Lake County, FL Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Sec. 13-264 states the rule flatly: all persons engaging in motion photography shall obtain a production permit from the county manager prior to beginning any motion photography within Lake County. Sec. 13-263 defines motion photography as the commercial taking of a motion picture, television, videotape or film production that uses county equipment or county facilities, or that, even on private property away from a studio, involves erecting tents or temporary structures, uses pyrotechnics or explosives, or emits noise loud enough to violate the county's noise ordinance; a permit is not required for productions shot entirely at a private studio with no county equipment or facilities involved, or for news, news feature, or documentary work.

Sec. 13-265 sets the application window: it must be filed not more than 180 days before, and not less than 10 working days before the commencement of production, signed by an authorized representative. The application has to disclose the filming location, dates, hours and type of production, proof of at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance naming the county as an additional insured (rising to $5,000,000 if pyrotechnics or explosives are used), the equipment and personnel expected on site, and written consent from every private property owner whose land the cast, crew or equipment will enter.

Sec. 13-268 rewards a permit holder with a real benefit once issued: no other county permit, including zoning approvals, is required for activity covered by the production permit, though state and federal permits still apply.