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Our office is committed to good service. In the 10-year history of the film commission, we've developed a network of troubleshooters and resources from around our county. We coordinate city, county, state and some federal film permits.
We have a seamless relationship with the Tampa Film Commission, so you can consider St. Petersburg-Clearwater-Tampa as one production region. If we can't find your location needs here, we'll refer you to the place in Florida where you can find it.
Resource and Location Book
For a copy of our Resource and Location Book, call us at 727-464-7241 or e-mail us. We'll provide it free to qualified production personnel and ship it overnight.
Permitting & Insurance
All film permits are free. Exceptions are state parks and public buildings that are in the rental business. Most city and county offices will only charge for services if they incur overtime or some other extraordinary cost.
The usual liability insurance coverage for location filming is $1 million. It may be more with large productions or those involving pyrotechnics and stunt work.
Security
Our film commission can help coordinate hiring off-duty police officers, along with marine, environmental, helicopter and other special operations personnel you may need. Police and sheriff officers must be paid at their department rate; most have a four-hour minimum charge. Our officers are reliable and experienced in film/video production.
Preliminary Location Scouting
Tell us your location requirements. Let us put together images for your review. Or even better, scout it yourself. We'll help arrange a customized scouting familiarization trip.
We maintain a library of location photo files available for loan. Call us at 727-464-7241 or e-mail us and we will take care of your needs.
Governor's Office of Film and Entertainment (State Film Commission)
The Florida state film commissioner Paul Sirmons and staff may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].
Florida opened the first full-time, full-service state office in Los Angeles more than 10 years ago. Contact LA Liaison Susan Simms for location requests, crew lists, maps and production guides. With one call, she can reach every film office within the state. She may be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or phone 818-508-7772.
Sales Tax Exemptions for the Production Industry
The State of Florida grants sales tax exemptions to production companies for many costs incurred in doing business. The production company must apply to the Department of Revenue for the exemption certificate. Contact the Governor's Office of Film and Entertainment for an application 877-FLA-FILM (877-352-3456). Download information and an application here.
Child Actors
Florida has strict child labor regulations. Producers must have their permits in hand prior to filming. However, the child labor officials can usually provide permits in one day. Call them directly at 800-226-2436 for permit information.
Crews & Facilities
Our office provides the Florida Gulf Coast Production Guide complimentary to production personnel. You may contact us for a hard copy by calling 727-464-7241 or e-mail us.
Our regional production guide is accessible online here.
The complete state production guide is available, as well, at www.filmflorida.com.
Accommodations
For advice on hotel accommodations near your locations, contact the film commission. We can guide you based upon convenience and cost. For a hard copy of the Visitors Guide, call us at 727-464-7241 or e-mail us, and we will ship it immediately.
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