The Resurgence of Florida as a Major Film and TV Production Hub
The entertainment industry is experiencing a significant geographic shift. For years, the conversation surrounding “runaway production” focused on projects leaving the United States entirely or migrating from traditional hubs like Los Angeles to states with aggressive tax incentives, such as Georgia. However, a new narrative is quietly unfolding. Florida, a state with a rich cinematic history, is re-emerging as a major production hub. With a combination of unparalleled locations, growing infrastructure, and aggressive new county-level incentives, the Sunshine State is once again attracting major film, television, and commercial projects.
This resurgence is not about competing with other states on sheer volume. Instead, Florida is leaning into its unique strengths: authenticity, flexibility, and visual storytelling that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. For producers, creators, and brands looking for real cinematic texture, Florida offers an underrated and highly valuable opportunity.
The Decline of Traditional Hubs and the Search for Authenticity
To understand Florida’s comeback, it is essential to look at the broader industry landscape. Traditional production centers are facing unprecedented challenges. Recent data indicates that on-location television production days in Los Angeles dropped from 18,560 in 2021 to just 6,582 in 2025, representing a staggering 64 percent decline. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, California saw a 35 percent decrease in industry jobs. While California has attempted to stem the tide by doubling its film and television tax incentives, many industry experts believe these efforts may be too little, too late to stop productions from fleeing to locations with lower labor costs and more favorable financial structures.
At the same time, audiences are increasingly craving real, authentic environments. The sterile perfection of a soundstage often falls short of the visceral impact provided by genuine locations. Florida delivers this authenticity in abundance. From the untamed wilderness of the Everglades to the tropical allure of the Florida Keys and the vibrant Art Deco architecture of Miami, the state provides a cinematic texture that cannot be faked on a stage or recreated in another state.
This is not a new phenomenon. The state has a long history of elevating productions through its unique locations. The iconic 1980s series Miami Vice did not just use Miami as a backdrop, it made the city a central character, transforming its global image and revitalizing the Art Deco district. More recently, the Netflix series Bloodline turned the Florida Keys into a global destination. The production spent $5.8 million locally, but it generated more than $65 million in tourism, proving the immense economic power of filming on location.
The Rise of County-Level Incentives
One of the primary hurdles Florida faced in recent years was the expiration of its statewide film incentive program in 2016. Between 2010 and 2016, the Florida Legislature allocated $296 million in tax credits, which generated an estimated $4.1 billion in economic impact. When the state program ended, many productions relocated to neighboring states.
However, local governments across Florida have proactively stepped in to fill the void, creating aggressive county-level incentive programs that are drawing producers back from around the world. These local rebates are making Florida financially competitive once again.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
Broward County currently boasts the largest local incentive fund for screen production projects in the state. The county offers a menu of performance-based rebates designed to attract a wide range of projects. For standard film and television programs, productions that spend a minimum of $400,000 in the county can receive a 20 percent rebate, capped at $800,000. High-impact projects spending at least $5 million are eligible for a 20 percent rebate capped at $2 million. Broward also offers a 15 percent rebate for television commercials and specific grants for emerging filmmakers.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Jacksonville is prime and ready for production, offering vast amounts of land for set construction and affordable accommodations for cast and crew. The Jacksonville Film and Television Program utilizes a sliding scale based on qualified expenditures. Tier 1 projects spending a minimum of $400,000 can receive a 15 percent rebate, while Tier 2 projects spending $1 million or more are eligible for a 20 percent rebate, capped at $400,000.
Orange County (Orlando)
Recognizing the economic benefits of production, Orange County recently approved a $25 million, five-year incentive program set to launch in the second quarter of 2026. This program offers a 20 percent rebate, capped at $1 million, for television and film projects that spend at least $400,000 locally. The initiative is specifically designed to revitalize the local industry and boost tourism by showcasing the area’s assets.
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg/Clearwater)
Pinellas County offers a 10 to 20 percent cash rebate on qualified above-the-line and below-the-line production expenditures. With a low minimum spend requirement of just $100,000 and a cap of $300,000 per project, this program is highly attractive for independent films, documentaries, and commercial shoots.
Miami-Dade County
Miami-Dade County has also been aggressive in attracting productions. In late 2023, the county established a high-impact film fund designed to provide between $5 million and $10 million annually in rebates for large-scale film and television productions shot locally. This is in addition to existing local tax rebate programs for entertainment productions.
County | Minimum Spend | Rebate Percentage | Maximum Cap |
Broward (Fort Lauderdale) | $400,000 | 20% | $800,000 |
Duval (Jacksonville) | $1,000,000 | 20% | $400,000 |
Orange (Orlando) | $400,000 | 20% | $1,000,000 |
Pinellas (St. Pete/Clearwater) | $100,000 | 10-20% | $300,000 |
Growing Infrastructure and Virtual Production
Beyond locations and financial incentives, Florida is rapidly expanding its production infrastructure. The state boasts a strong commercial production scene and a deep pool of experienced local crews. Florida is also investing heavily in the future of filmmaking: virtual production.
The state is now home to some of the most advanced virtual production facilities in the country. Major LED volumes have been established in both Tampa and Orlando, allowing filmmakers to blend physical and digital worlds seamlessly. For example, Litewave Studios in Tampa recently expanded its services to include a state-of-the-art LED volume wall, while South Florida is seeing investments in multi-million dollar virtual production stages. This technological advancement means that productions can capture the authentic vibe of Florida locations while using advanced in-camera visual effects for complex scenes.
Major Productions Returning to the Sunshine State
The combination of these factors is already yielding tangible results. Major networks and streaming platforms are bringing significant projects back to Florida. A prime example is the new crime series M.I.A., produced for Peacock. Created by the mind behind the hit series Ozark, M.I.A. recently wrapped filming in Miami and the Florida Keys. The series, which centers on a restless young woman dreaming of a life in Miami’s glittering subtropical kingdom, makes full use of the state’s unique atmosphere.
Similarly, ABC’s RJ Decker recently wrapped scenes across Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, taking advantage of the diverse locations and local incentives available in South Florida. These high-profile projects signal renewed confidence in Florida’s ability to support major productions.
Partnering with a Professional Miami Videographer
For brands, corporations, and agencies looking to capitalize on Florida’s cinematic appeal, partnering with an experienced local production company is crucial. Navigating permits, securing the best local crew, and understanding the nuances of filming in diverse environments require specialized knowledge.
If you are planning a project in South Florida, securing a professional Miami videographer is the first step toward a successful shoot. Beverly Boy Productions has been delivering high-quality video content for over two decades, with more than 25,000 videos produced nationwide. Our Miami crews hold FilMiami permits and shoot daily at iconic locations like the Miami Beach Convention Center, PortMiami, and Brickell City Centre.
We understand the multicultural audience that makes Miami content distinct, offering bilingual Spanish and English production services. Whether you need corporate video production, luxury brand commercials, or live event coverage, our teams are equipped with the latest technology, including 4K cameras, drones, and LED lighting arrays. By working with a trusted local partner, you can ensure your project captures the authentic feeling and vibe that makes Florida a premier production destination.
Florida’s story as a production hub is just getting started again. With its unmatched locations, aggressive new incentives, and growing technological infrastructure, the Sunshine State is proving that it is one of the most underrated opportunities in the market right now.
