City Guide Filming in Davie, FL
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit: Free
- Additional Fees Charged By The Film Commissioner’s Office: None
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability:
- Automobile Liability:
- Aviation Insurance Coverage:
- UAS/Drone Insurance:
- Product Liability Insurance:
- Liquor Liability Insurance:
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Davie
Historic buildings and horse riding are not all that add to the allure and charm of Davie – there’s much more to this small town than what catches the eye at first. Situated to the north of Miami, the town has a moderately Size-sized population, hot summers, and warm but short winters, and is home to many historic attractions. With a population size much smaller than some of the bigger cities in the area, Davie presents a serene and calm atmosphere not seen in the big cities and thus offers the perfect atmosphere for those looking for a retreat or a small town setting for their next film project. And this has barely gone unnoticed in the Hollywood community! Films like Scarface, Caddyshack, Caddyshack II, My Super Sweet 16, Hosanna, Roommates, Shanty Tramp, Last of the Grads, Scarecrows, The Substitute, Shenanigans, Outdoor Wild Kids Adventures, A Place in the Dark, and New Comic Day are all excellent examples of how this town is perfect for hosting ambitious film production crews.
Davie has come a long way from being a small-time agrarian area to an economically diversified town in one of the fastest-growing regions of the State of Florida. It draws attention and admiration for being a part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood media market, putting it right in the heart of the cinematic industry. The warm and close-knit community that resides in this town is a perfect reflection of the town’s history, signifying the founders’ efforts to reform and evolve the settlement. The heritage monuments dotting the landscape are vivid reminders of the community’s past and blend excellently into the current setting as well. The film production scene is glowing red hot, but it’s important to first understand the filming guidelines in Davie to avoid any troubles later down the road, and here, we’re going to go through these rules. And as always, Giggster is here to help you pick the most premium and versatile filming locations in Davie and beyond!
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Davie?
In short, yes, all filming activities in Broward County require a film permit, and this also includes Davie. The filming guidelines in Davie clearly state that no film production activities will be allowed unless authorized by the Broward County's Office of Economic & Small Business Development after the fulfillment of all the Film Office's requirements. Film permits mention the scope of the project, the size of the crew, the estimated budget, and whether your project is applicable for any extra services from the town's officials. But do keep in mind that the film permits themselves are free of cost. Also, if you're filming in a residential space, even if on private property, you'll still need a permit.
You can reach out to the County’s Film Commissioner to be sure about your permit requirements.
Pyrotechnics Permit
this is needed when your film production involves using explosives, gunfire, fire-based special effects, and so on.
Animal Control Permit
if your film production involves animals like dogs that need to be kept under control and can cause property damage or bodily injury to someone if unleashed, you’ll need to ensure complete restraint for the animal and seek special approval from the relevant (animal control) department.
Aircraft Usage Permit
the name is rather self-explanatory, if any helicopters or aircraft are involved, then a special permit for aircraft usage is necessary (additional insurance coverage is also necessary).
Drone Filming Permit
you are not allowed to breach anyone's privacy via drone filming, but if you wish to use your UAS or drone equipment for the filming of your project while respecting other people's privacy, you can get a permit for that as well (additional insurance requirements also apply).
Permit Management in Davie
Broward County's Office of Economic & Small Business Development (Film Commissioner’s Office)
The Broward County's Office of Economic & Small Business Development issues filming permits in Davie. Film permit applications are handled by the Film Commissioner’s Office, which can be reached via landline call at 954-357-8788 or via email at film@broward.org. You can also reach out to the Film Office staff at 101 NE 3rd Ave., Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. But with an abundance of resources available online and the comparatively relaxed filming laws applicable in the area, you don’t have much to worry about. You can access the film permit application form online, fill it out, and then submit it to Broward County's Office of Economic & Small Business Development for approval.
