Florida Lawmakers Hope Proposed Grants Bring Life Into Film Industry

WFSU | By Morgan Martin

Published February 19, 2019 at 5:28 PM EST

Tarzan and Jane during filming of "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" in Wakulla Springs, Florida

Florida officials hope to revive the state's film industry by offering grants up to $2-million to production companies.

The grants would go to certified film, television, and digital media projects that, among other requirements, employ Florida residents and spend at least 60 percent of their budgets in Florida.

Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), says his bill could bring new high-paying jobs to Florida.

“Senate bill 526 will promote Florida’s competitive option for film, television, and digital media industry. This legislation was designed to be the most conservative in the country and to deliver a positive return on investment by awarding grants to a program after all spending has been made," Gruters said.

Gruters says it would be great to see Florida’s name at the end of a show’s credits. Florida used to have a vibrant film industry but after the state stopped offering incentives, many productions moved to other states like Georgia.