Filming Permits

 

The pristine marine environment of Dry Tortugas National Park with historic Fort Jefferson offers photographers and filmmakers unique opportunities for capturing the natural world on film.

NPS Photo

Changes to Filming Permits on Park Land

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Key elements of the new law include:

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

 

Filming Permit FAQs

Do I need a permit to film, take still photographs, or record audio in the park?

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;
• Uses hand-carried equipment only;
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park before your visit (and prior to conducting the activity) by emailing [e-mail] or by calling [phone].

Do I need a film permit if I am a content creator, a commercial filmmaker, or a member of the media?

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

I have a permit for an activity. Do I need another permit to film, photograph, or record audio?

No. A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

What fees will I have to pay for a permit?

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee of $200 and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application. In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: Filming

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day 
• 1–10 people - $150/day 

• 11–30 people - $250/day 
• 31–49 people - $500/day 
• Over 50 people - $750/day 

Still Photography 

• 1–10 people - $50/day 

• 11–30 people - $150/day 
• Over 30 people - $250/day 

Permits issued for filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged. 

What terms and conditions will the permits have?

Filming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. 

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop as part of a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. 

Who do I contact if I have questions?

The Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks Special Use Permit Office may be reached at [e-mail] or by calling [phone].

 

Application for Film Permit - Form 10-932