Florida Laws on Filming in Public Places for Filmmakers
Filmmakers that intend to film in public locations throughout the Sunshine State must follow local laws. This is to ensure the safety and protection of Florida residents, visitors, and members of the public. Filmmakers know they’ll have to follow local laws when they enter a new location to produce a commercial film. It’s quite common for filmmakers to familiarize themselves with local Florida laws on filming in public places. As well as other important statutes before they come to the Sunshine State for a commercial shoot.
At Beverly Boy Productions, we know a lot about Florida laws on filming in public. Because our home offices are located in the Sunshine State!
We have more than two decades filming in Florida. And been around long enough to learn a thing or two about local laws on filming in public places throughout Florida.
Here’s some ideas of what you should, or should not, prepare for before visiting the Sunshine State.
Filming Without Consent is Illegal
Florida laws on filming in public places do not provide any legal rights to filmmakers to capture recordings without someone’s consent.
In fact, Florida is a two-party consent state. This means that a filmmaker must have consent from both parties involved in a conversation in order to film audio and video of a private interaction.
Even when it takes place in a public location. Such as a park or along a Florida roadway.
Florida Laws on Filming Police in Public
According to Florida laws on filming in public places where police are concerned. The statute which provides protection for individuals in the state limiting the rights for filmmakers to record without consent does not apply to police officers in public.
Florida legal professionals state that filming police in the state, especially when they are in public, represents a grey area of the law.
People might have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Law enforcement in public areas do not have that expectation.
And therefore a filmmaker or anyone really, can legally record a police officer that is executing legal enforcement or any action in a public place.
Permitting in Florida
Florida laws on filming in public places do not specify that a permit is required at the state level. But each city and county has their own laws. Which generally specify that a permit is required on a local level.
Permitting in Florida requires communication with local city, county, or federal government agencies to ensure you get proper permission to film a commercial shoot in the public places throughout Florida that appeal most to you.
Before you visit Florida and intend to film, make sure you’ve obtained a permit from the proper organization. The Florida Film Office can help you figure out where to seek a permit for each area that you wish to film in.
