Orange County Film Incentive Program (TV and Film Production Incentive)

Orange County Film Incentive Program (TV and Film Production Incentive) is sponsored by Orange County, Florida. This program provides a 20% cash rebate capped at $1 million on a minimum $400,000 local spend for TV and film production.

Your browser does not support the video tag. Attracting creative talent, promoting local businesses, and showcasing Orange County’s unique assets. Application Portal is Now Closed The application portal is now closed and is no longer accepting applications for this funding cycle.

Thank you for your interest in the Orange County Film Incentive Program. Please check back for updates regarding future application windows and opportunities. Film & Television Incentive Earn a cash rebate in the amount of up to 20% of Qualifying Expenditures & Qualifying Payroll, capped at $1 Million per Production Project.

Click to learn more and apply Film and Television Production Earn a cash rebate in the amount of up to 20% of Qualifying Expenditures & Qualifying Payroll, capped at $1 Million per Production Project.

$400,000 minimum direct spending in Orange County on qualifying payroll and qualifying production expenditures Minimum of 25 Orange County Hotel Room Nights Favorable on-screen visibility of Orange County filming locations and Orange County logo displayed in credits Commitment of (5) Student / Graduate Hires from Film related program in Orange County Production Offices and / or soundstages must be based in Orange County Must apply prior to principal photography Other requirements as defined in the application Commercial Production Incentive Earn a cash rebate in the amount of up to 10% of Qualifying Expenditures & Qualifying Payroll, capped at $50,000 per Production Project.

Click to learn more and apply Commercial Production Incentive Earn a cash rebate in the amount of up to 10% of Qualifying Expenditures & Qualifying Payroll, capped at $50,000 per Production Project.

Program Requirement Highlights: $250,000 minimum direct spending in Orange County on qualifying payroll and qualifying production expenditures Minimum of 25 Orange County Hotel Room Nights Favorable on-screen visibility of Orange County filming locations Commitment of (5) Student / Graduate Hires from Film related programs in Orange County Production Offices and / or soundstages must be based in Orange County Must apply prior to principal photography Other requirements as defined in the application Entertainment Sales Tax Exemption To be exempt from Florida’s sales tax at the point of sale, the production company must apply for a certificate of exemption.

Entertainment Sales Tax Exemption Any qualified production company producing motion pictures, made for television motion pictures, television series, commercial advertising, music videos or sound recordings in Florida, may be eligible for a sales and use tax exemption on certain production-related purchases in Florida.

To be exempt from Florida’s sales tax at the point of sale, the production company must apply for a certificate of exemption. Film and Television Production Incentive Earn a cash rebate in the amount of up to 20% of Qualifying Expenditures & Qualifying Payroll, capped at $1 Million per Production Project.

$400,000 minimum direct spending in Orange County on qualifying payroll and qualifying production expenditures Minimum of 25 Orange County Hotel Room Nights Favorable on-screen visibility of Orange County filming locations and Orange County logo displayed in credits Commitment of (5) Student / Graduate Hires from Film related program in Orange County Production Offices and / or soundstages must be based in Orange County Must apply prior to principal photography Other requirements as defined in the application Commercial Production Incentive Earn a cash rebate in the amount of up to 10% of Qualifying Expenditures & Qualifying Payroll, capped at $50,000 per Production Project.

Program Requirement Highlights: $250,000 minimum direct spending in Orange County on qualifying payroll and qualifying production expenditures Minimum of 25 Orange County Hotel Room Nights Favorable on-screen visibility of Orange County filming locations Commitment of (5) Student / Graduate Hires from Film related programs in Orange County Production Offices and / or soundstages must be based in Orange County Must apply prior to principal photography Other requirements as defined in the application Entertainment Sales Tax Exemption Any qualified production company producing motion pictures, made for television motion pictures, television series, commercial advertising, music videos or sound recordings in Florida, may be eligible for a sales and use tax exemption on certain production-related purchases in Florida.

