Frequently asked questions regarding athletics in Hillsborough County
You can call their main telephone number at (813) 635-3500. Or you can email them at prk-fields@hcfl.gov
The Department has the largest field management program in the state of Florida with over 290 fields. Interactive Field Reservation Map.
Yes, any organized or paid training, practices, or games held on a field or open space require a permit. Permits can be obtained by emailing prk-fields@hcfl.gov.
While we appreciate your love for animals, however, pets are not allowed on sports fields. When visiting our sports complexes, pets must be leashed (6 feet or less), well‑behaved, and cleaned up after at all times, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. We warmly welcome service animals as defined by the ADA. Service animals include trained dogs (including those in training) that assist individuals with disabilities. Service animals must remain under the control of their owners throughout their visit.
The Hillsborough County's TEAM HC Program offers local travel ball teams a valuable opportunity for player development and safety. With two two-hour practices per week and six eight-week sessions, the program provides access to groomed and lighted fields, along with cost-effective practice space.
Through consistent practices, structured training, and a strong emphasis on player development and safety, this program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their team's skills while ensuring a secure playing environment.
Join the TEAM HC Program and empower your team to excel throughout the year.
To inquire about field rentals and availability, please email our staff at PRK-Fields@HCFL.gov.
Organized Activity (as it pertains to sports field use) refers to any scheduled, structured, or coordinated use of a field involving multiple participants for a common purpose. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Team practices or games
- League or tournament play
- Training sessions or clinics
- Camps, tryouts, or scrimmages
- Activities led by a coach, trainer, or instructor (paid or volunteer)
- Any use that is pre-planned and not considered casual or spontaneous public recreation
All organized activities require prior approval and a reservation or permit issued by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.
Yes, you can view all of our rentable fields on this Interactive Fields Map. Field rentals are subject to availability, and may already be programmed or rented at your preferred day and time.
The cost to rent a field is $30/hr plus tax, per BOCC policy. A full day per field is $275.
Renters are responsible for their own field markings (Foul Lines, Batter’s Boxes, Football Hash Marks, Soccer Lines, Lacrosse Lines, etc).
If your rental is for a fundraiser, large gathering, or other organized event that will bring in spectators or the general public, you must fill out a special event application.
No.
Vendors are welcome at your event, depending on what the company will vend there may be a fee of $50.00 to be paid by each vendor to the County. They also need to submit a Hillsborough County vendor packet.
Bounce houses are allowed at some sites, but they must be on the County Approved Bounce House Vendor list
No outside cooking. You may use approved County food vendors. Contact Athletics staff for approved food vendors.
Lights are included with athletic field rentals at sites with lighting.
No. You must rent the entire field.
If you are interested in a rental at one of the facilities listed below, please contact All People's Life Center at (813) 744-5978 for additional assistance.
- All Peoples
- Jackson Springs
- Northdale
- Westchase
- Gardenville
- Emanuel P. Johnson
- Ruskin
- Mango
Yes. The insurance requirements vary depending on the circumstance, but generally the insurance requirements are as follows:
- General Liability for $1,000,000/occurrence
- Participant/Student Accidental Medical for $10,000
- Additional insured, “Hillsborough County BOCC 601 East Kennedy Boulevard Tampa FL 33602"
You can acquire the proper insurance from most insurance companies. Search the web for “Insurance for youth or adult sports teams.” It is fairly inexpensive and easily acquired.
Generally we do not accept liability waivers and we require rentals to have liability insurance.
Concussion education training, and if they are a team then they also need volunteer training and AED, CPR & First Aid Training, and Heat Illness Training.
In most cases, goals, nets and other sport specific equipment is not supplied by the County. Renters are responsible for bringing and removing their own equipment.
Most of our rectangle synthetic turf fields are lined for soccer and lacrosse.
No. We do not allow renters to add lines to synthetic turf fields.
The renters are responsible for painting the fields.
Having an FDLE background check is a state law and a necessary requirement for volunteering with Hillsborough County's Parks and Rec Athletic Division for several important reasons:
- Safety and Security: Hillsborough County's Parks and Rec Athletic Division prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants, especially when it involves working with children or vulnerable populations. Conducting background checks helps ensure a safe environment by screening volunteers for any criminal history that may pose a risk to participants.
- Legal Compliance: Conducting background checks aligns with legal requirements and best practices in many jurisdictions. It helps the division meet its obligation to protect individuals from potential harm and minimizes the liability associated with negligence or inadequate vetting processes.
- Quality Assurance: Implementing a thorough screening process, including background checks, helps ensure that volunteers have the appropriate qualifications and character traits to work effectively with participants in athletic programs. It contributes to maintaining the quality of services offered by the division.
- Volunteer Program Integrity: The background check requirement demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a reputable volunteer program. It helps prevent individuals with a history of misconduct or criminal behavior from participating in roles that involve direct interaction with program participants, thus safeguarding the division's reputation.
Hillsborough County offers a variety of youth sports leagues through the Recreation Division, such as soccer, flag football, ball hockey, and basketball. Register for an HC Youth Recreation League.
Additionally, thousands of youth athletes compete in leagues managed by Hillsborough County’s 55+ non-profit partner Youth Sports Organizations (YSOs). Visit our Partner Youth Leagues page to learn more about the sports and leagues provided by our YSO partners.
Hillsborough County manages adult flag football, basketball, kickball, and softball leagues at sites across the County. Register for an Adult Recreation League.
Our Recreation division offers programs such as, After-school, Summer Camp, Youth and Adult Sports Leagues, community events, and more. Find more information about our Recreation division here. If you need further assistance with Recreation programs or events, email Recreation_Admin@HCFL.gov, or call 813-744-5978.