Florida used to be so prominent in the film industry that it was known as "Hollywood East" in the 1970s and 80s. In the 90s, on average, 15 feature films were made a year in Florida. Then, in 2011 the tax incentives were cut. That means that TV shows and movies wouldn't receive a tax cut for filming in Florida, so they would use LA or back lots instead for most things taking place in Florida. After incentives were cut, $250 million was given to be used on films through 2016, but that money quickly ran out. Now, we have almost nothing to bring professional productions here. This creates an issue for film students as well as the economy.

Film students now feel they have to move to Georgia, LA, or Canada in order to succeed in the film industry when Florida already has the ability to be a prominent location in the industry. The film department at Valencia College even went up to Georgia to make their last feature film.

Films and shows being filmed in Florida provide a lot of economic benefits for the state. "The Dolphin Tale" 1 and 2 were one of the last movies made in Florida and it brought thousands of tourists to the Clear Water Aquarium. The first movie generated around $96 million dollars for the state. Because of the success of the first movie the second movie, even though the tax cut had been removed, received a special deal in order to film in Florida.

The TV show "Ballers" used to be filmed in Florida, but moved to LA after a few seasons. The Netflix show "Bloodlines" that is filmed in the Florida Keys is cutting their third season short even though they have enough material for 5 seasons. Season 1 of Bloodlines alone racked in $95 in tourism, $9.4 million in state and local taxes, and created 1,738 jobs. Just since the incentives have been cut, Florida has missed out on more than $650 million dollars according to Film Florida. If the film incentives were back, just think of how many millions of dollars and thousands of jobs that could be made?

Florida legislative session begins March 2017 (RIGHT NOW) so we need to act ASAP.

We are trying to get incentives to back in Florida so we can have productions here so film graduates don't have to needlessly move across the country, and so the state and local businesses (not just Disney) can make money from tourism.

We want the 'Floridan Man' known for something good for once.