Fujifilm X-S20
$1,490 - $1,680
US State
California
California is the exception: the California Film Commission itself issues free permits for all state property, including state parks, beaches, and highways.
Permit: conditional
Shoot decision
Depends on setup
Unusually, California has a real statewide permitting body: the California Film Commission issues permits for commercial still and motion photography on all state property, including state parks and beaches, freeways and roads (with Caltrans and CHP), and state buildings.
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: California Film Commission (CFC)
Cost: The CFC permit is free, but state parks charge cost-recovery fees and monitors, and CHP or ranger staffing is billed to the production
Processing: At least 4 business days before first prep or shoot day; some state parks want 14 to 30 days
Unusually, California has a real statewide permitting body: the California Film Commission issues permits for commercial still and motion photography on all state property, including state parks and beaches, freeways and roads (with Caltrans and CHP), and state buildings. Anyone shooting commercially on state property needs one, students included; personal-use photography without commercial equipment at a state park or beach does not. The permit itself is free, but parks apply cost-recovery fees and may require monitors. City and county land is separate: local permits (for example through FilmLA in Los Angeles) still apply off state property. Verify lead times with the specific park before applying.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
Drone use on state property must be declared on the CFC permit, and individual park districts can restrict or refuse it. For Part 107 and state 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 state law.
Practical notes
- Many iconic California beaches are state property, so a commercial beach shoot often needs a CFC permit even when the nearest city requires nothing.
- Freeway and highway shots run through the CFC with Caltrans and CHP coordination; budget for CHP officer time.
- Big Sur pullouts on Highway 1, state beaches, and state parks each have their own cost-recovery quirks; contact the park district before filing.
Guidance, not legal advice
Rules change and enforcement varies. Confirm with the issuing authority before you shoot. Drone law depth lives at Drone Authority.
9.0
Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon)
$599 - $699
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