Is a Permit Needed if Filming From Road Easement in Florida?
Filmmakers that visit Florida to produce films often wonder what the local laws and ordinances are. Before you begin filming in Florida, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and local laws that pertain to the production. Particularly in regards to filming from road easement in Florida.
If you’re thinking about a shoot that will involve the use of public roadways, will require traffic control. Or will involve filming from the road easement in Florida you’re going to want to keep reading.
Florida Easements
First, it’s important to understand who “owns” or is responsible for the road easements in Florida. Understanding who is in charge of the easement will help you to know who to reach out to in regards to permitting or other needs.
According to Florida Statutes, not all real estate is real property. And that means that, in the case of easements, there are different restrictions or rules in regards to how the area may be used.
Getting Permission
Understanding the extent to which an easement is under protection. Or to whom an easement belongs to. It will help you in your attempt at properly acquiring the permission to film from a road easement in Florida.
As well as in determining whether you will need to contact local law enforcement. Other support to help you should the production require blocking off the easement. Or otherwise blocking the rights-of-way for a Florida road.
Land Manner
Florida has several types of easements. But according to legislation, easements in Florida must be restricted to the purposes for which they were granted.
Therefore, a road easement must always be used as a road easement. The use of the land manner may not be altered. At least not without permission.
Is a Permit Needed When Filming From a Road Easement in Florida?
Generally speaking, YES! A permit is going to be required if you intend to film from a road easement in Florida. However, it’s important to understand that there is no blanket need for a permit in Florida.
This means that Florida law does not always require a film permit for commercial production to take place within the state. Permits are necessary on a local, city by city, and county-by-county level.
Therefore, before you determine who to ask about a permit for filming from a road easement in Florida.
Consider the following:
- Most counties don’t require county level permits.
- Most cities will require a permit. Especially if you’re filming from the road easement and will need to have traffic control or other support.
- A right of way permit might be necessary for some counties.
- Some right of ways are under utility companies, which may further require a permit.
In Summary
Filming from the right of way may affect traffic flow. Which is the primary reason why filming from a road easement in Florida is generally required.
Before you go, ask the local city or county film commission for the Florida location. In which you’ll be filming about the permit requirements for the easement areas in which you’re filming in.
