Permits & Permissions

A Lee County shoot permit is required when:

• You are producing a feature film, TV special/commercial/pilot/series, industrial film/video or photography shoot that affects public property, equipment or facilities.

• Your production is taking place on private property and involves the use of pyrotechnics, explosives or other incendiary devices, firearms or use of gunfire or involves stunts of any kind.

• Your production is taking place on public property in unincorporated Lee County.

To download the Lee County permit application for motion pictures or television projects, click here.

To download the Lee County permit application for video or photography projects, click here.

NOTE: Projects requiring street closures, stunts, special effects and other unusual circumstances should allow substantial lead-time for arrangements and approval. Most locations are available with no permit or location fees. Exceptions may include the City of Sanibel, the town of Fort Myers Beach and state parks.

Insurance Requirements

As part of the Lee County permit application process, a certificate of insurance is required. “Lee County Board of Commissioners and Municipalities" must be listed as certificate holder and as additionally insured. If filming within Fort Myers, Sanibel, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach, the city(ies) must also be listed as certificate holders and additionally insured. This can be done on the same certificate of insurance. Comprehensive general liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 or more combined single limit is required, along with a hold harmless agreement.

To download a sample certificate of insurance, click here.

Note that additional permits may be required:

Depending upon the particular location(s) of your production, additional permit(s) may be required. For example, the following municipalities require shoot permits: the City of Sanibel, the town of Fort Myers Beach and state parks. Note that fees may apply for these permits.

To download the Florida State Park photography permit, click here.