Filming & Production in Orlando, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Orlando or are thinking about moving there, filming & production are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Orlando has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of filming & production, and some of them might surprise you.

Street Closures

A production that needs to close a public street or sidewalk in Orlando must disclose that in its Chapter 3 permit application. Section 3.06(2)(f) requires applicants to state the necessity for the closure and its duration before the Film Commissioner will issue the permit that authorizes it.

Key details: Disclosure required: Necessity and duration of street/sidewalk closure, §3.06(2)(f). Permit issued by: Film Commissioner (single one-stop permit). Extraordinary service costs: City recovers direct costs, §3.08. Non-compliance consequence: Immediate suspension, then possible revocation, §3.05(2). Governing section: Orlando City Code §3.06(2)(f).

Closing a street or sidewalk beyond what the permit authorizes, or without disclosing the closure in the Section 3.06(2)(f) application, is grounds for immediate suspension of the production under Section 3.05(2), first communicated orally, then by written suspension order, and can lead to permit revocation for continued non-compliance. Conducting the closure without any permit at all is punishable under Section 1.08: up to $500 in fines, up to 60 days in jail, or both.

Location Permits

Anyone shooting a commercial motion picture, TV, video or film production in Orlando must get a production permit from the City's Film Commissioner before starting. The application must list every filming location plus duration, insurance and equipment, filed under oath five to 180 days before production begins under City Code Chapter 3.

Key details: Permitting authority: Film Commissioner (Mid-Florida Industrial Development Commission). Application window: 5 to 180 days before filming begins. Required disclosure: All production location(s), §3.06(2)(a). General liability insurance: $1,000,000 minimum, City as additional insured. Governing section: Orlando City Code §3.06.

Starting or advertising a production before the location permit issues violates Section 3.05(1) and is punishable under Section 1.08: a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. The Film Commissioner may also suspend an active production immediately, first orally, then by written order, and revoke the permit outright for continued non-compliance under Section 3.05(2).

The Bottom Line

Orlando's filming & production rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Orlando is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Orlando's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.