Do You Need a Filming Permit to Vlog Miami?

Local regulations as they pertain to film permits vary from city to city. Say you’re filming for commercial purposes in Miami. You’re definitely going to need a film permit! Unless you’re capturing live news events. Or you’re producing a home video for your own personal use. But what about if you’re producing a vlog? Do you need a filming permit to vlog Miami?

If you’re a Miami resident that also happens to be a vlogger, you might already be familiar with local ordinances and rules regarding the production of films and video in the city.

But do you need a filming permit to vlog Miami? Or is this something that you can get away with, absent a permit?

When Are Film Permits Required in Miami?

Film permits are required for anyone that is shooting commercial video in the city. With the exception of those producing live news which has very different standards. 

The capturing of still photos or home video also does not require a film permit in The Magic City. But vlogging is different. And such activity is not exactly specified in the Miami-Dade County handbook or website Filmiami.org.

Which clearly depicts many other rules and requirements regarding localized filming and the permits that are required for such.

Commercial Filming Requires a Permit

Most major cities, Miami included, require a film permit for any commercial film production taking place within the city. But what exactly constitutes a “commercial” film production? 

To help vloggers, and those who might be interested in the world of producing vlogs or YouTube videos that are to be shared with the world, it makes sense to define just what is considered “commercial filming?”

We found these legal definitions of the term “Commercial filming”:

• The use of motion picture, video taping, sound recording or moving image recording equipment that involves the advertisement of an event, product or service. The creation of a product for sale including film, videotape, television broadcast or documentary. Or the use of actors, models, sets or props. (Law Insider)
•  
• The film, electronic, magnetic, digital or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. (Cornell University)

What is a Vlog?

Thus, according to the definition, a “Vlog” which is produced with the “intent of generating income” would, by Cornell University definition, be considered commercial filming.

And since Miami requires a film permit for those who are engaged in commercial filming. The short answer to the question, “Do you need a filming permit to vlog Miami” would be YES!

New Ordinances on Filming vlogs in Miami

While the short answer would appear to be “YES” you do need a permit to vlog Miami. There are recent ordinances that have caused some confusion.

And potentially another layer of information to the already-complicated topic. As to whether or not a permit is required for a vlog in Miami.

Under recent changes to Miami-Dade County Ordinance for film productions, the requirement to issue a film permit depends on physical impact, largely relative to the size of the production.

Crew Sizes

The latest ordinance states that, with the exception of public transit and public transit platforms. When filming with a hand-held camera, a single camera on a tripod, handheld props, or handheld equipment. With a limited case and crew of not more than three people.

A film permit is not required in Miami. This means that, even if you’re filming a vlog which could have commercial benefit. And would have previously required a permit. No such permitting is now required.

Any productions, commercial and non-commercial, that will impact the area and include crews of 4 or more people will require a permit. But since most vloggers will not include large crews, a film permit will generally NOT be required in Miami.

In Summary

So, do you need a filming permit to vlog Miami? Probably not!

If you’re using handheld equipment. Or producing with a very small group of 3 people involved or less. And you’re not filming on public transit property then you most likely will not need a film permit in Miami.