Film advocates are looking to make change in Florida and bring back an incentive program intended to bring big budget movies (and jobs) back to Florida. Critics of the incentive program are vehemently against any new tax breaks, labeling any incentive as more of a needless handout for Hollywood.
The previous tax credit program for film incentives in Florida ended over three years ago. Sadly, the incentive ended prematurely even though nearly $300 million were slated to be disbursed over the course of six years. “What happened was everybody rushed to Florida and they used all the money in the first two years,” stated Kelly Paige, past president and current board member of Fim Florida, responsible for representing the Florida film industry.
The non-profit organization has been campaigning for a new incentive program in order to lure more prestigious film and television business to the state. In the past, Florida has served as the setting for quite a few films, including Dolphin Tale, shot in Clearwater, and the Punisher, which used downtown Tampa as its setting.
Florida’s Film Legacy
Florida has a lengthy film legacy stemming back to the 1950s when Creature from the Black Lagoon was filmed at Wakulla Springs. Other famed productions made in Florida include the Miami Vice television show from the 1980s, and the Netflix Exclusive, Bloodline, shot partially in the Florida Keys. See more at Florida Insider.
