CS/CS/HB 451 Summary

• Restructures film/entertainment governance: Renames the Office of Film and Entertainment as the Division of Film and Entertainment within Enterprise Florida, Inc., and requires the Governor to appoint a film and entertainment commissioner subject to Senate confirmation.

• Modifies tax credit program: Adjusts the entertainment industry financial incentive program with new application procedures, queue systems for different production types, and extends the repeal date to July 1, 2016, with continued validity for certain tax credits through 2021.

• Establishes production requirements: Requires certified production companies to contribute 5% of tax credit awards to workforce training, provide internship opportunities for high-impact productions, and include "Filmed in Florida" promotional materials in final products.

• Increases sales tax exemption categories: Expands the qualified production company certification process to allow 1-year and 90-day certificate renewal periods, with provisions for multi-year renewals up to 5 years without reapplication.

• Shifts administrative responsibility: Transfers primary authority for the entertainment industry financial incentive program from the Office of Film and Entertainment to the Department of Economic Opportunity.