To be exempt from Florida’s sales tax at the point of sale, the production company must apply for a certificate of exemption. The Orange County Film Incentive Program is designed to promote tourism in Orange County through hotel occupancy, other local economic activity, workforce development, and enhance regional visibility through film, television and digital media production.

Eligible applications will be evaluated by a three-member selection committee who will score using a hybrid scoring model that prioritizes hotel room nights, tourism value, and economic impact. Through its Tourist Development Tax (TDT), Orange County has strategically invested $25 million over five years, committing $5 million annually from FY2026 through FY2030 to support eligible productions.

Production incentives are funded through the TDT. Program administration and staffing are funded through the County’s general fund. This structure ensures that tourism dollars are reinvested directly into initiatives that grow tourism.

The Film Incentive Program is designed to benefit the entire community: Hotels, Restaurants & Small Businesses: Visitors and production crews often stay longer than typical tourists, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

Local Workers & Students: Productions must hire five qualified college students, college graduates, or graduates of a production assistant training program from a film-related program in Orange County (college, university, or technical school). Production Companies: Producers gain access to world-class locations, experienced crews, and a clear, transparent incentive process.

Film and television productions generate a significant economic impact. The incentive requires booking of hotel room nights and direct spending in Orange County on qualifying expenditures. Productions showcase Orange County’s scenic neighborhoods and communities, as well as its iconic destinations and amenities.

On-screen exposure can inspire: Extended stays and repeat visits Themed tours tied to popular productions Film and television do not just entertain, they inspire travel. The program is designed for production companies seeking to film in Central Florida and take advantage of Orange County’s incentive offering.

Eligible projects include: Projects must meet program requirements, including local spending thresholds, workforce participation, and on-screen promotion of the region.

The following projects are not eligible to apply for the incentive program: A program that solicits funds A gambling-related project or production A local, regional, or Internet-distributed only news show or current-events show Advertising for internet sales A pornographic production Any production deemed obscene under Chapter 847, Florida Statues, or Political programs, advertisements, documentaries, or commentaries, offering opinions, analysis, and critique of political events and figures with the intent to influence public perception, provoke discussion, or encourage action Frequently Asked Questions What is the Film Incentive Program, and why was it created?

The Film Incentive Program is a five-year initiative designed to revitalize Orange County’s film industry and boost tourism by attracting film and television productions. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the program on November 18, 2025, following recommendations from a Film Incentive Working Group made up of local industry experts.

The group studied successful incentive models nationwide and developed a program suited to the region’s size and resources. How is the program funded? The County has committed $25 million over five years, beginning in 2026.

Funding will come from the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) for production incentives, while staff and administration will be supported by the County’s General Fund. Orange County will manage the program through a Film Incentive Administrator position, who will be responsible for overseeing applications, selections, and payments.

The County will partner with the Orlando Economic Partnership, which houses the Orlando Film Office, to support permitting, site selection, and regional marketing efforts. Who can apply for incentives? Film, television, and commercial productions that promote Orange County’s unique assets are eligible to apply.

Projects must demonstrate both a commitment to showcasing Orange County and a strong return on investment for the local economy. What types of productions qualify? Eligible projects include feature films, television series, streaming productions, and commercials that will be filmed partly or entirely in Orange County and promote the area as a destination.

Film incentive requirements include both a minimum direct spend in Orange County and a cap: Commercials require a $250,000 minimum spend with a 10% rebate capped at $50,000. TV and Film productions have a $400,000 minimum spend with a 20% rebate capped at $1 million. How will incentive funds be disbursed?

To ensure accountability, all organizations receiving funds must sign a funding agreement approved by the BCC. This agreement outlines all program requirements. Incentive funds are paid as a rebate after production is completed.

All expenses, including staffing, will be verified by the Film Incentive Administrator prior to the release of County funds to ensure compliance with program guidelines. What expenses qualify for incentive funds? Qualifying expenditures include payments for hotels rooms, goods, services, and labor that meet program requirements and are incurred from the time the application is submitted through the end of the project.

Salaries paid to Orange County residents for work performed from the start of pre-production through the end of post-production also qualify. Salary amounts are capped at $100,000 per resident. How will the program benefit local residents?

