If you’re planning a family photo session in Tampa Bay, you might be wondering: Do I need a permit to take photos in the park?
The answer is: it depends on where you’re shooting, how many people are in your group, and whether your photographer is working commercially.
As a Tampa Bay family photographer, I handle permit requirements for my clients—but I believe families should understand the rules so there are no surprises. Here’s everything you need to know about photography permits across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.
Why Do Parks Require Photography Permits?
Parks require permits for commercial photography to:
- Manage park resources and prevent overcrowding
- Ensure commercial activities don’t disrupt public enjoyment
- Generate revenue that supports park maintenance
- Protect sensitive natural areas from overuse
Important: These rules apply to professional photographers working for hire—not families taking casual snapshots with their phones.
Pinellas County Parks: Photography Permit Rules
When You Need a Permit:
All commercial photography sessions (including family portraits)
Staged photoshoots
Wedding photography
The Bottom Line: If you’re hiring a professional photographer for a family session in any Pinellas County park, you need a permit—regardless of group size.
Popular Pinellas Parks: Philippe Park, Wall Springs Park, John Chesnut Sr. Park, Fort De Soto Park
Hillsborough County Parks: Photography Permit Rules
Hillsborough County has the most detailed permit requirements in Tampa Bay:
No Permit Required:
Groups of 5 people or fewer (including photographer)
Using handheld cameras or tripods only
Not using athletic fields, playgrounds, or shelters
Permit Required Through Film Tampa Bay:
- Groups of 6 or more people
- Using props or special equipment
- Any commercial photography session
- Shooting at athletic fields, playgrounds, or reserved shelters
How to Apply: Contact Film Tampa Bay at filmtampabay.com/contact-us-header
Popular Hillsborough Parks: Flatwoods Wilderness Park, Lettuce Lake Park, E.G. Simmons Park, Lithia Springs Park
Note: Plant City and Temple Terrace parks have separate permit requirements—contact those municipalities directly.
City of Tampa Parks: Film Tampa Bay Handles These Too
City of Tampa parks also go through Film Tampa Bay for permits:
When You Need a Permit:
- Commercial photography (including paid family sessions)
- Staged scenes (even with unpaid models)
- Groups larger than 5 people
- Equipment beyond tripods/handheld cameras
How to Apply: Contact Film Tampa Bay at filmtampabay.com/contact-us-header
Popular City of Tampa Parks: Curtis Hixon Park, Lowry Park, Al Lopez Park
Pasco County Parks: Photography Permit Rules
When You Need a Permit:
- Commercial photography sessions
- Large groups (over 8 people)
- Any session that disrupts normal park use
The Bottom Line: Most professional family photo sessions in Pasco County parks require a permit.
Popular Pasco Parks: Crews Lake Wilderness Park, Starkey Wilderness Park, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
How to Get a Photography Permit in Tampa Bay
Application Timeline:
Apply 7-10 days in advance of your session. Last-minute permits may not be available.
Fees:
Permit fees vary by park and county. Some parks charge fees, others don’t—it depends on the specific location and duration.
Where to Apply:
For Hillsborough County and City of Tampa parks:
Contact Film Tampa Bay for commercial photography permits.
For Pinellas County parks:
Contact Pinellas County Parks directly.
For Pasco County parks:
Contact Pasco County Parks & Recreation.
For Plant City or Temple Terrace parks:
Contact those municipalities directly (not covered by Film Tampa Bay).
What Happens If You Skip the Permit?
If you’re caught doing a commercial photo session without a required permit:
- You may be asked to leave the park immediately
- You could face fines
- Your session will be cut short with no refund
- The park could restrict future access
Professional photographers take permits seriously, it protects you, protects us, and ensures we can keep using these beautiful public spaces.
Permit-Free Alternatives for Tampa Bay Family Photos
Not interested in dealing with park permits? You have great options:
- Your Home
Why it works:
- No permits required (it’s your property!)
- Kids are comfortable in their own space
- Natural, authentic setting
- Indoor backup if weather doesn’t cooperate
- Personalized backyard, front porch, or neighborhood shots
- Client Backyards & Neighborhoods
Many Tampa Bay neighborhoods have beautiful:
- Tree-lined streets with Spanish moss
- Waterfront views
- Lush landscaping
- Open lawns perfect for kids to run
- Private Property (With Permission)
- Family member’s home
- Friend’s property with great light
- Private gardens or estates
My Approach: I handle all permit requirements and absorb the cost when we shoot in public parks. But many of my favorite family sessions happen in clients’ own backyards—where kids are relaxed, dogs can join in, and we don’t have to worry about permits, parking, or crowds.
Questions to Ask Your Tampa Bay Family Photographer
Before booking, clarify:
✅ “Do you handle permits, or am I responsible?”
(I handle all permits and build any costs into my session fee—you don’t pay extra.)
✅ “Do you have backup locations if permits aren’t available?”
(Yes—including at-home sessions that require no permits.)
✅ “What happens if we’re asked to leave a park?”
(With proper permits, this won’t happen. Without them, your session ends immediately.)
The Bottom Line: Tampa Bay Photography Permits
Pinellas County: Permit required for all commercial photography
Hillsborough County: Permit required for 6+ people or commercial work
City of Tampa: Permit required for commercial photography (through Film Tampa Bay)
Pasco County: Permit required for commercial work or 8+ people
Best approach? Work with a Tampa Bay family photographer who handles permits professionally—or choose a beautiful permit-free location like your own home.
Ready to schedule your Tampa Bay family photo session? I handle all the logistics—permits, location scouting, and timing—so you can focus on what matters: spending an hour laughing with your family while I capture the magic. Contact me to discuss your perfect session.