Boston
Boston coordinates film permits across several departments; here is the insurance, the security bond, and what counts as a production.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment (City of Boston)
Cost: No flat permit fee published; expect a security bond of at least $5,000 against damage to city property
Processing: Contact the office at least 10 days ahead
Commercial filming in the city needs a permit coordinated across several departments. Insurance is required: personal injury protection of at least $1,000,000 plus the security bond, with the City of Boston as certificate holder. Casual personal photography that does not occupy public space is not the target.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city refers drone filming to the FAA and adds approvals for city property
Local rules sit on top of FAA airspace rules. For Part 107 and drone law, see Drone Authority.
Street / public space
Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
Private property sets its own rules regardless of city law.
Practical notes
- Several departments must permit a shoot, not one office, and an in-person meeting at City Hall is expected.
- Boston National Historical Park sites are federal land and need a separate NPS film and photo permit.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: