PALM BEACH COUNTY FILM & TELEVISION COMMISSION (FTC) FAQ’S
I do not know where I want to shoot, can the FTC assist in helping me find a location?
How do I obtain a permit to film on public property in Palm Beach County?
Do I need a permit?
Do I need insurance to pull a permit?
Do I need workers compensation?
If my insurance agent requires additional information, whom should they telephone?
May I use my insurance certificate again later in the year?
May I bring a blank certificate and fill in the municipality names when I decide where I want to shoot and complete the information in handwriting?
Is there a charge for the permit?
Are there any instances in which I will be charged?
What do I do if I need extra services, i.e. parking meters bagged, police escort, streets closed, mobile home parking, etc.?
I am doing stunts and/or special effects during my shoot, what do I need to fill out and how much insurance is required?
I am a student, how do I obtain a student permit?
How will I know that my permit application has been approved?
Will I get to speak to the county/municipal/taxing district contact myself?
How do I know which town has jurisdiction over the area I've chosen?
If I need a list of local services in the Palm Beach County area, where do I get referrals?
What if I need help over the weekend or in the evenings?
I do not know where I want to shoot, can the FTC assist in helping me find a location?
Yes, the FTC maintains a digital locations library with over 10,000 photos. Please click on locations database to start viewing photos. The Location Coordinator can also set up a scout for you, free of charge, please click on request a scout.
How do I obtain a permit to film on public property in Palm Beach County?
Permits are issued for commercial productions taking place on public property (i.e. parks, beaches, streets, sidewalks, public buildings) within 33 film-friendly municipalities and taxing districts in Palm Beach County. Please allow three business days to process a standard permit. If you need a permit processed in less than three days, please notify our office immediately. Shoots involving road closures, intermittent traffic control, closing off public areas, etc., will take longer to process. Please click on request a permit to get started.
Do I need a permit?
A film permit is not required for individuals filming or videotaping only for their own personal or private use or for employees of print or electronic news media when filming breaking news. If you are unsure if you will be required to obtain a film permit, please call our office.
Do I need insurance to pull a permit?
Yes, please click on insurance requirements for more information.
Do I need workers compensation?
Palm Beach County requires anyone working in the County to provide workers compensation. The only exception is when the company does not have any employees, only executive officers, partners or proprietors. In that case the company may submit a workers comp waiver.
If my insurance agent requires additional information, whom should they telephone?
Please have your agent contact the FTC with any questions.
Since insurance requirements are very specific, we urge you to give your agent a copy of these questions.
May I use my insurance certificate again later in the year?
Yes, provided the insurance is still in effect. Most certificates have a specific length of active time plus a cancellation time frame. The FTC will hold your insurance certificates on file.
May I bring a blank certificate and fill in the municipality names when I decide where I want to shoot and complete the information in handwriting?
No, all information on insurance certificates must be completed by the insurance company for proper validation. This can easily be accommodated by fax, e-mail or overnight mail service.
Is there a charge for the permit?
Absolutely not! Our services are free of charge courtesy of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners.
Are there any instances in which I will be charged?
Should you request extra services involving labor, off-duty police officers, fire rescue, EMS, etc., the municipality/ agency involved will provide them at government cost. Palm Beach County does not allow any overcharge other than the normal government pay rate. We are happy to assist you in arranging for those services.
What do I do if I need extra services, i.e. parking meters bagged, police escort, streets closed, mobile home parking, etc.?
The FTC will make contact with the representative of the agency with whom you will be working to discuss all of your production needs. If necessary, a conference call can be placed so you can discuss your needs with that person.
I am doing stunts and/or special effects during my shoot, what do I need to fill out and how much insurance is required?
Please click on request a permit to get started. You will need stunt liability insurance with a limit not less than $5 million each occurrence. Please click on insurance requirements for more information.
I am a student, how do I obtain a student permit?
Please click on student permitting for more information.
How will I know that my permit application has been approved?
The FTC will email/fax the approved permit to you and the appropriate municipality or municipalities once it has been signed by an authorized FTC employee. Please have it available for inspection while on location, should it be requested by a local authority.
Will I get to speak to the county/municipal/taxing district contact myself?
Once the FTC obtains the details of your shoot, we will be happy to arrange a telephone conference call with the local official to introduce you and to allow you to further explain your needs. Please call the FTC when other needs arise so we can assist coordinating the calls. If special circumstances and conditions arise after the initial conversation, the FTC will be happy to put you back in touch with the municipality needed. That contact will be giving ultimate approval for filming to take place.
How do I know which town has jurisdiction over the area I've chosen?
Once you have chosen your location, contact the FTC and we will identify the municipality for you. We can also provide you with information as to areas that are film friendly.
If I need a list of local services in the Palm Beach County area, where do I get referrals?
The FTC has many resources to assist you with your production. We would be happy to provide you with any of the following:
- Palm Beach County Production Guide
- A list of Palm Beach County Production Companies
- An area map
- Palm Beach County Visitors Guide
- Palm Beach County Vacation Planner
- Local hotels that have expressed an interest in working with production companies
- Brochures on local attractions and events
A complete production package can be mailed to you free of charge by calling 561.233.1000.
What if I need help over the weekend or in the evenings?
Office hours are from 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday. If you have a production emergency, the FTC’s Management team is available to you 24hours a day/7 days a week.
Director of Operations and Programs-Michelle Hillery-561.308.5502
Production Manager-Jill Margolius-561.352.4499
