The certificate of insurance is the document most likely to hold up a film permit. Film offices ask for specific wording, and a certificate that is close but not exact usually comes back for a fix. Knowing what each term means makes the request to your insurer right the first time.
The terms film offices use
Certificate holder. The person or organization the certificate is issued to, with their address, usually the film office or city. Being the certificate holder shows they received proof of your insurance; on its own it gives them no coverage.
Additional insured. A city, county or location owner added to your liability policy, so your coverage also protects them for claims arising from your production. This status comes from an endorsement on the policy itself; the certificate shows it but does not create it.
Primary and non-contributory. Your policy pays first for a covered claim, and does not ask the additional insured's own insurance to share the cost.
Waiver of subrogation. Your insurer gives up its right to recover a claim payment from the party named, such as the city.
Description of operations. The box on the certificate that describes the production, and often lists locations and shoot dates.
Examples from Florida film offices
Each office sets its own wording. A few examples from their published requirements:
- City of Miami: $1,000,000 general liability, with the City of Miami named as additional insured on a primary and non-contributory basis, and the City as certificate holder.
- Miami Beach: at least $1,000,000 general liability, the City of Miami Beach named as additional insured and certificate holder, plus a signed and sealed indemnity agreement.
- Broward County (Film Lauderdale): at least $1,000,000 general liability for each claim, with Broward County and the specific city where you film named as additional insured.
- Jacksonville: at least $1,000,000 of liability; the City named as additional insured on all policies; a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City; all insurance primary and non-contributory; and the locations, addresses and dates in the description of operations.
Requirements change, so check the film office's current page before each request.
Getting it right the first time
- Copy the film office's wording exactly, including the legal name and address.
- Check that the policy actually has the endorsements the certificate will show: additional insured, primary and non-contributory, waiver of subrogation.
- Make sure the coverage dates run past your last shoot day.
- If the office wants locations and dates on the certificate, plan on a new certificate whenever the schedule moves.
- Ask for it early. Film offices often need the certificate before they issue the permit.
Sources
- City of Miami Office of Film and Entertainment, Film permit FAQ, checked October 7, 2026
- City of Miami Beach, Film and print guidelines and requirements, checked October 7, 2026
- Film Lauderdale, Permit information and requirements, checked October 7, 2026
- FilmJax, Permits, checked October 7, 2026