If you’re planning a family session in a Tampa Bay park, the permit question comes up eventually. The short answer: it depends on the county, the size of your group, and whether your photographer is working commercially. Here’s what actually applies.
Why permits exist
Public parks require commercial photography permits to manage traffic, protect the space, and make sure one photographer’s session isn’t blocking other people’s use of the park. These rules apply to professional photographers working for hire. They don’t apply to a family taking phone photos on a Saturday afternoon.
Pinellas County
All commercial photography sessions require a permit in Pinellas County parks, regardless of group size. That includes family portrait sessions, weddings, and staged shoots. If you’re hiring a photographer and shooting at Philippe Park, Wall Springs, John Chesnut, or Fort De Soto, a permit is required.
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough has the most detailed rules in the area. No permit is needed for groups of 5 or fewer (including the photographer), using only handheld cameras or tripods, and not using athletic fields, playgrounds, or reserved shelters. Groups of 6 or more, commercial sessions, and any use of props or special equipment require a permit through Film Tampa Bay at filmtampabay.com. Popular parks here include Flatwoods Wilderness Park, Lettuce Lake, E.G. Simmons, and Lithia Springs. Plant City and Temple Terrace parks fall under separate rules – contact those municipalities directly.
City of Tampa parks
City of Tampa parks also go through Film Tampa Bay. A permit is required for commercial photography, any staged session, groups larger than 5, and equipment beyond handheld cameras or tripods. Curtis Hixon Park, Lowry Park, and Al Lopez Park all fall under this.
Pasco County
Most professional family sessions in Pasco County parks require a permit. The threshold is commercial photography sessions or groups over 8 people. Crews Lake Wilderness Park, Starkey Wilderness Park, and Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park are the most common locations here.
Timeline and fees
Apply at least 7-10 days before your session. Last-minute permits are often not available. Fees vary by park and county.
What happens without a permit
You’ll be asked to leave. Your session ends, no refund. It’s not worth it. Proper permits protect you and keep these parks available for future sessions.
Permit-free options
Your own home or backyard requires no permit and is genuinely underrated as a session location. Kids are already comfortable, the dog can be in the photos, and the images end up feeling more personal than anything shot at a public park. Many of my favorite sessions happen in clients’ backyards.
I handle all permit requirements for public park sessions and build any costs into the session fee. You don’t pay extra and you don’t have to deal with the paperwork.