Texas

Conditional

Issuer: Texas Film Commission (Office of the Governor)

Cost: Varies by property and locality; see the film office

The Texas Film Commission does not issue permits; it is a liaison that directs productions to the right permitting agency, and there is no blanket state permit. For state-owned property it runs a State Property Use Application as the intake point. In state parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) requires a media production application for commercial filming and photography, including scenic photography and drone work sold commercially; applications are due at least 90 days before the shoot, insurance must name TPWD as additional insured, and normal visitor photography plus news media are exempt. Cities (Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio) permit their own streets and parks.

Legal under FAA rules, with state statutory limits on image capture; commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107

Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 makes certain drone image capture of people or private property unlawful when done with intent to conduct surveillance, and bars low flights over critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, and sports venues; the Fifth Circuit upheld the statute against a facial First Amendment challenge in 2023, so treat it as enforceable. For Part 107 and state drone law, see Drone Authority.

Yes: photographing people and property visible from public space is legal in the US

Private property (ranches dominate the Texas landscape) sets its own rules; most of Texas is privately owned, so landscape access often means asking a landowner.