Business Community Leaders from the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) have announced that Florida’s film, television and digital media industry have been included in their respective legislative priorities for the 2022 Florida Legislative Session. The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s “Where We Stand 2022” includes “supporting programs and projects that will further diversify Florida’s economy and attract industry clusters, such as the film incentive.” Similarly, AIF’s “2022 Session Priorities” includes supporting “legislative efforts to help Florida compete for high wage jobs in film, television, and the digital media industry. Our great state has much to offer and a sound, fiscally responsible program will help us attract the high wage jobs we have lost to Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana and California in recent years.”
“We are thrilled to have the continued support from leaders such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and AIF. Both organizations are extremely well-respected for their unrelenting advocacy for the state of Florida,” Gail Morgan, President of Film Florida said. “When an average feature film or television series films in a location, they spend $20 million in the local community while hiring 1,500 Floridians. One single production can spend $150,000 per day with that cash going directly in the pockets of citizens and small businesses which is what we want for our state. Our industry can, and should be an important part of continuing to grow and diversify Florida’s economy”
Senator Joe Gruters- R has filed SB 946 and Representative Dana Trabulsy- R has filed HB 217. Both bills would create a “Targeted High Wage Production Program.” The goal of the program is to bring more high-paying tech jobs to Florida, widen the industry’s impact on the state by giving a bonus for underutilized areas, enhance tourism by choosing projects that encourage visitation to the state, and attract more family-friendly productions to the state. Selection of projects will be prioritized to those offering the highest ROI and economic benefit. The program is performance-based. Projects receive a tax credit or rebate only after they have spent their budget in the state and have met all of the program’s requirements, safeguarding the program.
“The demand for film and TV programs is higher than ever before. We believe that content should be made in Florida, creating jobs, pumping new money from outside Florida into our economy and enhancing tourism,” John Lux, Executive Director of Film Florida said. “Florida’s film, television and digital media industry has been an underutilized asset in recent years. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and AIF understands the importance of leveling the playing field with other states so Florida can better compete for the high-wage, high-tech jobs in the film, television and digital media production industry and we appreciate their continued support.”
About Film Florida: Film Florida is a state-wide not-for-profit entertainment production trade association that serves a leadership role in Florida’s film, TV, production and digital media/tech industry by representing all aspects of the business including film commissions, industry, labor, associations and education. The growing membership driven organization provides a network, a platform, and the benefits of playing an active part in solidifying Florida’s position as a major entertainment production destination, positive economic development driver and tourism generator. For more information about Film Florida visit FilmFlorida.org.
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Contact:
Gail Morgan, President, lgailmorgan@cs.com, 850-240-6376
John Lux, Executive Director, jlux@filmflorida.org, 407-494-6195