Orlando film commission

COVID-19 UPDATE

The Orlando Film Commission is permitting in all jurisdictions across the region.  As you are defining your plans for production, please keep in mind the regional guidelines for re-opening. All permits submitted must include a plan to keep a safe set – keeping cast, crew and surrounding neighbors/business owners safe is something that should be in place with specific tasks designated for each crew member and built in accountability. Take a look at the download below for guidelines suggested by the state trade association Film Florida.

Even if a permit is not necessary, it is strongly encouraged to share all production plans with the Orlando Film Commission as we continue to track the work being done in the community and share with our government partners locally and at the state to encourage more support for our industry.

Please contact Lindsey Sandrin at lindsey.sandrin@orlando.org with any questions.

Permitting Charges

The Orlando Film Commission serves as the liaison between productions and local jurisdictions, and is written into many city and county ordinances as the facilitating permitting and communications between the two. Productions need to approach only the Film Commission with any questions pertaining to filming.

Film permits are free in many jurisdictions throughout the Orlando region unless city, county or state services are required. These services include hiring of off-duty officers or fire employees and equipment, public works services, metered parking and some public parks.The city, county or state reserves the right to collect those fees before production begins. The jurisdictions that do have permitting fees are as follows:

  • Altamonte Springs – $50 per permit processed
  • Casselberry – $50 per permit processed
  • Maitland – $75 per day to film
  • Oakland – $500 per day to film
  • Seminole County – $75 per permit processed
  • St. Cloud – $25 per permit processed
  • Windermere – $100 per permit processed
  • Winter Park – $100 per permit processed and up to $500 per day to film
  • Winter Springs – $25 per permit processed
  • Lake County- $50 per permit processed

Downloads

pdf

Film Florida – Recommendations for Clean & Healthy Production Sets

pdf

Motion Photography Production Permit 2020

Insurance Requirements

Insurance requirements vary by jurisdiction. Through the permitting process, the Orlando Film Commission will outline the exact Certificate of Insurance (COI) requirements for the jurisdiction in which you will be filming.

Please note the minimum COI requirements for any project to film on public property include a general liability policy of $1,000,000 each occurrence, with the city or county named as additional insured.

Law Enforcement

Orlando region law enforcement agencies promise to serve, protect and stay out of the director’s way! Determining whether one or more officers will be necessary depends on the impact of the production. Generally, when traffic control, pyrotechnics or crowd control is involved, officers are required. In addition, when production involves the use of firearms, weapon-type props or the portrayal of a crime, officers are required.

In 2020, the average rate for local city or county officers is $50 per officer, per hour, with a four-hour minimum. Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers are $75 per office, per hour, with a four-hour minimum. Through the permitting process, the Film Commission will assist in contacting and coordinating the appropriate law enforcement agency on your behalf. In most cases, production will be invoiced upon completion of the project.

Note: In the event of cancellation, the Film Commission requires 24 business hours’ notice to cancel any requested officers on a production’s behalf. Otherwise, the production will be responsible for agreed-upon officer payments or contacting the proper authorities directly to confirm cancellation.

Traffic Assistance

All types of traffic restrictions require a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan and/or enough officer assistance to control and redirect traffic properly and safely. The Film Commission will communicate with the appropriate law enforcement agency and traffic engineering to determine the requirements for your request. As a general rule, traffic engineering departments favor the closure of major roads during off-peak hours (7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday to Thursday). Roads that incur light traffic are easier to close during daytime hours and for longer periods of time. Please note that road closures and traffic change requests require a minimum of five business days’ notice.

Airport Guidelines

There are several airports of varying sizes in the Orlando region that can accommodate production requests. The Film Commission will assist you in determining which may be a good fit for your project and will assist you in contacting them directly.

Special FX

The Orlando Film Commission will do everything in our power to streamline your production, but regulations do exist. Special effects coordinators who plan to use explosives or fireworks, such as squibs, black powder charges and air mortars, must satisfy several requirements:

  • The permit application must include a detailed explanation of the explosion and what substances are needed for the effect.
  • Special effects explosions, whether audible or visible, large or small, must be carried out by a certified special effects technician. A certificate must be attached to the permit application.
  • A certificate of insurance naming the city or county additionally insured for $5 million must accompany the permit.
  • Additional requirements may exist dependent upon jurisdiction.

Environmental Protection

A number of activities, most of them seemingly harmless, can have a significant impact on natural systems and the environment. State law and policy mandate that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) safeguard our natural environment through regulation and ecosystem management.

A number of activities, most of them seemingly harmless, can have a significant impact on natural systems and the environment. State law and policy mandate that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) safeguard our natural environment through regulation and ecosystem management. The DEP provides assistance in permitting requirements, as well as contacts, liaisons and district representatives statewide. Call DEP Office of the Ombudsman at 850.245.2118.