The working hours for the office are 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (EST) on Monday to Friday; it remains closed during the weekend and on special occasions, and any forms submitted after 5 PM on a given day will be considered as submitted on the following day. You'll have to submit your application in at least 3 days, but ideally, 7 business days in advance. After a thorough review and approval, you will be given your film permit free of any cost. Though the film permit application process is not as smooth as is the case with some other permit issuing authorities like FilmLA (which uses an online portal for ease of access), the County's efforts at giving permits free of cost are commendable.
Do keep in mind that based on the nature of your script, additional permissions may be needed!
What Insurance Do I Need in Davie?
Production insurance is one of the most basic requirements for film productions pretty much anywhere in the USA, including Davie, Florida. The goal is to provide compensation and reimbursement to anyone who sustains any bodily injury or faces property damage as a result of the film production activities. Even if the risk of such a loss is not too great, film productions must be prepared in this regard, as the local governing bodies will not face liability claims. Instead, the film production will have to face liability claims, if any. While there is no fixed insurance limit for any film production
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Davie?
The filming laws in Davie are not the only good thing about filming here – you've also got access to some of the most visually stunning and simply majestic filming locales you can find in Florida. And no, we're not overselling this! Davie may look all humble and give this small-town feeling, but underneath its humble exterior, you'll find some of the most iconic jewels for filming venues. The Blush Luxury Venue is one such example with its unique, historic ambiance, and it is bathed by ample lighting, making it a sight to relish. You can also try out the Modern Ranch, which comes with both a sports field and an outdoor pool. For something more private and premium, the Unique Upscale Venue with Luxury VIP Suite can be the perfect choice owing to its ensemble, décor, furniture, lighting, and views.
The best thing about some of the other options available here is that they beautifully combine indoor and outdoor elements in harmony. For instance, the Hidden Oasis, as the name implies, features a blend of luxurious indoor space and outdoor, sunbathed greenery, and a pool too! Similarly, the Cape Cod Style Home delivers the perfect space, lighting, and contrast for the interior and also boasts a beautiful outside lawn. For something a bit more out of a Peter Pan fantasy world, you can try the Coconut Palm Tree Farm And Tropical Nursery, which, as the name implies, has all the palms and tropical forests to make it a sight worthy of all the time it gets on the screen.
The Tropical Modern And Transitional House is another example of how unique themes and ambiances can blend excellently to deliver the best filming venue – in this case, you’ll get a Hawaii-inspired backyard, but in Florida! A simpler but still elegant option is the Rustic Farm Ranch Pavillion which has a theme unparalleled by other options mentioned so far.
You can also go for more high-end options like the Villa Kahlúa, which comes with a heated pool, waterfront, and a 65’ dock. The Suburban Ft. Lauderdale Ranch Style Home is a bit mid-ranged but does not fail to impress with its perfect interior plus an outdoor pool. To embrace nature even tighter, you can try the Botanical Garden and Everglade Wildlife Sanctuary, which has natural colors and blooming flowers to make you feel as if you've escaped into the wild. But if you're not looking for premium outdoor-indoor hybrid locations or nature-themed spaces, you can always work with a private creative space such as the Davie Photo & Video studio.
The options are limitless, and Giggster is here to ensure that you get the best deal for your buck!
Special Requirements in Davie
Filming At The Broward County Public Schools District
You can film at the Broward County Public Schools Districts only when you have secured the permission of the school district administration and provided insurance proof for $1 million in general liability. Following this, you only need a permit from the Film Commissioner’s Office.
Filming In Old Davie School Historical Museum
To film in the Old Davie School Historical Museum, you’ll need special permission from the government of Davie. Since it is the oldest extant building in the area, your filming activities (planner/schedule) must be screened thoroughly first.
Filming In Bergeron Rodeo Grounds
Only when you successfully secure permission from the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds administration will you be allowed to film here. Schedule your filming activities so they don’t coincide with any rodeo events if you want exclusive access to the area.
