Alachua County, FL Special Events & Permits: Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way (2026)
Key Facts
- Advance notice required
- 15 calendar days before filming
- Crew exemption threshold
- 14 people or fewer
- Signage limit
- 16 sq ft per sign
- Permit authority
- Growth Management Director
- Revocation bar
- 12-month permit ban
- Governing law
- Alachua County Code § 402.153
Summary
Filming a commercial production on unincorporated Alachua County property requires a temporary filming permit from the Growth Management Director at least 15 calendar days before the shoot. Crews of 14 people or fewer, news-media coverage, personal videos, and student projects are exempt. The Director can suspend or revoke a permit for noncompliance, and violators face the Code's general penalty.
(a)Applicability. All temporary filming permits shall be required from the County prior to the temporary filming use of property in unincorporated Alachua County which, because of the activities' impact on public infrastructure, services, and surrounding land uses, requires a permit. The issuance of a temporary filming permit shall not be deemed to amend the official zoning map or this ULDC.(1)The following filming activities are exempt from this Article provided that public streets, rights-of-way, and public sidewalks are not closed due to the activity and the activity does not create on-street parking impacts:a.Filming activity for print or electronic news media when filming news events, newspaper, press association, newsreel or television news by media personnel.b.Filming activity with a film production crew and talent of fourteen (14) people or less.c.Individuals filming or videotaping for noncommercial personal or family use only.d.Student and faculty filming activity exclusively for educational purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).
Full Breakdown
153, anyone conducting temporary filming activity on property in unincorporated Alachua County must obtain a permit before shooting if the activity affects public infrastructure, services, or surrounding land uses. 85 without substantial offsite impact, and law-enforcement filming for investigations. Applicants who need a permit must submit at least fifteen calendar days before the filming date, describing the production's activities, crew size, hours, and any amplified sound, camping, or drone use, plus a site development plan showing trailers, parking, signage, and setbacks from adjacent property. 47.
Insurance proof through County Risk Management is required for shoots on County property. A revoked permit bars the applicant from any new filming permit in unincorporated Alachua County for twelve months.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance with permit conditions, or a materially false application, lets the Director suspend the permit immediately, first communicated orally, then confirmed in writing, and all filming must stop until the violation is fixed. Continued noncompliance can lead to outright revocation, which blocks the same applicant from obtaining another filming permit anywhere in unincorporated Alachua County for twelve months. The County can also pursue an injunction or general Code penalties under §§ 10.08–10.09, up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this permit apply if I'm filming in Gainesville?
Do small productions need a permit at all?
How far ahead do I need to apply?
What happens if I violate my filming permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alachua County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Alachua County to another location·View the Florida special events & permits overview
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