Miami Filming Permits and Site Releases

Events and Special Uses Florida 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Florida

In Miami, Florida productions must secure permits and signed site releases before filming on public streets, right-of-way, or private property that affects access. The City of Miami Film Office coordinates city permits and requirements for location use, while Miami-Dade County permits cover county-owned sites and some public property. Private property owners provide site release forms that productions must keep on file. This guide explains which offices handle permits and releases, where to find official forms, enforcement pathways, and practical steps producers should follow to avoid delays and fines.

Who Issues Permits & Site Releases

The City of Miami Film Office issues city filming permits and guidance for shooting on city streets, parks, and public property. City Film Office - Film Permits[1]

  • The City of Miami Film Office handles city permits, location conditions, and coordination with municipal departments.
  • Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment issues permits for county property and liaison for regional shoots.
  • Private property releases must be signed by the property owner or authorized agent; productions retain the release as part of the permit packet.
Always check whether your planned location is city, county, or private property before applying.

When to Contact Which Office

Contact the City Film Office for shoots involving city streets, sidewalks, parks, or facilities; contact Miami-Dade County for county-owned locations and regional coordination. For any public safety or traffic control requirements, the City of Miami Police Department and Public Works are usually engaged during permit review.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unpermitted filming or noncompliance is carried out by the City of Miami Film Office, Code Compliance, and the Miami Police Department; municipal code provisions and permit conditions control sanctions. The municipal code and permitting pages should be consulted for official procedures and citations.[3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences — not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or cease-use orders, permit revocation, seizure of equipment, and referral to code enforcement or court actions.
  • Enforcers and complaints: contact the City Film Office or Code Compliance via the official city contact pages listed below.
  • Appeals and review: procedures and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If you are cited for filming without a permit, document your permit history and site releases immediately.

Applications & Forms

  • Film permit application: available from the City of Miami Film Office; check the official film permits page for the current application and submission instructions.[1]
  • Fees: fee schedules for filming permits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Site release template: private property release requirements are referenced on film office guidance and must be signed by property owners.

Action Steps for Producers

  • Identify property owner and jurisdiction (city, county, or private) before applying.
  • Apply to the City Film Office with completed site release(s), script/shot list, and traffic plans if blocking lanes.
  • Confirm fee payment and insurance certificates as required by the permit office.
  • Schedule required inspections or police details through permit approval channels.

FAQ

Do I always need a permit to film in Miami?
Yes for public streets, parks, and city-owned property; private property often requires a signed site release plus any applicable city permits for impacts on public access.
Who must sign a site release?
The property owner or an authorized agent must sign a written site release; productions should retain originals with the permit packet.
How long does permit approval take?
Processing times vary by scope and season; specific review timelines are not specified on the cited pages, so apply early and confirm with the City Film Office.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the location is city, county, or private property.
  2. Contact the City of Miami Film Office to request the film permit application and guidance.[1]
  3. Obtain signed site release(s) from private owners and gather insurance certificates and traffic plans.
  4. Submit the completed application, releases, and fees as instructed by the Film Office and follow up until you receive written approval.

Key Takeaways

  • City Film Office is the first point of contact for Miami public locations.
  • Private property still needs signed site releases retained with permits.
  • Enforcement can include stop-work orders and other administrative actions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Miami Film Office - Film Permits
  2. [2] Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment
  3. [3] City of Miami Code of Ordinances

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