Delayed Florida State Fair opens Thursday: What to know before you go Hereâs a guide before the midway lights up for two weeks. Â Â People walk along food booths at the Florida State Fair in 2020. The fair returns for a 12-day run April 22-May 2. [ MARTHA ASENCIO RHINE | Times ] Updated 50 minutes ago The Florida State Fair pushed back its start date by two months as a pandemic precaution, but now weâre ready for funnel cake. The fair, which was first held in Tampa in 1904, returns Thursday for a 12-day run. And while many old traditions remain, things will look a bit different this year.