Permits

Production permits in the Florida Keys & Key West are issued without charge.

If shooting is to occur on private property only, a permit is not required although all production companies are requested to notify the Florida Keys & Key West Film Office regarding their intentions, whether on private or public property.

The film office can facilitate your permitting needs whether with Monroe County, Islamorada, Marathon or Key West. We can provide you with the permit applications and answer your questions.

Both the county and film office require a current insurance certificate indemnifying the appropriate county and/or municipality for a minimum of $1 million. Location fees may apply for use of government buildings and parks.

Permits are not issued with less than 48 hours notice and it is advisable to provide at least a two-week notice. The Florida Department of Transportation asks for a 30-day notice. If the project is a feature film, the permit procedure should begin as soon as a location has been chosen.

For state roads and bridges in the Keys, the Florida Department of Transportation must be contacted and require a 30-day notice, as well as the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. The Key West Police Department should be notified if intentions are to shoot on Key West city streets. As a facet of the permitting process, local officials may require production companies to hire local officers to assist in traffic control.

If production requires shooting in adjacent waters, the Florida Marine Patrol and the United States Coast Guard need to be advised of the activity. Waters of Monroe County fall within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Permits from FKNMS may be required for certain on-water filming or photography activities; contact FKNMS for information.

The following table lists permit names and numbers. In addition, the Film Commission Office stands by to provide additional support.