Moving Picture Rental crew on location in Lee County
A Lee County film permit is required for most productions shooting on public property in Southwest Florida. These include the barrier islands, Gulf beaches, tropical waterways, and the Everglades border, making it one of Florida’s most distinctive production destinations. Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs each offer visually unique environments with relatively streamlined permit processes. Moving Picture Rental, with a dedicated Fort Myers facility, walks you through the full permit picture.
Who Issues a Lee County Film Permit?
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Film Office is the primary permitting contact. Reach Miriam Dotson at mdotson@leegov.com or visit visitfortmyers.com/permits-permissions.
When Is a Permit Required in Lee County?
A permit IS required when the production involves public property, when the crew is 5 or more people using non-handheld equipment, when the project requires street closures, stunts, or special effects, or when filming involves pyrotechnics, explosives, or firearms — even on private property.
A permit is NOT required for filming on private property with the owner’s permission (unless pyrotechnics or stunts are involved), for still photography, or for news media covering breaking events.
What Are the Lee County Film Permit Requirements?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit Fee (County Property) | Free for Lee County Government property (beaches, parks, unincorporated areas) |
| Incorporated City Permits | Separate permits required for Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers Beach |
| General Liability Insurance | Minimum $1,000,000 Comprehensive General Liability per occurrence |
| Certificate Holders | Lee County Board of Commissioners must be listed. Cities where filming occurs must also be named as certificate holders and additionally insured (can be on the same COI). |
| Lead Time | Minimum 3 business days for standard permits |
| J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR | 30 days preferred lead time. Special use application required — contact the Film Office. |
| Drone / UAS Filming | Proof of FAA exemption required. Prohibited above nature preserves and federal lands without prior clearance. |
| Still Photography | Does not require a permit on county property |
Incorporated Cities — Separate Permits Required
Productions shooting within any of Lee County’s incorporated cities must apply separately to each city’s permitting authority. Contact the Film Office for current requirements for each city.
- City of Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Sanibel Island
- Bonita Springs
- Fort Myers Beach
- Estero
Filming at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is one of the most sought-after natural filming locations in Southwest Florida — and one that requires the most lead time. A special use application is required, and the Lee County Film Office has the application on file. Start the process at least 30 days before your intended shoot date. Drone filming above the refuge requires additional federal clearance beyond standard FAA exemption.
Contact Information
Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Film Office
Contact: Miriam Dotson | Email: mdotson@leegov.com
Web: visitfortmyers.com/permits-permissions
Frequently Asked Questions About Lee County Film Permits
Q: Do you need a film permit in Lee County Florida?
A: Yes, for shoots on public property with a crew of 5 or more people using non-handheld equipment, or for any shoot involving stunts, pyrotechnics, explosives, or firearms. Still photography and news media covering breaking events are exempt.
Q: How much does a Lee County film permit cost?
A: Lee County permits for county-owned property are free. Shoots within incorporated cities — Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers Beach — require separate city-level permits that may carry their own fees.
Q: What insurance is required for a Lee County film permit?
A: A minimum of $1,000,000 Comprehensive General Liability per occurrence is required. The Lee County Board of Commissioners must be listed as certificate holder, along with any cities where filming occurs on the same COI.
Q: How long does a J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge film permit take?
A: A lead time of 30 days is preferred. A special use application is required — the Lee County Film Office has the application on file and can assist with the process.
Q: Can you fly drones for filming in Lee County?
A: Drone filming requires proof of FAA exemption and advance coordination with the Lee County Film Office. Drone filming above nature preserves and federal lands requires additional permits and clearances.
About Moving Picture Rental:
Moving Picture Rental is Florida’s one-stop shop for all your production services and rental needs. As your on-site production partner, we share our collective filmmaking experience, guiding your team to the right gear and crew for the job.
We provide digital cinema camera rentals, lens rentals, film lighting packages, grip truck rentals, walkie-talkies, and expendables at competitive prices.
We’ll connect you with our network of seasoned camera crews and assistants, grips, gaffers, sound mixers, hair and makeup, and PAs. We’re in the business of helping your production succeed.
Planning a Lee County Production? Moving Picture Rental Is Right There in Fort Myers.
Moving Picture Rental operates a dedicated Fort Myers facility serving Southwest Florida productions. We supply vetted crews, digital cine cameras, lenses, G&E, production supplies, and 24/7 delivery.
Miami / Fort Lauderdale: (305) 522-1361
Orlando: (407) 674-2054
Fort Myers: (239) 288-0351
Tampa: (813) 296-2737
Or request a quote.
Disclaimer: The permit requirements, fees, insurance minimums, and application procedures referenced in this post are based on publicly available information from the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Film Office at the time of publication. Requirements are subject to change. Contact the Film Office directly to confirm current details before your shoot. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
About The Author
David Wells - Moving Picture President
David Wells is the President of Moving Picture Rental, where he has the privilege of wearing many hats -- Producer, Director, Cameraman, and Technologist. An entrepreneur at heart, Wells injects creativity and innovation into every role and helps guide producers and filmmakers with their projects. Call David Wells and his team, and they’ll show you how to make your production an outstanding one.
