Film and photography crews could soon shoot in Palmetto Bay under a county-managed permitting deal heading to a Miami-Dade committee Wednesday, Sept. 9.
The Miami-Dade Recreation, Tourism and Resiliency Committee is set to consider Resolution 261445 at 10:30 a.m. in Commission Chambers. The measure would authorize the county's Office of Film and Entertainment to issue permits for film and still photography productions using village facilities and services.
Village Manager Signed Agreement in July
Village Manager Nick Marano signed the agreement on July 8. Mayor Karyn Cunningham is listed as the village's notice contact in the resolution. Neither has made a public statement about the deal.
Deal Runs Five Years With Renewal Options
The initial term is five years. It starts 10 days after both sides approve it, with two five-year renewal options. Either party can cancel with 30 days' notice.
County, Village Split Permitting Responsibilities
Under the agreement, Palmetto Bay would appoint a liaison to coordinate with the county's film office. The county must notify the village within one business day of receiving a production company's request to use village property. The village manager or a designee retains the power to reject any permit application deemed not in the community's best interest.
Production companies would need $1 million in general liability insurance naming the village as an additional insured party. The village would handle billing and collection of its own fees for use of local facilities. The county would block permits for companies with unpaid village fees.
Palmetto Bay also agrees to provide photographs of locations it wants to promote for productions. The county would share that material with production companies marketing South Florida.
Hialeah Gardens Included in Same Resolution
The resolution also includes a separate interlocal agreement between the county and the City of Hialeah Gardens on the same terms. Commissioner René Garcia, who chairs the committee and represents District 13, is the resolution's prime sponsor. County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan prepared the measure.
The Sept. 9 vote is a committee step. The resolution's text references Oct. 6 as a potential date for full Miami-Dade County Commission adoption, though that date has not been independently confirmed.
Countywide Permitting System Already in Place
The county's film office, branded as Film Miami, already operates a one-stop permitting system covering more than a dozen municipalities, including the Town of Cutler Bay. The base permit application fee is $150, nonrefundable and valid for 28 days.
Residents can follow the committee's Sept. 9 agenda through the county's legislative portal.
