Film location permits in Harris County, TX — sometimes called film shoot permits, production permits, or filming authorizations — cover commercial photography, video shoots, and motion picture production.
Harris County requires a Film Production Permit for commercial filming on county-owned roads, parks, and buildings, coordinated through the Harris County Film Commission. The Sheriff's Office handles traffic control and ROW closures while the County Attorney reviews insurance and indemnification for productions.
Harris County Film Commission, housed under the Harris County Toll Road Authority and Engineering, issues filming permits for commercial productions on county roads, bridges, parks, and unincorporated rights-of-way. Productions must apply at least five business days in advance, provide one-million-dollar general liability insurance naming Harris County as additional insured, and pay a per-day fee plus Sheriff overtime when traffic control or road closures are required. Inside the City of Houston, the Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs issues separate permits. The Texas Film Commission acts as a clearinghouse and confirms statewide tax incentive eligibility. Student and news filming under Texas Government Code Chapter 503 are typically exempt with proof of educational or journalistic intent.
Filming on county property without a permit can result in a Class C misdemeanor under trespass and obstruction of roadway statutes (Penal Code 30.05 and Transportation Code 545.404), with fines up to $500 plus liability for any traffic disruption damages.
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See how Harris County's location permits rules stack up against other locations.
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