You Need a Permit to Fly a Drone for Film & Print Purposes
All requests for aerial filming over the City of Miami Beach will require a Film & Print Permit for “Miami Beach Aerials” detailing the proposed date, time, location and flight pattern of each flight. The City of Miami Beach does not issue blanket permits for the overall airspace, nor does it allow commercial drone filming under recreational/hobbyist FAA guidelines. In addition, the Production must follow all requirements of the FAA's UAS Rule (currently Part 107 but may be further amended by the FAA).
How To Apply for a Miami Beach Aerial Permit?
Complete Your Online Application:
- Choose "Drone Fly Permit"
- Add “Miami Beach Aerials” as a location
Complete Aerials Application Packet:
In addition to the standard Film & Print Permit requirements, you must provide the Film & Print Office with a complete Aerials Application Packet at least 5 business days before filming. This consists of:
- A. Completed FAA UAS Filming Request Form
- B. Certificate of UAS Insurance from the operating company/UAS owner naming the City of Miami Beach as additional Insured.
- C. Proof of valid pilot's license or airman certification with a small UAS rating or remote pilot certificate for pilot(s) or pilot supervisor to be on site.
- D.Valid FAA approved UAS registration (14 CFR part 47 or part 48)
- E. FAA approved documentation detailing the weight and condition for safe operation of the aircraft to be used for requested activities.
- F. A map/diagram (google maps or equivalent is acceptable) for each expected drone location showing:
- Date and Time of flight
- The flight path/ vector of use for the UAS filming
- UAS Height from ground and projected speed
- Where the drone operator will be stationed
Sample Flight Path Map/Diagram
Off-Duty Staffing:
Each aerial request will be required to obtain a minimum of one off-duty Miami Beach Police or Ocean Rescue staffing depending on the site plan and the use.
It is important that a complete and accurate Aerials Application Packet be submitted in a timely manner, as additional requirements for the approval of the permit request (such as notification distribution, signature survey collection, PD staffing, Coast Guard or Miami Port notifications/approvals, etc) will be determined by the details submitted. The sooner we know your accurate plan, the more time your production will have to complete any additional requirements and ensure that your permit can be issued in time.
If you have any questions as to how to apply for an UAS/Drone Permit, please reach out to the Film Office as early as possible to identify the best course of action for your specific production’s needs.
Watch the video below to learn how to submit a permit application on the Civic Access Portal.
Please note that the City of Miami Beach and the City of Miami are two separate cities. If you wish to apply for a permit for the City of Miami, for areas like Downtown Miami, Wynwood, Little Havana, Little Haiti, etc., please visit: Get a Film Permit - Miami
