Costume & Mask Policy

Since many of our attendees come in costume, we only have a few rules.

All costumes at OtakuFest must be PG during regular exhibition room hours. After hours, please keep it PG-13. Use common sense. Anything that is illegal outside of the convention is illegal inside the convention.

OtakuFest reserves the right to deem a costume as unacceptable and to request the wearer make modifications as necessary, change out of the costume entirely into more appropriate clothing, or require you to leave the convention.

If your costume hinders your vision or movement in any way, you should have a friend, or “handler,” with you at all times who can move and see freely. Leashes are permitted; however, if you are wearing the collar, you must be holding the handle. Leashes should not be held between two or more people, as this causes an issue for the other patrons.

Masks are allowed however, security and staff may ask you to remove your mask at any time, for any reason for identification purposes.

No public exposure. No flashing. Florida State law says that a violation of public decency laws has occurred when the genitals, buttocks, or breasts are exposed to public view for any reason. You must wear shoes at all times (no bare feet) for safety purposes, not even funny boxers would be allowed.

QUESTIONABLE MATERIAL: Some costumes from anime, comic books, sci-fi, video games, and other sources may contain questionable material. We do not allow the use of hate symbols on costumes. You may wear a costume that is an accurate representation of an existing character in fandom, but shock costumes, or costumes which have the sole purpose of offending and disrespecting other individuals, cultures, or religions in any way, will not be tolerated. We ask that you be respectful of other attendees.

UNIFORM COSTUMES: Costumes that may be confused with LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PERSONNEL UNIFORMS are not permitted. OtakuFest has the absolute right and sole discretion to determine whether a uniform costume is permitted or too close to a real world uniform and to ask an attendee who is wearing a costume that is too close to a real world uniform to adjust it or remove it.

ROLLER SKATES: The Convention Center has banned roller skates, bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, Segways, wheeled shoes such as Heelys, all from this list inside the convention. You may carry these items as a prop, but you may not ride them at any time in the convention center. Hoverboards are banned as well.

THE “PROXIMITY RULE”: Any part of your costume that extends more than four inches (4″) off of your body is officially considered a “prop” (wings, spikes, helmets, etc.) and should adhere to both the costume policies and weapon policies above.

OtakuFest reserves the right to amend or change these rules at any time for any reason to provide for the safety, security and general well-being of attendees and the general public.