City Guide Filming in Tampa, FL
Production Permit Fees
- Tampa Filming Permit Application - $0
- Tampa Filming Permit - $0
Minimum Insurance
- General Liability Insurance
- Damage To Rented Property Coverage
- Personal Medical Coverage
- General Aggregate Limit
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Tampa
The economy of Tampa in Florida isn't one that revolves around the movie business. In fact, the city's main income is generated by its port, the multitude of Fortune 1000 companies that have their headquarters in the CBD, some banks, and various telecommunication organizations. Tampa may be one of the biggest cities in the state of Florida and even though it has a healthy financial district with a similar vibe to Wall Street, it's not New York. It's still a city that gets featured in many feature-length productions though, but why?
A few of the attributes that have attracted film producers to Tampa over the decades are its waterfront location on Hillsborough and Old Tampa Bay plus its architecturally contrasting neighborhoods such as Ybor City and Sulphur Springs. The wide and meandering Hillsborough River has been a big draw, as has the city's proximity to undeveloped alligator-infested swamp areas like the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.
The films that have used Tampa as a stage have been from genres as diverse as the 2004 thriller movie The Punisher is to Magic Mike. Tampa and the Tampa Bay area have been favorite filming locations with the mega-talented director Tim Burton too who used them in the 2016 Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children movies as well as in the classic, and totally unforgettable, Edward Scissorhands.
If you find knowing that one of the greatest directors of all times made his mark filming in Tampa inspiring and want to check out some prime locations for your movie, check out the ones on Giggster. You might not come across a house where the bushes have been scissor-snipped into amazing topiary shapes, but you'll certainly find something that is exactly what you're looking for.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Tampa?
While it's true to say that the Tampa authorities had a historical record of ignoring illicit goings-on, that doesn't happen in the current day and age. So the answer to the question of whether you need a permit for filming in Tampa is yes. If you want to make a film, video or carry out still photography for commercial purposes in Tampa City or anywhere in Hillsborough County you need a film permit.
All applications for a film permit for shooting in Tampa or Hillsborough County have to be made online. If it's the first time you have applied for a filming permit in Tampa or Hillsborough County you may be required to register for a FilmApp account unless you already have one. If you already have a FilmApp account you have used for a different filming permit application, you can use the same account to apply for a permit.
Applying online via FilmApp is a relatively easy-to-follow procedure. But you should be aware of the differing processing times allocated to the permits for various reasons.
A standard filming permit for Tampa City, Temple Terrace or Plant City takes three days to process.
For a Hillsborough County filming permit, you need to apply at least five days in advance of your estimated date for starting the shoot.
Filming permits for any production which involves special effects such as pyrotechnics or simulated gunfire or that require road closures can take up to ten days to process.
You will need to log in and check your account to find out if your application has been approved, declined, or is being processed. Any communication relevant to your filming permit application will be received through FilmApp and attached to the application's individual reference number.
It's a good idea to check your account frequently in case your application requires additional documents uploaded. Don't keep an eye on the procedure and you could delay the issue of your permit as well as the start of the shoot.
The filming permit application process is the same for students and non-profit organizations.
Permit Management in Tampa
THFC
Film permits for Tampa and Hillsborough County are managed by the Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission.
All permit applications are dealt with via the FilmApp and not directly with the department's Film Liaison Officer or by any other method of communication.
The film commission office will also provide scouting assistance and have a production resource library available on their website – FilmTampabay.com
The one exception to applying for a film permit in Tampa is if you want to film in Port Tampa Bay. To acquire a filming permit for any location inside the jurisdiction of Port Tampa Bay you are required to apply directly to the Port Tampa Bay marketing department.
What Insurance Do I Need in Tampa?
The Tampa Hillsborough Film Commission requires you to have in place standard basic liability insurance coverage for your production before submitting an application for a film permit. If you begin the application procedure before having a valid insurance certificate the permit issuing process will be kept in a pending state until the document is uploaded.
The County of Hillsborough and Tampa City must be endorsed on the insurance certificate using the correct wordage. If they're not then the policy won't be accepted.
When any of your shoot locations fall under the jurisdiction of Plant City or Temple Terrace they must also be endorsed on your liability insurance certificate.
