Film Permit Guides by City
Know the rules before you book.
Los AngelesCA
- 1FilmLA is the one-stop permit office for the City and County of LA
- 2Permits required for most commercial filming on public and private property
- 3Standard permit: $625 for the first day of filming
- 4Apply at least 5 business days in advance
- 5Residential areas have additional neighbor notification requirements
Pro tip: LA is the most permit-intensive market. Budget extra lead time and budget for the $625 base fee.
AtlantaGA
City of Atlanta Office of Film & Entertainment
- 1Georgia Film Office oversees statewide film activity
- 2City permits handled through Atlanta's Office of Film & Entertainment
- 3Georgia's 30% tax credit makes it the #2 filming market in the US
- 4Permit costs typically $100–$500 depending on scope and location
Pro tip: Georgia's tax incentives are unbeatable. Plan early — Atlanta productions are booking fast.
New York CityNY
Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME)
- 1Managed by NYC's Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME)
- 2Free permits for most filming on public property
- 3Apply at least 5 business days before your shoot date
- 4Each borough (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) has specific rules
Pro tip: NYC permits are free but logistics are complex. Parking, noise ordinances, and neighbor relations require careful planning.
AustinTX
Austin Film Commission
- 1Austin Film Commission handles all city permitting inquiries
- 2Permits required for commercial filming on public property
- 3Private property filming generally does not require a city permit
- 4Texas has no state income tax — a significant production incentive
Pro tip: Austin's private property rules give you more flexibility than most major markets. Great for scout-and-go productions.
MiamiFL
Miami-Dade Film Commission
- 1Miami-Dade Film Commission coordinates all film permits
- 2Permits required for filming in public spaces throughout the county
- 3Apply 5–10 business days in advance
- 4Beach and waterfront locations require additional permits from Parks & Recreation
Pro tip: Weather is your biggest wildcard in Miami. Build buffer days into your schedule.
NashvilleTN
Nashville Film Office
- 1Nashville Film Office is the single point of contact for city permits
- 2Permits required for filming on public property in Davidson County
- 3Tennessee's 25% incentive program applies to qualifying productions
- 4Music industry ties make Nashville uniquely well-equipped for music video shoots
Pro tip: Nashville is an underrated filming market. Less competition for permits, strong local crew base.
New OrleansLA
Louisiana Entertainment Office
- 1Louisiana Entertainment Office administers permits and incentives statewide
- 2Louisiana Entertainment tax credit: 25–40% on qualifying production spend
- 3One of the most generous film incentive programs in the United States
- 4Permits for filming on public property managed through the City of New Orleans
- 5Historic districts (French Quarter, Garden District) may have additional requirements
Pro tip: Louisiana's 25–40% tax credit is among the best in the country. Apply through the Louisiana Entertainment office well in advance — productions book fast.
This is general guidance. Always verify with your local film office — permit requirements change frequently.
Need help? Use our Location Concierge and we'll help navigate permits for your specific shoot.
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