{"id":394948,"date":"2026-04-07T08:32:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T13:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=394948"},"modified":"2026-04-07T08:28:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T13:28:57","slug":"recording-in-public-your-legal-rights-when-filming-events-and-people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/enforcing-your-civil-rights\/recording-in-public-your-legal-rights-when-filming-events-and-people.html","title":{"rendered":"Recording in Public: Your Legal Rights When Filming Events and People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Recording in Public: Your Legal Rights When Filming Events and People<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Recording in public is generally legal under the First Amendment<\/span> right to freedom of speech<\/span> and expression. However, state consent laws, expectations of privacy, and property restrictions may limit where and how you can record. Understanding these legal boundaries helps protect your rights as a citizen journalist while respecting others’ privacy.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When almost everyone has a phone or tablet that can record audio and video, anything that happens in public is recorded by someone. The question that arises today is whether such recording is legal.<\/p>\n

The short answer is, yes. Under the First Amendment<\/span><\/a>, you can record in public under your right to freedom of speech<\/span><\/a> and freedom of expression. The First Amendment<\/span> protects you from government interference with your recording, but private property<\/span> owners can still restrict recording on their property. If you\u2019re recording a politician giving a stump speech or a neighborhood parade, you are covered by your constitutional rights.<\/p>\n

Of course, even the First Amendment<\/span> has limits. Even public places<\/span> have areas that are off-limits. Some state laws<\/span> prohibit recording unless all parties consent. In some cases, filming for commercial purposes<\/span> requires permits from the city or venue. For instance, if you are recording a concert at the park, the band may require you to pay them if you post their performance on social media<\/span>.<\/p>\n

When you see something in the public interest, like a protest or police arrest, you may want to record it. Citizen journalists<\/a> are a powerful tool in protecting everyone\u2019s civil rights. As a citizen journalist, you must rely on your constitutional rights and\u00a0state laws<\/span>\u00a0to protect yourself when recording events.<\/p>\n

Your Legal Right to Record in Public<\/h2>\n

Along with free speech<\/span> and freedom of religion, the First Amendment<\/span> includes freedom of the press<\/a>. Freedom of the press is broadly understood to mean anyone involved in gathering or distributing news to the public. This can include:<\/p>\n