goods and livestock exhibits from local youth. Held each year; the most recent dates were October 20-25, 2026.
5567 Lauramore Rd, Macclenny, FL | Organizer: Baker County Agricultural Fair Official event details - Pensacola Fair Youth and FFA Steer Show
Market steer show for 4-H and FFA youth in the Livestock Arena at the Pensacola Interstate Fair, opening the fair's junior beef competition. Held each year; the most recent date was October 26, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Pensacola Fair Youth Steer Breeding Show and Prospect Steers
Youth steer breeding classes and a prospect steer show held in the Livestock Arena during the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Held each year; the most recent date was October 27, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Pensacola Fair Youth and FFA Livestock Auction
Terminal sale where roughly 20 to 30 youth and FFA market steers are auctioned in the Livestock Arena at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Held each year; the most recent date was October 28, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Pensacola Interstate Fair
Autumn fair in Pensacola that serves the livestock and farm communities of surrounding counties, alongside rides, concerts and commercial exhibits. Held each year; the most recent dates were October 22 to November 1, 2026.
- Pensacola Fair Cow Costume and Prettiest Cow Contest
Light-hearted open contest in the Livestock Arena where cows are dressed up and judged for the prettiest, sponsored by a local Tractor Supply store. Held each year; the most recent date was October 25, 2026.
6655 W. Mobile Highway, Pensacola, FL | (850) 944-4500 | Organizer: Pensacola Interstate Fair Official event details - Central Florida Fair 4-H Youth Contests
Seminole and Orange county 4-H members enter photography, posters, member exhibits and game boards, plus a new club-booth division, with livestock shown in cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and cavies.
FL Website - UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County 4-H
Sarasota 4-H prepares members for the county fair with a 4-H Showcase in the Fairgrounds Mini Building, record and project books, a March barn workday, and swine blood-testing the week of the auction.
Sarasota, FL Website
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.