Lexington, KY Filming & Production: Location Permits (2026)

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government partners with FilmLEX (the Lexington Film Commission under VisitLEX) to administer film and entertainment permits across the city and county. The Film and Entertainment Guidelines and Code of Conduct released in October 2024 establish a consolidated permit process designed for efficiency and simplicity. Productions must submit a single permit packet containing proof of insurance, a site plan, and a drone flight map if applicable. Missing documents cause the application to remain in draft status, so FilmLEX recommends filing at least five business days before the intended shoot date. Commercial filming (video production) in LFUCG parks costs 125 dollars per day per location and commercial photography costs 40 dollars per day per location, with a calendar-year photography option at 225 dollars. All productions must carry commercial general liability insurance of at least 1 million dollars per occurrence with LFUCG listed as additional insured. Filming on public property outside parks, such as streets, plazas, and government buildings, is coordinated through the Mayor's Office and may require additional approvals from Traffic Engineering or Police. Kentucky offers a film industry tax incentive program administered by the Kentucky Film Office, which can supplement local permitting. For questions and permit submissions, contact FilmLEX at film@visitlex.com or 859-244-7728. The LFUCG online permit system at citizenconnect.lexingtonky.gov may also be used for certain filing types.