FAQ’s - Planning, Design and Decor

  • What are your rules around décor, lighting, and rentals?

    • No open-flame candles, no confetti, no fog machines, no taping or hanging on historic walls, no smoke effects.

    • Use freestanding décor or approved hardware only.

    • Lighting upgrades or custom décor must comply with historic preservation rules.

    • All vendors must follow venue rules and sign a vendor agreement, as well as make contact with the venue for a walk through prior to the event.

  • When can vendors load in / set up / tear down?
    Vendors will make arrangements prior to the event with the venue sales manager, per our vendor agreement and policy. We allow 2 hours, unless otherwise discussed during pre-event email.

  • Do you provide staff or do we bring our own?
    We provide one attendant to monitor the museum up to 100 guests with your rental. Additional attendants are required at a cost to the lessee for over 100 guests. We do offer staff for the venue and for food and beverage services at a charge. If you bring your own food or have a delivery from a caterer, we require you to hire our trained and certified staff to execute the food services portion. We have this policy in place to protect our guests and historic building. We also offer coordination services if you would like more guidance on an event or wedding than standard venue rental (which includes standard sales walkthrough, and one 1 hour or less consultation).

  • Do you provide help with event or décor design?

    Our team is happy to assist with logistical layout guidance and basic setup coordination to ensure smooth event flow. Creative direction—such as theme styling, décor selection, or full design consulting—is available through our Professional Styling Services as an optional upgrade.

  • Are there décor/lighting upgrades or vendor add-ons you offer?
    Absolutely! In addition to our in-house standard decor packages, lighting packages and we partner with amazing vendors.

  • Can you help us find or coordinate vendors for our event?

    Our team provides an initial consultation to help determine the best use of the space and to outline available amenities. Once your rental is confirmed, we’re glad to share our Preferred Vendor List featuring trusted local professionals for catering, décor, AV, and more.

    Please note that vendor sourcing, communication, and coordination fall outside the standard venue rental.
    If you’d like assistance beyond your initial consultation—such as vendor communication, scheduling, or setup coordination—Event Management Services are available as an add-on to ensure seamless execution and save you time.

  • What level of planning/coordination is included with the venue rental?

    Your venue rental includes a detailed planning consultation and layout guidance to help you make the most of the space.
    Vendor coordination, scheduling, and day-of management are not included but are available through our Event Management Services add-on for clients who’d like additional support.

Event Management Services

Every event at the Tampa Firefighters Museum begins with an initial consultation to help you visualize your setup, review included amenities, and confirm rental details. Beyond that, we understand that some clients prefer additional help managing logistics, vendor coordination, or day-of operations — which is why we offer Event Management Services as an optional upgrade.

Our team can assist with:

  • Vendor communication, confirmations, and scheduling

  • Timeline and setup coordination

  • On-site liaison between vendors, venue, and client teams

  • Supervision of load-in, load-out, and space resets

This service ensures your event runs smoothly and allows your team to focus on guests, goals, and celebration — while we handle the behind-the-scenes flow.

FAQ’s- Venue Rental, Policies and Logistics

  • What is the maximum capacity for each space (first floor, ballroom, combined)?


    Exhibit Hall (first floor): 100 for cocktail / live events

    Seated wedding in Exhibit Hall limited to 50 people
    1911 Ballroom (second floor): ~150 seated with dance floor

    180 without dance floor

    200 for cocktail events

  • What is included in the venue rental fee?
    Use of the space, basic setup and teardown, tables, chairs, black linens, one attendant, limited use of museum displays (if agreed). Alcohol service, catering, décor are additional or included in package options.

  • Is there a rental duration or time window for setup/teardown?
    Your rental price (unless otherwise stated) covers 4 hours of event time, 2 hours of set up and one for breakdown/clean up. Additional set up time can be purchased, please speak with your venue contact. Wedding packages are priced with 10 hours of venue rental included.

  • Do we have exclusive use of the museum?
    Use of other rental spaces within the museum can be made available at a discounted bundle rate.

  • Can we bring in our own caterer or vendors?
    Yes, permitted with approval. Vendors must submit insurance, licenses, and have a site walk before the event.

  • Do you provide bar / beverage service?
    Yes, in-house exclusive bar service and options are available as part of packages or as add-ons. We also offer non-alcoholic beverage stations, water stations and meeting breaks. Outside non-alcoholic beverage vendors will require approval and licensing.

  • Is there a commercial kitchen onsite?
    No, the kitchen is not a licensed commercial kitchen (no stove/oven), but there is refrigeration and space for staging buffet trays with Sterno.

  • What insurance do we need?
    A liability policy covering property damage and guest injury is required. The museum must be named as additional insured.

  • What is your cancellation / refund policy?
    (You already have one: deposit, 90-day cancel, 50% refund, etc.)

  • Are there limitations on music, noise, or event timing?
    There are no city limitations on music or noise, and event timing must be fully disclosed and discussed with your salesperson prior to the rental of the venue.

  • What parking and transportation options exist?

    • Museum parking and shared lot available after 5 pm on weekdays and on day on weekends.

    • Street metered parking, nearby lots. Some lots offer 4-hour free for handicap.

    • Your salesperson would be happy to recommend rideshares, nearby hotels, valet services.

  • Is the venue accessible?
    We have an elevator to second floor with easy wheelchair access, accessible restrooms and full ADA compliance.

  • When can vendors load in / set up / tear down?
    Vendors will make arrangements prior to the event with the venue sales manager, per our vendor agreement and policy. We allow 2 hours, unless otherwise discussed during pre-event email.

  • What audiovisual / lighting / power capabilities do you have?
    We have blackout blinds in our ballroom to make viewing AV easier. We offer use of basic projector and screen, 2 microphones, and our attendant will assist with your use of our Bose Speaker System. We do not offer support with technical issues or set up of your equipment with the system beyond basic standards, however we do partner with trusted vendors and are happy to provide service as an additional purchase. While you are welcome to use the Bluetooth speakers for any event, we do not provide the device for streaming, so lessees are asked to remember to bring their own.

  • Are there blackout dates or restricted periods?
    The museum, itself is closed for all major holidays, however the venue rental is available conditionally for rental all year.

  • How far in advance should we book?
    We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance; however we are happy to work with anyone at any time. If you have something immediate, we will do everything we can to ensure smooth rental and vendor communications and service.

  • Can we tour the space in person?
    Yes, just review the pricing sheets and fill out this form for weddings and this form for other events to schedule your tour.