Miami is making a comeback on the production map, with a surge in film and television projects taking advantage of the region’s new incentives, iconic locations, and thriving industry infrastructure. While big-budget Hollywood productions have often looked elsewhere due to Florida’s lack of a statewide tax incentive, Miami-Dade County’s High Impact Film Fund is changing the game, drawing in projects like Dexter: Original Sin, Netflix’s Pulse, and Peacock’s upcoming crime thriller M.I.A.

Miami’s Cinematic Revival: Dexter: Original Sin and Beyond

Paramount+ is bringing one of TV’s most iconic serial killers back to life with Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel that explores Dexter Morgan’s early years. While most of the series is filming in Los Angeles and Long Beach, Miami serves as the backdrop, reinforcing its distinct visual identity with its Art Deco architecture, waterfront views, and atmospheric neon glow. The show’s producers have leaned into Miami’s natural cinematic appeal, ensuring the series maintains a strong connection to its original setting.

Beyond Dexter, Netflix’s medical drama Pulse and Peacock’s M.I.A. are also staking a claim in Miami, marking a shift as more productions consider the city for principal photography instead of just quick establishing shots.

High Impact Film Fund: A New Incentive Driving Production

Miami-Dade County’s High Impact Film Fund, launched in May 2024, is fueling this resurgence. With a 20% cash rebate for productions that meet specific criteria—including a $5 million minimum budget, 90% of filming based in the county, and 60% of the below-the-line crew being local hires—the incentive is making Miami a financially viable alternative to states like Georgia and Louisiana.

City-specific incentives are also playing a role. Miami Beach offers a $10,000 cash rebate for productions filming at least three days and spending a minimum of $25,000, a program designed to attract everything from feature films to commercials. With free film permits, waived square footage fees, and complimentary beachfront access passes, Miami Beach has positioned itself as one of the most production-friendly cities in the country.

Miami + The Bahamas: A Production Powerhouse in the Making

Miami-Dade County is expanding its incentive model through a unique partnership with the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, allowing productions to stack rebates from both locations. While both share tropical beaches, Miami’s city skyline and urban environment contrast with the Bahamas’ secluded island aesthetics and crystal-clear waters.

Scheduled to launch in March, the Bahamas’ new 30% rebate—available to productions with a minimum local spend of $100,000—adds another layer of financial support for filmmakers. Though the rebate caps at $120,000 in expenditures, the program adds another cost-effective solution for productions looking to capture diverse tropical visuals without leaving the region.

The Challenges of Competing with Georgia’s Film Industry

While Miami’s incentives are a step in the right direction, its $10 million annual cap limits its ability to attract massive studio tentpoles. In contrast, Georgia’s uncapped tax credit program pays out over $1 billion annually, making it a magnet for productions that might otherwise consider Florida.

This disparity is why 2024’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die, a Miami-set blockbuster with a $100 million budget, filmed the majority of its scenes in Atlanta, only coming to Miami for essential exterior shots.

The lack of a statewide tax incentive in Florida is an ongoing challenge. Between 2010 and 2016, a previous 20% tax credit program helped attract hit series like Burn Notice, Bloodline, Ballers, and Magic City. But once the program expired, productions relocated—Ballers moved to Los Angeles after two seasons, and Bloodline was canceled shortly after.

Without competitive incentives, Miami’s film industry has had to rely on commercial shoots, Spanish-language television from Telemundo and Univision, and reality shows like The Real Housewives of Miami and Love & Hip Hop: Miami to sustain its crew base.

Independent Filmmakers Keep Miami in the Game

Despite the challenges, Miami continues to be a creative hub for independent filmmakers. Director Harmony Korine, known for his Miami-shot films Spring Breakers and Baby Invasion, remains committed to the city regardless of incentives. His team prioritizes location over financial breaks, choosing Miami for its energy, aesthetic, and unique cultural blend.

As Miami fights to reclaim its position in Hollywood’s production pipeline, local incentives, international partnerships, and growing industry infrastructure are setting the stage for a long-term resurgence. With projects like Dexter: Original Sin, Pulse, and M.I.A. leading the charge, the city’s return to the top tier of filming destinations may be closer than ever.