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ApertureAuthority
US City

New Orleans

Film New Orleans permits, the small per-permit fee, the $1,000,000 insurance, and the rule that even student shoots in Orleans Parish need a permit.

Verified Jun 28, 2026 2 official sources
Permit: conditional

Guidance, not legal advice

Rules change and enforcement varies. Confirm with the issuing authority before you shoot. Drone law depth lives at Drone Authority.

Permit

Conditional

Issuer: Film New Orleans (Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy)

Cost: Around $25 for the location permit application plus about $25 for the permit; extra costs apply for meters, street closures, and off-duty city personnel

Processing: Apply ahead; insurance must be on file before the permit issues

All productions and student films shooting in Orleans Parish must apply for a permit. You must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability naming the City of New Orleans and all of its agents and departments as additional insured. Personal photography that does not occupy public space generally needs no permit.

Official permit page

Drone / airspace

Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107; the city adds insurance and approval requirements

Local takeoff, landing, and park restrictions 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

  • The French Quarter has tight restrictions and heavy foot traffic; expect extra conditions for commercial shoots there.
  • Festival season, including Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, changes what is permitted and when; plan around the calendar.

Sources

Keep shooting

Knowing the rules is half the job. The craft side:

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