Florida Gulf Coast Cluster I 2027: Everything You Need to Know

What is Florida Gulf Coast Cluster I 2027?

The Florida Gulf Coast Clusters are the big January tradition in Florida: two back-to-back five-day clusters at Florida Classic Park in Brooksville, just north of Tampa. Cluster I runs January 14–18, 2027 — five all-breed shows over five days, each hosted by a different kennel club.

The 2026 Cluster I premium confirms the rotation: the Hernando County Kennel Club hosts Thursday, Clearwater hosts Friday, Pasco Florida hosts Saturday, Tampa Bay hosts Sunday, and Manatee hosts Monday. Every day offers the AKC National Owner-Handled Series and the 4–6 Month Beginner Puppy competition, and in 2026 the Friday, Sunday, and Monday shows also ran a Best Bred-by-Exhibitor competition, with a Best of the Best Junior Handlers on Monday.

The days

• Thu, Jan 14 — Hernando County Kennel Club — all-breed show
• Fri, Jan 15 — Clearwater Kennel Club — all-breed show
• Sat, Jan 16 — Pasco Florida Kennel Club — all-breed show
• Sun, Jan 17 — Tampa Bay Kennel Club — all-breed show
• Mon, Jan 18 — Manatee Kennel Club — all-breed show

Day order follows the 2026 premium list; the 2027 order will be confirmed when the new premium publishes.

Can you still enter?

Not yet. As of mid-October 2026, the 2027 premium list has not been published, so entries are not yet open. Entries are expected to close Wednesday, December 30, 2026, through superintendent MB-F, Inc. (InfoDog) at infodog.com. Entry fees are not yet published; the 2026 cluster charged $35.00 for the first entry and $30.00 for each additional entry of the same dog — reference only.

Why go

Ten days of shows are on offer if you stay for both clusters (Cluster II follows at the same grounds). January in Florida means outdoor rings in sweater weather instead of snow, and the five-day format lets you enter some days, rest others, and still rack up a serious show count in one trip. NOHS and beginner puppy every day make it a friendly circuit for owner-handlers and newcomers too.

Planning your visit

The venue

Florida Classic Park, 5360 Lockhart Rd, Brooksville, FL 34602. Note the 2026 ground rules: no flexi-leads or soft-sided crates in event areas, and the main gate is closed and locked from midnight to 6:00 A.M. nightly.

Getting there

Just off I-75 in Hernando County. Fly into Tampa International (TPA), about 45 miles south, or Orlando International (MCO), about 80 miles east.

Where to stay

The Quality Inn & Suites Brooksville I-75/Dade City (30307 Cortez Blvd · (352) 397-4025) is pet friendly and offers a special dog-show rate ($50 nonrefundable for a 3-night stay, max 2 dogs). Always confirm the current pet policy when booking.

Frequently asked questions