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Florida Employment

May 23rd, 2007 Posted by Amelia

On May 3, 2007, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed into law House Bill 1325, known as The Don Davis Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act. The new bill will provide increased incentives to the entertainment and film industries by way of cash refunds for qualified expenditures incurred in the state during film production.

Opportunities for Florida employment in these industries are expected to rise as filmmakers from around the world take advantage of the economic incentives this bill provides. The incentives are available for filmmakers headquartered in the state as well as those filming on location in Florida on a temporary or per-project basis.

“I applaud the Florida House and Senate for taking an important first step towards protecting Florida’s important film and entertainment industry,” said Crist. “Florida is competing with other states that are offering increased incentives that are actively luring this high-wage, high-value industry elsewhere.”

Recognizing the importance of these often-glamorous industries to the Florida employment and economic outlook, House Bill 1325 builds on a previous incentive package. For the first time, participation in the incentive initiative will include the rapidly expanding digital media industry and companies making commercial and music videos. Also for the first time, filmmakers already located in Florida will be included.

Increased production in the state will boost Florida employment rates by means of direct hiring of local workers for various positions on each project. A stronger presence of the filmmaking industry in the state is sure to generate still more jobs in support industries such as catering and carpentry.

It is hoped the incentive program will attract production companies from out of state to come into the state for production activities and encourage permanent relocation to Florida.

Joining Gov. Crist at the signing ceremony on the floor of Florida’s House of Representatives were bill sponsors Representative Don Davis and Senator Burt Saunders, Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, and Representatives David Rivera and Dick Kravitz.