TOP 5 REASONS TO FILM IN BROWARD COUNTY

DIVERSE LOCATIONS

From Blue Wave beaches to western towns, city skylines, art deco buildings, farms, inland waterways, a lighthouse, exotic Everglades, waterfront mansions, and even a mountain (yes, mountain).


BEST VOTED SOUNDSTAGES/STUDIOS IN S. FLORIDA
Broward County provides a variety of industrial warehouses, which have in turn been converted into sound stages, as well as production offices.


LOCAL CREWS
Crewmembers choose to live in Broward County for the exceptional quality of life.  That means you save on travel and time.  You also get an insider’s look at some of the area’s hottest spots for entertainment.


TURNKEY INFRASTRUCTURE
Everything you need, from permits to post-production, all in one place and easily accessible.  Being in paradise doesn’t hurt, either. 


FILM & ENTERTAINMENT FRIENDLY HOTEL COLLECTION

We have a dedicated film & entertainment friendly hotel collection in Broward County with production rates, on-call staff for the production, and production offices for your crews and cast members.

We are pleased to provide professional assistance to production companies who are interested in, or have chosen, Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County for a project.
 

Our services include:

  • Assistance in obtaining permits where needed. Film permits are required for all production projects filming in Broward County. There is no fee for Broward film permits. Depending upon the scope of the project, specific permits may be necessary, such as: tent, pyrotechnic, firearm, or environmental. A Certificate of Insurance which additionally insures the municipality in which you choose to film is also required
  • Assistance in finding production-friendly accommodations

  • Site tours and location suggestions

  • Production offices and sound stages. Greater Fort Lauderdale was voted Best Studio and Warehouse Space in South Florida.

  • Assistance in contacting local, state and federal agencies

  • Crew and production service referrals

  • Still photography and video

  • Local contacts and introductions

Film Permits

Quick link to the Film Permit Request Form

Film permits are required for all production projects filming in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Although film permits are free, please note that the production is responsible for the cost of any additional city services needed. Depending upon the scope of the project, specific permits may be necessary, such as: tent, pyrotechnic, firearm, or environmental. The following list outlines the requirements needed to secure a film permit for most of the governmental interests in Broward County.

  • Please allow a minimum of 3 business days’ notice for processing once your permit request and all corresponding documentation have been received. Our team’s hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (EST).

  • County and municipal offices are closed on weekends and holidays (some municipal weekend office closures also include Fridays). Recent staff changes and hours of operation may also have an impact on permit approval time.

  • Certificate of Insurance which additionally insures the municipality in which you choose to work. Broward requires a specific clause for additional insured. Complete insurance requirements are listed here.

  • A locations breakdown including times, dates, rain dates, special arrangements or needs for parking, and city/county services requested.

  • The permit must be submitted by an authorized representative of your company and include size of cast and crew, number and types of vehicles, and approximate budget. Depending on the size of the project, a script or story board will help officials in determining what special services may be needed. No fees are required for film permits in Broward County.

  • Please note that although the Broward County parks do not charge location fees, you may like to make a donation to the Parks Foundation of Broward County and/or earmark the donation for the park you are visiting. To make a donation, visit browardparksfoundation.org.

  • Prior to the issuance of the permit, you will discuss your project directly with the our office and the designated city contact or facility manager.

  • At your request, our office will provide contacts’ name and phone number for additional city service needed (Ex: police detail, parking, fire, etc.).

  • Filming in residential areas requires a Film Permit, even if you will remain contained to the private property. Some private, commercial areas also require Film Permits.

  • If the location is in a neighborhood, we request that you distribute a letter to all affected neighbors as far in advance as possible. If near stores/shops please do the same. You can obtain a Filming Notice sample letter by either e-mailing or calling our office.

Insurance Requirements

Our office is eager to ensure that all productions filmed in the county are in compliance with the local laws and that the shoot is conducted as safely as possible for the production crew and property owners. 

A film permit requires a Certificate of Insurance that additional insures the jurisdiction in which you plan to film (see below for certificate holder address details).  Insurance certificates must also includes the following details:

  • The name of the insured production company

  • The name of the insurance company

  • A policy which provides at least $1,000,000 of Comprehensive General Liability for each instance of claim

  • If the company is using company owned vehicles, $300,000 Automobile Liability

  • The statutory limits for workers compensation and employers liability (this is required for productions with 4 or more cast/crew)

  • The policy number and dates of policy coverage, including an expiration date that falls after the shoot date

  • The following clause must be included under “Description of operations/locations/vehicles” section: FOR GENERAL LIABILITY: THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER IS NOTED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH RESPECT TO LIABILITY.

Please email your certificate of insurance to film@broward.org.

Resources

We are here to help you find what you need to complete your film or photography project in time and on budget. Let us assist you in working with the local film industry, community, government contacts, locations, hospitality industry, entertainment and more. 
(954) 767-2467, film@broward.org