Orange County, Florida, home to Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, is taking steps to bring film and television production back to the region with a proposed local film incentive program. Once a thriving production hub, Central Florida has seen a significant decline in filming activity since the expiration of the state’s film tax credit in 2016. The new initiative, expected to be voted on in early 2025, would offer rebates to productions that spend locally, hire regional crews, and invest in the community, aiming to generate millions in direct spending and thousands of jobs.
Central Florida’s Comeback: What’s at Stake
Decades ago, Florida—and particularly Central Florida—was a go-to location for film and TV production. Studios like Universal Orlando and film education programs at UCF, Valencia College, and Full Sail University produced both infrastructure and talent for the industry. However, with other states like Georgia offering aggressive incentives (up to 30% tax rebates), Florida’s once-thriving production industry has slowed to a crawl.
Today, Orange County, located in the heart of Florida, is proposing a targeted local program to reclaim its position. Funded by the region’s Tourist Development Tax (TDT)—a portion of revenue collected from hotel and short-term rental stays—the program aims to reimburse productions for verified local spending.
A Win for the Community and Economy
Local actor and SAG-AFTRA member Chris Greene, who has worked on major projects like Atlanta and Queen of the South, underscores how production spending benefits far more than just cast and crew. From local hardware stores and restaurants to gas stations, hotels, and transportation providers, production work pours money into every corner of the local economy. “When people see a production set, they don’t realize that everything on site—down to the tents and chairs—comes from a local business,” Greene explains.
A successful program could also retain the 3,000 students who graduate each year from Central Florida’s leading film programs but are currently forced to leave for work in places like Atlanta or Los Angeles.
How the Incentive Would Work
Key features of the proposed initiative include:
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Local hiring requirements: Productions must employ a minimum percentage of local cast and crew.
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Spending thresholds: Eligible projects would need to spend at least $100,000 locally.
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Community benefits: Projects must host public screenings and offer internships for local film students.
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Administration: The Orlando Film Commission would oversee the program under Orange County’s Office of Economic Development.