When you are going to be filming in Port Tampa Bay then you will require additional coverage. The exact coverage required varies from production to production and should be purchased only after consulting with the Film Liaison Officer of Port Tampa Bay.
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 Tampa?
Tampa is home to some amazing filming locations both indoors and out and they're ones that you won't find in every other city across the United States either.
One of Tampa's most outstanding, and truly photogenic, features is Bayshore Boulevard. The paved, four-and-a-half-mile-long waterfront walkway is the ideal spot for jogging or action-packed skateboarding scenes where you want an incomparable shot of the city in the background.
When you need a Latino atmosphere, but the budget won't stretch as far as taking cast and crew to South America, the Tampa neighborhood of Ybor City is the perfect substitute. Ybor City was home to migrant workers in the tobacco and cigar industry and is as Cuban as Cuba itself. Vibrant, colorful, and with vintage buildings that will fool even the most canny of viewers into thinking your film was shot on location in Cuba.
Float a boat down the Hillsborough River and you'll be blessed with exceptional views of Downtown Tampa. It's a waterway that's more than wide enough to accommodate any high-action speedboat chase if you want fast and furious rather than sedate.
Take a slow virtual stroll around Tampa and you'll discover idyllic waterfront pavilions plus old and new properties with magnificent gardens, some of which have majestic spreads of oak trees. If you're looking for an outdoor wedding ceremony shoot location, then these are ideal. If they’re too simple, then keep scouting and you'll find fully furnished chapels where your actors can take their vows as well as a fully kitted out and very glamorous ballroom for the reception event.
Whether you want an urban farm, a restaurant with a terrace, a bungalow with a swimming pool, or a private boat dock with a sunrise view, Tampa has it and a lot more besides, including stunning beaches lined with palm trees if you're searching for somewhere with that extra special tropical feel.
Special Requirements in Tampa
Filming In State Parks
To film in any of the fantastic state parks, like the Hillsborough River State Park, around Tampa you will need to check first with the relevant park authority if you require a permit or not. Most low-impact filming doesn't require a permit, but if you're planning on using generators or have a large cast and crew you may well do.
To ascertain whether or not you need a permit you are required to contact the superintendent of the park you want to film at in writing at least ten days in advance. It is entirely at the discretion of the park superintendent whether or not you will be given permission to film. Determining factors are the production shoot's impact on the environment as well as disruption to wildlife and other visitors.
Filming In Wilderness Areas
To film in any wilderness in Florida, not just Tampa, you are required to have a filming permit even if you're making a low-impact production. There are strict rules for filming in wilderness areas which often means no vehicle access or use of motorized equipment is permitted. You will be required to have a meeting with park staff before your project can move forward.
Filming In Port Tampa Bay
Port Tampa Bay wasn't designed to be a film set. It's one of the largest commercial ports in the United States, but the port authorities will consider any requests made for filming there. Filming in the port isn't without additional cost.
All filming projects that involve any part of the port area whether it's a wharf, warehouse, or anything else, are assessed on an individual basis. The fees and insurances required are calculated by the Film Liaison Officer of the Port Tampa Bay marketing department. It can be a lengthy process and is one you'll need to initiate at least five weeks in advance of your estimated filming start date.
Filming At Tampa International Airport
If you've got some airport scenes in the script you're planning on shooting in Tampa then before you set up your tripod in the departure lounge there are a couple of things you'll need to do.
When you want to film in Tampa Airport for commercial purposes you will first need to send a written letter of intent to the airport's director of marketing at least two weeks in advance. You can do this by email. The correct email address to submit your correspondence to is available on the film and commercial photography page of the airport website.
All filming requests are assessed individually. You should be aware that you will be required to endorse both the aviation authority and the airport on your liability insurance certificates.
What Does it Cost to Film in Tampa?
Tampa is a very film-friendly Florida city and while you may need to apply for a film permit before your shoot commences, the actual application or permit won't cost you a dime.
Additional Fees
Conducting research and planning to create a comprehensive budget for filming in Tampa is essential. Working closely with local film offices and industry professionals can provide valuable information on specific costs associated with filming in the area.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Tampa?
