Filming & Photography Permits

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 you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any 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 you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

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. 

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.  

 You do not need a permit if the 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, and other visitors; and 
• Will not result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting for more information. 

Yes, you may request and the National Park Service may issue a permit even when one is not required. 

Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. Contact information for parks can be found on their websites; Find a park where you would like to film or take photographs. If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, you should submit a completed application to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible.  

Some parks may require that you provide advance notice a certain amount of days before filming or photography begins. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner. 

To apply for a permit in Big Cypress, please email bicy_permits@nps.gov with a filled out copy of the Special Use Permit application form

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for commercial filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee 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 commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit.

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

Fees will vary based on activity, contact bicy_permits@nps.gov for more information.

If you are planning a photography workshop as part of a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. Please contact bicy_permits@nps.gov for more information.