Film location permits in Maricopa County, AZ — sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations — cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
The Maricopa County Office of Film and Digital Media issues filming permits for unincorporated county locations and coordinates with the Arizona Office of Film and Digital Media. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe each operate separate city film offices with their own fees.
Maricopa County's Film Office processes commercial filming permits for unincorporated areas including South Mountain, Spur Cross, and county parks under ARS 11-251 county authority. Permit fees range from $250 daily for student work to $2,500 for major productions. Insurance coverage of $1 million general liability is required. State film office at AZfilm.az.gov coordinates statewide tax incentives under the 2023 Arizona Film and Digital Media Production Tax Credit (ARS 41-1517). Phoenix Film Office issues city permits via phxfilm.com. Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler have separate film offices. State trust land filming requires Arizona State Land Department permits. Federal lands like Tonto National Forest need US Forest Service authorization separately.
Filming without a permit on county property is trespass under ARS 13-1502 (Class 3 misdemeanor, 30 days jail and $500 fine). Cities impose civil fines $250-$2,500. Lost tax-credit eligibility under ARS 41-1517 is a major commercial penalty.
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See how Maricopa County's location permits rules stack up against other locations.
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