Tampa occupies a jig-saw puzzle-shaped terrain that slots in neatly on the Florida coast between Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay. From there the city spreads inland in an irregular zig-zagging pattern until it reaches the border of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve. To the north of Tampa are the cities of Tampa Palms, Lutz, and Greater Northdale. To the east, Temple Terrace, Del Rio, and East Lake Orient Park. To the northwest, Town'n'Country, Westchase, and Safety Harbor on the opposite shore of Old Tampa Bay. Tampa's southernmost reach juts out into Tampa Bay where it faces St Petersburg to the southwest and Gibsonton to the southeast. The boundaries of Tampa encompass six individual historic districts. They are:- Ybor City West Tampa Seminole Heights Hyde Park Hampton Terrace Tampa Heights As well as the six distinguished historic districts, the city has three business districts: Uptown Tampa Downtown Tampa Westshore Business District Plus eighty-four neighborhoods – not individually listed here. If your choice of shoot locations takes you outside of the jurisdiction of Tampa and into somewhere like St Petersburg then you will need to apply for a filming permit to the St Petersburg- Clearwater Film Commission. For locations in places like Gibsonton or Lutz, you will be required to apply for a Hillsborough County film permit from Tampa Hillsborough Film Commission.
Outreach in Tampa
While you won't find any detailed descriptions of what the Tampa Hillsborough Film Commission requires as far as outreach is concerned, it's always better to be respectful of the area where you'll be filming and its residents.
Standard filming hours in Tampa and Hillsborough County are from sunrise to sunset. That includes any time you might need for setting up and for clearing up at the end of the shoot. If you will need to work outside of those hours then you will be required to have special permission or you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
The type of notifications you will be expected to distribute around the area of your chosen location depends on the type of production, the size of the cast and crew, how many vehicles will be involved, and if any special effects are involved. When you apply for your Tampa filming permit via Film App then the Tampa Hillsborough Film Commission Liaison Officer will advise you on how to proceed. They'll also put you in contact with any other authority you might be required to communicate with.
The Film Tampa Bay Organization also has a full online production guide available for all filmmakers which you will be allowed access to once you have made your preliminary permit application. As well as setting out the basic rules and regulations, the guide also contains lists of companies that may be useful during the shoot such as electricians and catering services.
Community Management in Tampa
Just because Tampa and Hillsborough County are very liberal as far as their filmmaking rules and regulations are concerned and issue filming permits for free, doesn't mean you can push the boundaries.
No-one, whether you're in Hillsborough County or central New York, wants the sidewalk outside of their home or business blocked by production vehicles or to listen to noisy generators running non-stop from morning to night.
You don't need to have a sixth sense to know if you're likely to upset someone so use common sense. Unless you have half a dozen A-list actors or are a director with a pedigree equal to Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino, people just might not be one hundred percent enthralled with what you're doing.
Having someone on set to maintain public relations no matter how small or large your production is always makes sense. A quick chat with a smiling friendly face accompanied by an explanation of how long you'll be inconveniencing the neighborhood goes a long way to diffusing most awkward situations.
Having a liaison officer even works if you get an unexpected visit from the local law enforcement asking to see your filming permit. Your personable liaison officer can get to grips with them while you and everyone else can get on with the job without any interruptions. It also makes your production look serious and professional even if you're only amateurs. Volunteer liaison officers are just as great as paid ones so long as you can find someone willing to do the job for free.
Conclusion
Free filming permits are a major attraction and when you don't have to fork out for one, it means you'll have more to spend on other parts of the production. Having read through this article about permits and filming regulations for Tampa, it wouldn't be surprising if you're already rereading your script and considering possible locations in Tampa that might match up.
There's no doubt that there's no shortage of amazing filming locations in Tampa. From the stunning Bayshore Boulevard to Ybor City with its unique Latin vibe to waterside mansions with oak trees in the gardens, they're all filmable. Outside of the city, but not so far away it'll cost you a packet in transport, there are fantastic state parks and isolated wilderness areas that all come with wildlife included. Although that said, even snakes and manatees can prove to be camera-shy on occasion.
It doesn't matter whether you're filming a series like Suits in Downtown Tampa among the CBD's high rises or the next big Latin telenovela that will take South America by storm in Ybor City. When you need help, assistance, or any more advice, Film Tampa Bay will be there for you.