Filming on Dallas County parks, courthouses, or roads requires advance coordination with the relevant county department. The Dallas County Sheriff handles filming on county-controlled property; cities permit filming on city land.
Dallas County does not operate a unified film office. Productions wishing to shoot at the Old Red Courthouse, Dallas County Courthouse complex, county parks like Crawford Memorial Park, or unincorporated county roads must contact the relevant department directly. The Dallas County Sheriff's Office coordinates security and access for county facilities. The City of Dallas Office of Special Events handles permits within Dallas city limits, including most major filming locations. Productions typically need certificates of insurance, liability waivers, and may pay location and security fees. Texas state law authorizes counties to manage their own property; commercial filming on private land does not require a county permit.
Unauthorized filming on county property may be treated as criminal trespass under Texas Penal Code 30.05, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days jail.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle location permits.
See how DeSoto's location permits rules stack up against other locations.
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