Michigan
Michigan has no statewide film permit; the MFDMO coordinates, MDOT permits highway shoots, and Michigan DNR treats commercial photography as a permitted commercial use of state land.
Guidance, not legal advice
Permit
Conditional
Issuer: Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (Michigan Economic Development Corporation)
Cost: Varies by property and locality, see the film office; the DNR commercial use application carries a $50 fee
The Michigan Film and Digital Media Office is a coordination and incentive office, not a permitting authority; it directs productions to verify requirements with the city, township, or county where they are shooting. Filming on state property needs approval from whichever state department manages it: MDOT issues permits for commercial filming in state highway right-of-way, and the layer photographers actually hit is Michigan DNR, which classifies commercial filming and photography as a commercial use of state lands. DNR applications go to the unit supervisor at each individual state park, recreation area, harbor, or boating access site, with a $50 application fee and possible additional usage fees, and a separate application per location.
Drone / airspace
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
Michigan DNR rules govern takeoff and landing on the state lands it manages; check the specific park. 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
- Popular DNR locations like Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks-adjacent state land each need their own application; there is no bundle permit across parks.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes, Isle Royale, and Pictured Rocks are federal NPS units with their own rules, separate from Michigan DNR.
Sources
Keep shooting
Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side: