Film permits are necessary for all film, video, photography and other media projects on public property, residential locations, when city services are required, or when productions may impact traffic/residents/city services.
Before we get started, let’s make sure you’re only filming in the City of Miami Beach. This municipality is within the Miami-Dade County, and includes everywhere from Fisher Island up to North Beach. If you’re unsure if you fall under the boundary, click here to check an interactive online map that can show you!
Just as important, make sure to confirm if your production plans on using any services of the Miami-Dade County. This includes services such as the police and fire department, county roads, and more. If you’re not using these services to film, then you won’t need any county-wide permits.
If you plan on filming anywhere outside of the boundaries, or using any Miami-Dade services, use the Filmiami.org One-Stop Permit. They charge a $100 permit application fee that is non-refundable.
Now that we’ve established that you’re filming only in the City of Miami Beach, we can begin!
In order to receive a permit, you need 3 things:
- Indemnity Agreement: By signing this agreement, your company will be held accountable for any damage done within Miami Beach as a result of the production. This includes anything from lawsuits to property damage on any property within the city. It must be signed by the legally authorized member of your group, and submitted to the Office of Film and Print. As well, it must carry a corporate seal or be notarized. You can fax the agreement to the office for your first permit, but an original is needed for all permit applications after.
- Certificate of General Liability Insurance: In other words, your production needs to be insured for a minimum of one million dollars. This depends on your equipment, size of crew, etc. Standard productions often get insured for more than that. You have to name the certificate holder as “City of Miami Beach” with the address, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. The insurance certificate must be emailed to the film office for the jurisdiction where you want to film. The wording to appear on the insurance certificates is: “Certificate holder is named as an Additional insured as their interests may appear, but only as to respects claims arising out of the operations of the Named Insured”.
- Apply! There is no application fee for the City of Miami Beach Film and Print Permit Online.
For further questions, continue to the following blog posts or contact Miami Beach below:
Film Permits in City of Miami Beach: Ultimate Permit Guide
City of Miami Beach: What Type of Film Permit do you Need?
City of Miami Beach: Film Permit Guidelines in Residential Areas
Miami-Dade County: How to Get Filming Permits!
City of Miami Beach Film and Print Office
Film Line: 305-673-7070
Main Line: 305-673-7577
General Inquiries: film@miamibeachfl.g