By David Wells, President, Moving Picture Rental — Updated April 2026
Quick Summary:
The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission issues permits for over 50 municipalities at no charge. Insurance minimums start at $1,000,000 general liability, rising to $5,000,000 for stunts or special effects.
Allow at least 3 business days for a standard Palm Beach County film permit.
Important exception: The Town of Palm Beach is handled separately with its own strict requirements, fees, and a filming blackout period November 15 through April 15.
Moving Picture Rental regularly serves productions across Palm Beach County from our South Florida facilities.
Palm Beach County is one of Florida’s most visually diverse production destinations: waterfront estates, urban West Palm Beach, tropical golf courses, and the northern Everglades edge. The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission reported $260 million in production spend in 2025, a record, making the county one of the most active production markets in the state. Here’s exactly what your production needs to get permitted.
Who Issues the Palm Beach County film permit?
The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission offers free one-stop permitting for over 50 municipalities, taxing districts, and county entities. Reach them at (561) 233-1000 or visit pbfilm.com.
Exception: Town of Palm Beach
The Film & Television Commission does NOT issue permits for the Town of Palm Beach. Filming there requires a separate application to the Town Clerk 30 to 45 days in advance with Town Council approval.
Blackout period: No filming is permitted between November 15 and April 15. Filming is restricted to commercial zones only, with a maximum of 7 filming days per month.
Fees: $1,500 non-refundable application fee + $1,000 per filming day.
Insurance minimums: General liability: $10,000,000. Aircraft: $100,000,000. Watercraft: $25,000,000.
What Are the Palm Beach County Film Permit Requirements?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit Fee | Free. No application or amendment fees. Special service costs (police, road closures, facility rental) quoted separately. |
| General Liability Insurance | Minimum $1,000,000 comprehensive or commercial general liability per occurrence |
| Stunts / Special Effects | Minimum $5,000,000 policy required |
| Vehicles / Watercraft / Aircraft | Additional coverage required. Consult Film Commission for exact requirements. |
| Drone / UAS Filming | Additional $2,000,000 liability insurance required. FAA certification required. |
| Workers Compensation | Required. If no employees (only executive officers/partners), submit exemption form. |
| Auto Liability | Required if filming from or between vehicles. $1,000,000 minimum. |
| Lead Time | Minimum 3 business days for standard permits. Large commercial projects: pre-production meeting recommended at least 3 weeks before shoot. |
| COI Language | Exact wording sent by the Film Commission after application is submitted. Each municipality has its own preferred language. |
| Neighbor Notification | Residents and businesses near the filming location must be notified in advance |
Additional Permits for Special Situations
- Prop Firearms / Police Uniforms: Off-duty law enforcement must be assigned to your location
- Road Closures / Traffic Control: Require additional lead time and coordination through the Film Commission
- State Parks (DEP): Contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection directly
- Port of Palm Beach: Separate port permit required; certified security escort required at production’s expense
- Private Property in Residential Areas: Permit may be required if filming impacts adjacent public areas or involves pyrotechnics/stunts
How the Palm Beach County film permit Connects to Film Incentives
While Palm Beach County does not currently operate its own local film incentive rebate program like Broward or Miami-Dade, productions shooting in the county still benefit from the statewide Florida Production Sales Tax Exemption (Florida Statute s. 212.08). Your permit documentation and local vendor records support your eligibility for the tax exemption. For the full statewide picture, see our Florida Film Incentives 2026: County-by-County Comparison.
Contact Information
Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission
Phone: (561) 233-1000 | Toll-free: (800) 745-3456
Email: ctricoli@pbfilm.com
Web: pbfilm.com | Permits: permits.pbfilm.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Beach County Film Permits
Q: How much does a Palm Beach County film permit cost?
A: Film permits in Palm Beach County are free. No application or amendment fees. Exception: the Town of Palm Beach charges a $1,500 non-refundable application fee plus $1,000 per filming day.
Q: What insurance is required for a Palm Beach County film permit?
A: A minimum of $1,000,000 in comprehensive or commercial general liability is required. Stunts or special effects require a $5,000,000 policy. Drone filming requires an additional $2,000,000 in liability coverage. Additional coverage is required for vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft.
Q: Does the Film Commission issue permits for the Town of Palm Beach?
A: No. The Town of Palm Beach requires a separate application to the Town Clerk 30 to 45 days in advance with Town Council approval. No filming is permitted between November 15 and April 15. Insurance minimum is $10,000,000 general liability. Filming is restricted to commercial zones with a maximum of 7 days per month.
Q: How far in advance should you apply for a Palm Beach County film permit?
A: Allow at least 3 business days for standard permits. Large commercial productions should request a pre-production meeting at least 3 weeks before the shoot date. Road closures and special effects require additional lead time.
Q: Who issues film permits in Palm Beach County?
A: The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission issues permits for over 50 municipalities and county entities. Contact them at (561) 233-1000, toll-free at (800) 745-3456, or visit pbfilm.com.
Q: Can I fly drones for filming in Palm Beach County?
A: Yes, with an additional $2,000,000 in liability insurance and FAA certification. Contact the Film Commission before scheduling any aerial filming to confirm jurisdiction-specific requirements.
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 Palm Beach County Production? Moving Picture Rental Serves the Market.
Moving Picture Rental regularly serves productions across Palm Beach County from our South Florida facilities. 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 Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission at the time of publication. Requirements are subject to change. Contact the Film Commission 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.