Filming In Flamingo Gardens
The Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical and wildlife preserve managed by the Floyd L. Wray Memorial Foundation. The foundation has ensured the preservation of the natural fauna and flora here, and all filming requests will have to be approved by the foundation before you can proceed any further. Also, note that entry fees will still be charged.
Filming In Pine Island Ridge, Florida
Historically, Pine Island Ridge was a natural hunting ground for the locals but is now considered a part of Davie following its annexation into the city in 2006. If you wish to film here, you must first secure special permission from the local government.
Filming In Private Property In A Residential Space
Even if you're filming on private property (in a residential area) and are by no means using any public asset or even visible in public, you're still not exempt from having to get a film permit.
Site Rental For Broward County Parks
You can film in Broward County Parks without any site rental fees! However, you are highly encouraged (though not mandatory) to support the local community’s nature preservation efforts by donating to the Parks Foundation of Broward County.
Filming At Nearby State Parks
Once you secure permission from the Florida Parks Department, you can also film in nearby state parks like the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Oleta River State Park, and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Entry fees and parking fees will still be charged.
What Does it Cost to Film in Davie?
The film development fees, on top of site rentals and filming expenses, are mostly waived by Broward County's Office of Economic & Small Business Development. Normally, film production crews are required to pay a certain amount for certain services associated with permit issuance. However, that is not the case here, as the filming regulations in Davie ensure free access to film permits for all.
Additional Fees
Unlike many other locations in the USA, the filming costs for Broward County are not fixed, in part because the Film Commissioner's Office does not handle these dues. You're not required to pay anything for your film permit, which is a significant plus, but you'll have to contact the local departments (as per your needs) and negotiate a pay rate for any officers you need onboard. Still, if you don’t need help from other municipal services, starting your production activities without any fees is possible.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Davie?
Since the filming laws in Davie only apply to the town, it is important to understand the geographical limits to ensure complete compliance with the local laws. Sitting in Broward County, Davie is a part of the Miami Metropolitan Area. Speaking of the town limits, to the north, the town's boundary is marked by Interstate 595, to the east, its boundaries end with the Hacienda Village, while to the west, Weston borders the town. The southern boundary is marked by the Southwest Ranches and Cooper City.
Outreach in Davie
The filming regulations in Davie are very convenient here as well, allowing you to get by without having to do much. If your film production is taking place in a residential area or a neighborhood, you are required to send timely notifications to all affected residents at least 2 days in advance. The Broward County's Office of Economic & Small Business Development does not give a hard and fast deadline for this, but it would be wise to send the notifications as soon as you can to avoid any trouble. And you don’t even need to write your notification letter from scratch! Just send an email to the Film Commissioner’s Office, and you’ll get a sample letter or template for your use. You can hire someone to post the notifications to every affected resident’s house. No need to conduct a residential survey unless directed specifically by the Film Commissioner’s Office.
Community Management in Davie
Davie is a close-knit community with a small-town feel. People here are well connected with their history, love to bond with nature (as is reflected by several parks and nature preserves in the area), and value their privacy. Unlike some of the more affluent areas nearby, like Miami, you'll find a warm and hospitable community. You'll also notice that the general public is aware of film production routines and will cooperate with you as long you stick by the rules and don't cause an excessive disturbance.
Conclusion
As a small-time community, Davie does not stand out very much when compared with other nearby urban centers, such as Miami. But its historic value, coupled with an abundance of natural scenic beauty, make it a desirable place overall. Plus, the small-town feel and a close-knit local community are elements not seen everywhere. We’ve also discussed how the filming guidelines in Davie are as simple as can be and that you won't have much trouble arranging your film production activities here. Getting a film permit free of cost is another major plus, and the insurance requirements for automobiles are also lighter when compared with nearby areas. The vast variety of premium and exquisite filming venues in the area is another major plus that helps Davie stand out.
And if you’re in town looking for some of the best places to film your next project, you know you can count on Giggster to help you find the most premium filming venues, here and elsewhere!