Florida

Conditional

Issuer: County and city film commissions (no state film office since July 2023); Film Florida is the industry association

Cost: Varies by county; state parks charge an application fee plus a daily permit fee and require insurance

Florida eliminated its Office of Film and Entertainment effective July 1, 2023 (HB 5, Chapter 2023-173), so there is no state film commissioner or statewide coordinator; the nonprofit association Film Florida and a dense network of county and regional film commissions (Film Miami, Film Tampa Bay, FilmLauderdale, and others) handle production support and permits. On state land, the DEP Division of Recreation and Parks requires a photography permit for commercial shoots in Florida State Parks that need park participation, resources, or facilities; expect an application fee, a daily permit fee, and liability insurance naming DEP and the Board of Trustees, all arranged with the individual park manager. Casual photography in the parks is free. Verify current fees with the park before booking.

Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; Florida preempts most local drone ordinances by statute

Florida law centralizes drone regulation at the state level, and state parks restrict launching and landing. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority.

Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US

Florida beaches below the mean high tide line are public; dry sand above it can be private. Private property sets its own rules.