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Jacksonville, FL Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Film location permits in Jacksonville, FL, sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations, cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.

Key Facts

Permit authority
Film Commissioner, Office of Economic Development
Application deadline
At least 10 working days ahead
Required insurance
$1,000,000 general liability minimum
Violation penalty
Class D offense, permit suspension/revocation
Small-crew exemption
3 or fewer, handheld, no closures

Summary

Any commercial filming, photography, or motion picture production on Jacksonville's public streets, parks, or right-of-way needs a production permit from the Film Commissioner before shooting begins.

No person shall film or take photos or do any other type of motion photography for any commercial purpose within a State or local publicly owned or controlled site, facility, or right-of-way within the City of Jacksonville without first obtaining a permit.

Source: Jacksonville Office of Film and TVView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Jacksonville Ordinance Code § 123.205 bars filming, photographing, or any commercial motion photography on state or local public property, facilities, or rights-of-way without a production permit. The Office of Economic Development's Film Commissioner issues permits after applicants file at least 10 working days ahead (up to 180 days), disclose locations, special effects, street-closure needs, and provide $1,000,000 general liability insurance plus workers' compensation coverage and an indemnification agreement. Small crews of three or fewer shooting handheld student or personal-use footage, and breaking news coverage, are exempt. Once issued, the permit substitutes for other City permits covering the same activity.

Violations & Fines

Filming without a permit, or violating permit terms, is a class D offense under § 632.101; the City can also suspend or revoke the permit and halt production immediately for noncompliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to film in Jacksonville?
Yes: any commercial filming, photography, or video production on Jacksonville's public property or right-of-way requires a production permit from the Film Commissioner before you begin shooting, per § 123.205.
Is a small student film crew exempt?
Yes, if three or fewer people use handheld equipment for personal or educational use, don't close streets, use weapons or pyrotechnics, or request exclusive use of City property.
How much does a filming permit cost?
The code sets no flat fee; applicants pay the City's actual extraordinary service costs (police, equipment, personnel), estimated before issuance and reconciled after the shoot wraps.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jacksonville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsProduction NoiseSome RestrictionsStreet ClosuresSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Jacksonville rules

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