HB 217 Summary

• Creates the Targeted High Wage Production Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity to provide rebates up to 20 percent (or 23 percent with bonus) of qualified expenditures, capped at $2 million per project for film, television, and digital media productions.

• Requires projects to meet eligibility criteria including minimum qualified expenditures ($1.5 million for film/digital, $500,000 per episode for television), at least 60 percent in-state crew with one military veteran, and 70 percent of production days in Florida.

• Provides 3 percent rebate bonus if 60 percent of production occurs in underutilized counties (all Florida counties except Broward, Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Orange, and Seminole) or if content is family friendly.

• Establishes two annual application periods with department earmarking up to 60 percent of funds in the first period; projects must begin principal photography within 30-90 days of production start date and complete compliance audits by certified public accountants.

• Requires certified projects to include "Filmed in Florida" or "Produced in Florida" branding in credits, provide production photos, allow site visits, and promote the state; funds appropriated at $20 million annually for fiscal years 2022-2026 with program expiration June 30, 2026.