Welcome to Film Tampa Bay!

Please allow at least FIVE (5) business days for projects taking place in City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City or Hillsborough County in advance of the start of production. Note, for productions requiring special assistance, including but not limited to street closures, fire watch, pyro, simulated gunfire, or additional effects, a minimum of TEN (10) business days are required. Your filming locations will determine which Certificate Holder language is required to go on your insurance certificate. The film commission will specify which COI is required after confirming receipt of your application. The correct Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be on file with the film commission before your request can be approved. 

Film Tampa Bay operates on behalf of Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, City of Plant City and City of Temple Terrace. We offer invaluable services that only a knowledgeable, passionate, “hands-on” film commission can provide. Along with the proximity and distinctiveness of our available locations, Film Tampa Bay provides local guidance, creative ideas and the experience to anticipate needs unique to the production industry, including help acquiring local crew and equipment, resolution of parking issues, neighborhood canvasing and assistance with local, regional and national talent. It’s why production companies continue to choose Tampa Bay.

First-time users need to create a FilmApp account. Each time you log in after that, FilmApp will auto-populate key fields on your application, saving you time. You'll also have a dashboard where you can view and manage all of your applications, as well as submit questions and track their response. Note, if you have previously registered with FilmApp (Example: St Pete/Clearwater / Atlanta), you may use your previous login information. 

Which projects require a permit?

Permits are required for most types of production projects. This includes commercial (paid for) Filming and Photography on most public property in any of the three cities in Hillsborough County and county - or state-managed property. Public property typically includes parks, beaches, buildings, roads, bridges, sidewalks, transportation hubs, and certain places of interest. Permits are not required for most non-commercial or personal photoshoots as long as handheld cameras and tripods are used, with no additional equipment. Some locations may have additional restrictions. Public access or right of way may not be inhibited without prior authorization and permitting.

If you are a commercial photographer taking photos in Hillsborough County Parks or Conservation Areas, and your total crew, including subjects and photographer, is 5 people or less, a film permit is not required for your shoot. This is valid in Hillsborough County Parks and Hillsborough County Conservation Areas only. This does not apply to any athletic facilities, playgrounds or shelters. Facilities, shelters, etc. must be reserved in advance on a case by case basis. Handheld cameras and tripods allowed. No additional equipment or props allowed. Professional photographers wanting to schedule a photoshoot featuring more than 5 people, props, or additional equipment must still apply for a permit.

Shoots that involve street/sidewalk blockage or closure; that include stunts, vehicle chases, fights, or weapons (real or prop); that use fire/pyrotechnics/explosives/smoke; or that involve staged photography also require a permit. Larger productions filming on private property may also need a permit if public space or neighborhoods will be impacted or if using weapons. When in doubt, please complete and submit our permit application. After we have the shoot details, we'll advise how to proceed. You may also email hwebber@visittampabay.com with questions.

See our Getting Started guide (at right) for more helpful information.