Florida's film industry struggles without tax credits as Georgia attracts Marvel productions

Florida's lack of a statewide tax incentive leaves it trailing behind Georgia's booming film sector, which benefits from a 30% tax credit attracting blockbuster projects like Marvel films and Stranger Things. This gap highlights urgent calls for federal support to revive Florida's film industry and create jobs.

Sources:
WUSF
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: WUSF
Florida's film industry faces significant challenges due to the absence of statewide tax incentives, causing a loss of major productions to states like Georgia, which offers a 30% tax credit attracting blockbuster Marvel films and hit TV series such as Stranger Things.

Sandy Lighterman, Broward County's film commissioner, highlighted the negative impact of recent federal tariff proposals on the already struggling Florida industry, stating it would "ripple in a negative way." The controversial idea of imposing tariffs on foreign-produced movies was quickly retracted after backlash from Hollywood groups and labor unions.

In response to these challenges, local industry leaders are advocating for renewed federal tax incentives to help bring productions and jobs back to the U.S. Lighterman also called for the establishment of a federal film office to act as a communication liaison, streamlining processes such as location scouting and deal-making.

Florida's inability to compete with production hubs like Georgia and Canada underscores the critical role of tax incentives in attracting film and television projects. Without such support, Florida risks continued decline in its entertainment sector, losing economic benefits and job opportunities tied to major productions.

"Florida's film and television industry has long trailed behind production hotspots like Canada and Georgia," the report notes, emphasizing the urgent need for policy changes to revitalize the state's industry.

The combination of state-level incentives and federal support could be pivotal in reversing Florida's downward trend and restoring its competitiveness in the national and global film market.
Sources: WUSF
Florida's film industry struggles without statewide tax incentives, losing major productions to Georgia, which offers a 30% tax credit attracting Marvel films and popular TV series. Local leaders urge federal tax incentives and a film office to revive Florida's industry amid challenges and recent controversial tariff proposals.
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Florida's film industry, which is already struggling, would have suffered further under Trump's proposed film tariffs — it would 'ripple in a negative way.'
Sandy Lighterman
Broward County's film commissioner
WUSF
Key Facts
  • President Trump proposed a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced movies entering the U.S., a move that was quickly retracted after strong opposition.WUSF
  • Labor unions, Hollywood groups, and advisors warned that the tariff proposal would cause economic harm by isolating U.S. film and TV productions.WUSF
  • Florida's film industry, already struggling, was identified as particularly vulnerable to negative ripple effects from the proposed tariffs.WUSF
  • The backlash against the tariff proposal has renewed momentum for federal tax incentives aimed at bringing productions and jobs back to the U.S.WUSF
  • Local leaders like Sandy Lighterman are advocating for a federal film office to streamline business processes, including location scouting and deal-making.WUSF
  • Florida's film industry lags behind Georgia, which offers a 30% tax credit attracting major productions such as Marvel films and TV series like Stranger Things.WUSF
Key Stats at a Glance
Proposed tariff on foreign-produced movies
100%
WUSF
Georgia's film tax credit
30%
WUSF
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