Florida Laws on Filming With & Without a Permit
Filmmakers that are visiting the Sunshine State for a commercial film shoot must know the various Florida laws on filming with and without a permit. In fact, one of the biggest concerns a traveling filmmaker will have is whether or not they will be require a permit before a shoot. Failure to obtain a Florida film permit can lead to legal challenges and may even result in your film shoot being shut down so itâs best to know what youâre up against ahead of the game.
Florida Film Permitting Process
Filming in Florida is almost guaranteed to require a permit. Or a location agreement of some kind and in some cases youâll need both!
Fortunately, Florida laws on filming in public locations are generally pretty easy to understand. And the film permitting process is equally easy to follow. Individual permits are granted by the city or county in which you intend to film.Â
Plan Ahead
Most Florida counties require at least 24 hours advance notice prior to submitting for a permit to film in the Sunshine State. For larger cities, expect the permitting process to take upwards of 10 business days.
The location youâre scheduled to shoot in, and the complexity of your shoot, will play a key role in how extensive your permitting process is. Especially if you require the additional support of local fire, police, or other professional services.
When is a Film Permit Required in Florida?
Florida laws on filming without a permit are really quite simple. If youâre filming on public property, if your filming is going to impact others, or if your filmmaking will impact the environment in which youâre filming at. Then you will need to have a Florida film permit.
Basically, a film permit is required in Florida under all of the following circumstances:
- If youâre filming for commercial purposes.
- When youâre filming in any public location including on Florida roadways or sidewalks.
- If you plan to use equipment that could interrupt regular operations or foot traffic.
- When youâre using the public space in which youâre filming. In any way other than for which it is normally for use.
Public Filming
As you can see, Florida laws on filming basically state that a film permit is necessary under most situations that involve filming in public.
For this reason, itâs important for you to plan ahead. Arrive early! And apply for a film permit several weeks in advance so that you donât delay your production.
Is there Anywhere in Florida Where a Film Permit is NOT Required?
Technically, there are locations in Florida where a film permit is not necessary. But you might still require a location agreement even in these situations.
For example
You do NOT need a film permit if you are filming on private property. And your filmmaking will not interrupt any county or city roadways or public locations.
This means, according to Florida laws on filming without a permit, that as long as you are parking your crew, and keeping all crew activities on private property, you will not need a permit.
Otherwise, under all other circumstances, you will almost definitely need a film permit for safe, legal shooting in Florida.
