Suffolk County, NY Filming & Production: Student Filming (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, even for student films
- Fee for student films
- Waived at non-airport county facilities
- Application lead time
- At least 5 business days
- Proof required
- Letter from school confirming curriculum
- Governing chapter
- Suffolk County Code Ch. 463
Summary
Suffolk County waives film permit fees for student productions made under a New York-chartered school's curriculum, though a Suffolk County film permit is still required to shoot on county property or facilities.
STUDENT FILMS — Motion pictures, television and still photography produced pursuant to the curriculum of an educational institution chartered by the State of New York. No person, directly or indirectly, shall receive a profit from the marketing and production of the film or from showing the films, tapes, or photos.
Full Breakdown
Suffolk County Code Chapter 463 requires a Suffolk County film permit for any motion picture, television or still photography production on county-owned property or facilities. Section 463-2 defines a STUDENT FILM as one produced pursuant to the curriculum of a New York State-chartered educational institution, with no person receiving a profit from its marketing, production or exhibition. Under § 463-9C the county waives the permit fee for qualifying student and charitable productions at county facilities other than the airport. Applicants must still file the Uniform Film Permit Application at least five business days ahead and, per § 463-7A(9), attach a letter from the school confirming the project is curricular.
Violations & Fines
Filming without a permit, or violating a permit's terms or the program's rules, results in the permit being canceled and can be grounds for denial of future Suffolk County film permits under § 463-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Suffolk County student filmmakers need a permit?
Is there a fee for a student film permit in Suffolk County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York filming & production overview
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