• Commercial Filming and Photography

Notice To Commercial Permit Applicants:  In early August 2009, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) and Canaveral National Seashore (Seashore) initiated a comprehensive update of the Commercial Use Authorization policy. Currently, this policy remains under review. Once the review process is completed, the Refuge and Seashore will notify all permit holders of any revisions to the August 2009 policy, and will post any revisions on the Refuge and Seashore websites.

• There is likelihood of wildlife disturbance.
• There would be an unreasonable disruption of the public’s use and enjoyment of the site (beyond short-term interruptions).
• The activity poses a health or safety risk to the public

A bond or cash deposit is required to insure the area is left in its original condition and the amount is based on the complexity of the production, level of staff involvement and the potential for wildlife or habitat disturbance (may be waived).  General liability insurance in the amount of $300,000 is required to protect the U.S. Government from claims or litigation connected with injury or damage resulting from the actions of the Permitee or his agent or employer.  The insurance should name the U.S. Federal government/Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge as additionally insured .The use of explosives or electronic sound making equipment is expressly forbidden.  No animals may be brought onsite.  The use of props and equipment other than photographic equipment must be specified in your application and approved.  All Refuge regulations apply. The Commercial Film Permit application with proof of insurance must be submitted at least seven business days prior to filming.  Once all aspects of the permit have been approved, a Commercial Film Permit will be issued. 

To apply for a Film Permit please provide the following information:

• Permitee name and address
• Provide a synopsis of the production as it will pertain to the refuge
• Provide details of shooting schedule (dates, hours per day, special production equipment).
• When and where the shoot will occur (if known) and subject matter.
• How many people will be involved in the film production.
• Describe any props and special equipment needed for the production.
• Name and title of the production, name and address and phone numbers of sponsoring company.

After reviewing your application we may contact you for additional information.  If the application is complete we will notify you when it is approved.  Please submit the requested information to the address listed on the website.

Applicants for commercial permits on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and /or Canaveral National Seashore will undergo background checks for previous law and regulation violations, i.e., manatee speed zone violations, pole-troll zone/no motor zone violations, state and federal game and fish violations, commercial permit noncompliance violations, safety violations, DUI/BUI violations, firearms violations, felony convictions, and convictions involving resisting a law enforcement officer. Commercial permits will not be issued to individuals with more than three resource or other violations within the past five years. For those individuals receiving a commercial permit, the Refuge and Seashore will suspend a commercial permit for 60 days effective on the date of conviction for a second instance of a violation as outlined above within a 5 year period. The Refuge and Seashore will terminate a commercial permit for one year effective on the date of conviction for a third instance of a violation as outlined above within a 5 year period. If a Commercial Permit is suspended or terminated, the permit holder will have no claim for reimbursement for any portion of the commercial permit that remains unused. Authority to suspend or terminate permits is given in 50 CFR 25.43 and 36 CFR 1.6.