Film and TV productions generate a significant economic impact. Visitors and production crews often stay longer than typical tourists, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. The average salary for a film production job is $105,000 per year, creating high-wage employment opportunities for creative professionals in Central Florida.

How does this program support tourism? Film productions showcase Orange County’s scenic locations and communities to global audiences. On-screen exposure can inspire new visitors, extend stays, and even create themed tours tied to popular productions.

What is the timeline for launching the program? Tourist Development Council Approval: September 26, 2025 Board of County Commissioners’ Approval: November 18, 2025 Approval of the Program Policies and Procedures: February 10, 2026 Film Incentive Administrator Hired: March 2, 2026 Application Period: April 28 – May 28, 2026 First Incentive(s) Awarded: June 2026 How will success be measured?

The County will track the number of hotel room nights resulting from productions, local spending, and job creation to measure the return on investment. Data will help guide future funding decisions and ensure the program’s continued growth. How can I reach out to the Film Incentive Program?

For inquiries about the Film Incentive Program, please email OCFilm@ocfl. net. Orange County partners with the Orlando Economic Partnership and their Orlando Film Commission for all your production needs.

Well-known as the world’s premier tourist destination, the Orlando region is also a leading destination for film, television, commercial and web production. State-of-the-art soundstages and unique locations have made the region one of the busiest production centers in the United States. A Competitive Advantage for Production Access to incentive programs is a key factor in production site selection.

Orange County’s program enhances the region’s ability to compete for high-impact projects by aligning financial incentives with a strong foundation of workforce, infrastructure, and diverse filming locations. Backed by a $25 million, five-year investment, funded through the Tourist Development Tax (TDT), the program supports productions that deliver measurable economic impact while contributing to the region’s growing creative economy.

Jen Pennypacker is the Film Incentive Administrator for the new Orange County Film Incentive Program. A five-year initiative designed to revitalize Orange County’s film industry, the Film Incentive Program aims to attract high-value film and television projects to the region and stimulate tourism.

Pennypacker has 12 years of experience as Business Development Director for the Metro Orlando Film & Television Commission, where she played a key role in industry growth, production recruitment, and stakeholder engagement.

She has also held prominent leadership positions within the film community, including working in Los Angeles with Showtime Networks, and serving as President of Film Florida and of Women in Film & Television, Florida. Jessica Kinkle is a member of the team behind the Orange County Film Incentive Program and helped support its creation and launch.

She organized the Film Incentive Working Group meetings and provided key background coordination that helped bring the program to life. Her work included assisting with program requirements, application processes, and internal administrative procedures. Jessica brings more than 11 years of experience in executive support, government operations, and stakeholder engagement.

Her professional background includes legislative affairs, economic development, tourism, and cross-department collaboration. She is known for her organization, professionalism, and commitment to supporting initiatives that grow Orange County, Florida’s film industry. Jen Pennypacker is the Film Incentive Administrator for the new Orange County Film Incentive Program.

A five-year initiative designed to revitalize Orange County’s film industry, the Film Incentive Program aims to attract high-value film and television projects to the region and stimulate tourism. Pennypacker has 12 years of experience as Business Development Director for the Metro Orlando Film & Television Commission, where she played a key role in industry growth, production recruitment, and stakeholder engagement.

She has also held prominent leadership positions within the film community, including working in Los Angeles with Showtime Networks, and serving as President of Film Florida and of Women in Film & Television, Florida. Jessica Kinkle is a member of the team behind the Orange County Film Incentive Program and helped support its creation and launch.

She organized the Film Incentive Working Group meetings and provided key background coordination that helped bring the program to life. Her work included assisting with program requirements, application processes, and internal administrative procedures. Jessica brings more than 11 years of experience in executive support, government operations, and stakeholder engagement.

Her professional background includes legislative affairs, economic development, tourism, and cross-department collaboration. She is known for her organization, professionalism, and commitment to supporting initiatives that grow Orange County, Florida’s film industry. Office of Economic, Trade, and Tourism Development Orange County Administration 201 S.

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