Yes, racing simulators can run outdoors in South Florida, but only under cover and with a weather plan. The essentials are a tent or covered area for sun and rain, a lightning plan that moves people indoors, safe power, heat planning for guests and staff, a firm level surface, and a backup date or indoor fallback. Plan around the local calendar: the rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October and hurricane season from June through November.
1. Check the calendar first
- Rainy season: the National Weather Service in Miami marks South Florida’s rainy season as starting May 15 and running to mid-October, with scattered storms in the afternoon after daytime heating (CBS News Miami).
- Hurricane season: the Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30, peaking around September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October (National Hurricane Center).
- Dry season: mid-October to mid-May is the safer window for an open-air event.
2. Have a lightning plan
The National Weather Service’s rule is “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors,” and it says there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area (NWS). Its outdoor guidance is blunt that tents and picnic shelters are not safe places, and that you should wait 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going back out (NWS). Decide in advance which building guests move to, and who makes the call.
3. Plan for heat
The heat index measures how hot it feels once humidity is factored in, and full sunshine can raise heat index values by up to 15°F (NWS). Put rigs and the waiting line in the shade, have water on hand, and schedule the event for late afternoon or evening in the warmer months. Screens are also much easier to read out of direct sun.
4. Power safely
Use venue power where you can. If you need a generator, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says to run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes and buildings, with the exhaust pointed away from windows, doors and vents; carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can kill within minutes (CPSC). Never run one inside a tent or garage. Ask us for the power requirements of the rigs you are booking so your electrician or rental company can size the supply.
5. Choose the surface and layout
Rigs need a firm, level surface — a patio, deck or flooring over grass rather than soft lawn — plus a route from the loading area that a cart can roll over. Ask us for the footprint of the rigs you are booking, and leave room around them for a waiting line and spectators.
6. Have a fallback
Agree a rain or lightning plan with the venue: an indoor room you can move to, a later start, or a backup date. If the event is on public property or in a public right-of-way, check what permit your city requires and how far ahead: Sunny Isles Beach, for example, asks for special-event applications at least 60 days before the event.
What SimsForHire handles
We deliver, set up, staff and tear down. On-site staffing is included for up to 4 rigs; from the 5th rig, staffing is $1,500 per day for every 3 additional rigs. We are fully insured in the United States and provide certificates of insurance on request, which many venues ask for. Custom branding starts at $500, plus tax and insurance. Our fleet is 10 full-motion rigs. The full-motion rigs use SIGMA Integrale 2DOF/3DOF motion platforms, which are driven by electric actuators.
Pricing
Good planning starts with your goals: team-building, a private party or a trade show booth each need a different number of rigs and format. If you have not chosen a location yet, browse venues and hotels. Full-motion rigs are $2,750 per rig per day, with a $2,000 event minimum, all plus tax and insurance. Delivery is free within 50 miles of Miami; farther out, we quote delivery on request. See pricing for volume discounts. We also sell and lease simulators for homes and businesses. Our showroom and demo space is at 2920 NW 5th Ave, Suite 105, Miami, an address we share with Shift Arcade Miami.
Call (754) 228-5654, email hello@simsforhire.com or send an inquiry; we reply within 24 hours and can book with as little as 24 hours of lead time.