Orange County Government is considering the launch of a new incentives program to lure television and film companies to the area.
County commission will be looking at recommendations to offer incentives for film companies at the upcoming May 7 meeting, trying to fill a gap left behind by the State when it ended its film incentives back in 2016, led by Commissioner Bonilla.
Other counties launched similar initiatives over the past few years, including Duval, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. The Incentive Programs are generally performance-based rebate programs that are based on geographic criteria. If adopted, Orange County’s incentives would be judged on a case-by-case basis, and distributed as a rebate after the production provides proof of their local spending, hires, etc.
Bonilla shared a letter with fellow commissioners stating the following:
“As we are all aware, film productions have a profound impact on our local economy, benefiting various sectors such as hospitality, specialty trades, cleaning services, health and safety, retail, financial, and landscaping (see “Film, TV & Digital Industry Indirect Jobs” chart).
They bring in high-paying jobs and contribute to increased bed tax revenue as production crews often stay in local hotels (see “Central Florida Film Incentive ROI Data”). Additionally, the exposure generated by films often leads to tourism, as people are drawn to visit the locations they see on screen.
Our county has some of the best film schools in the country, creating a unique opportunity for collaboration. By incentivizing film productions to choose our county as a shooting location, we not only support the growth of our local economy but also enhance the prospects of our talented students choosing to remain in Central Florida for work.”
– EMILY BONILLA, DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER, ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Bonilla suggests the county set aside roughly $5 million in order to launch an incentives program effectively, according to information provided by Film Florida, and suggests that the best place to find those funds would be in the Tourist Development Tax coffers; something both Hillsborough and Palm Beach counties have successfully done themselves.
Current language for the incentives would require that film companies:
- Spend at least $400,000.
- 60% of total production days should be in Central Florida.
- 55% of the main cast and crew should be local residents.
- At least 50% of businesses used for productions must be locally based.
- An Orange County logo must be in the credits, once finished.
