Sen. Mike Haridopolos Pushes for Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act

Movie tax credit would lead to immediate job growth, increased revenue.

In an immediate effort to stimulate the economy and attract jobs to Florida, Senate President-Designate Mike Haridopolos is pushing for landmark legislation that creates a film and digital media tax credit that has in other states attracted new projects and created jobs. 

"On the heels of last weeks Jobs Summit where the film and digital media industry was highlighted as a key player in Florida's economic recovery, this proposal will allow us to hit the ground running," said Haridopolos. "It's my hope that the days of Florida consistently losing jobs in film, production and digital media projects to other states will soon be over."

The action is already receiving nods from the entertainment industry.

"As a Florida filmmaker I'm hoping the state does all it can to keep our film industry competitive," says Academy Award® and Emmy Award® nominated Floridian, Ronald Satlof.  "I would love to see our economy benefit from increased production coming to Florida as well as our local industry thriving. I applaud legislative efforts to that end and will do all I can to support them."

Florida's current film incentive program has been cut dramatically in recent years resulting in a sharp decline in production projects that have been lost to competing states.  

"Just as New York is now pressing for long term tax credit funding, I'm hoping the State of Florida does all it can to keep Florida competitive since so many producers I represent love to shoot in Florida and would love to continue to see films being shot there," says Barry Jay Reiss, former MCA-Universal East Coast General Counsel.

Haridolos says because of the Disney and Universal presence in Florida, it's a natural fit.

"We have some of the most dedicated crews, scenic locations and an entire infrastructure to help get the Florida job creation engine on track and moving full steam ahead," says Haridopolos.

Haridopolos says the bill will generate substantial amounts of new tax revenue, create thousands of jobs and boost ancillary businesses.

"Film production has an immediate effect on the local economy ranging from actors who stay at hotels to trucks being rented to catering companies being hired," says Haridopolos.  "Florida can no longer stand on the sidelines while other states drain our jobs and deplete our revenue base, we have to do better for Florida's future generations and I'm here to fight for Floridians day and night until this is done."