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Tequesta moves to draft commercial filming permit after council raises privacy and definition questions
Summary
Staff proposed a formal permit process to regulate commercial film and large production use of village property and right‑of‑way; council asked staff to clarify definitions (commercial filming vs. family photography), address privacy and minors, and acknowledge state drone preemption before an ordinance is drafted.
Village staff asked council to approve drafting a formal permit and fee process to govern commercial motion‑picture and production activity on village property and in the right‑of‑way.
Staff said the village currently treats small shoots administratively but lacks a formal mechanism for production companies that may need to close parking lots, stage equipment in ROWs, or require interdepartmental review. The proposed process would mirror special‑event applications, require department review (police, fire, public works), and charge a per‑day fee with the ability to recover additional staff or public‑safety costs.
Council members asked staff to tighten definitions so the code distinguishes commercial productions from consumer or family photography. Legal counsel noted that drone regulation is preempted by state law and that any permit should require production companies to comply with existing privacy and child‑labor laws; one council member asked that residents be notified if shooting could clearly show private yards or minors.
Council indicated consensus to move the draft to ordinance language that clarifies scope, notification, and compliance with state privacy and drone laws. No fee schedule or ordinance was adopted at the workshop.
