Incentives for Film, TV, Digital Media & Commercial Production in Florida (Focus on Miami-Dade – 2025)

Introduction

Florida offers a vibrant backdrop for film and media production, especially in the Miami area. However, the state has not had a major statewide film tax credit program since 2016, which has led local governments to create their own incentives wusf.org. Below is a comprehensive overview of current tax incentives, grants, rebates, and financial support available as of 2025 for film, television, digital media, and commercial productions in Florida – with a special focus on Miami-Dade County (including Miami and Miami Beach). We detail state-level programs, Miami-Dade County incentives, city-specific programs, special zones, eligibility criteria, application processes, and recent updates. A summary table is provided at the end for easy comparison of key programs.

State-Level Incentives in Florida

1. Florida Entertainment Industry Sales Tax Exemption: Florida’s primary statewide incentive is a point-of-sale sales tax exemption for qualified production companies​

This program allows film, TV, and digital media producers (including those making feature films, television series, commercials, music videos, or sound recordings) to purchase or rent certain production-related goods and services tax-free. (Still photography projects are not eligible​ filminflorida.com.) The exemption can save producers up to ~7% on qualified expenditures, reflecting Florida’s sales tax rate​

• Eligible Expenses: Production equipment rentals or purchases, set construction and props, local facility rentals (studios, office space, location fees), and production-related software/computer expenses are all tax-exempt under this program​filminflorida.com. Essentially, most direct production supplies and equipment qualify. Non-qualifying costs include general travel and living expenses such as hotel lodging, vehicle rentals, airfare, catering, and other day-to-day operational costs, which remain taxable​filminflorida.com.
• Application Process: To utilize this benefit, a production company must apply for a Florida Sales Tax Exemption certificate before making purchases. Applications are submitted online to the Florida Department of Revenue (via FloridaCommerce’s film incentive portal)​filminflorida.com​griptruckflorida.com. Once approved, the company receives a certificate to show vendors so that sales tax is not charged at checkout. (This is an up-front exemption, not a rebate, meaning no need to pay tax and later seek refund.) Florida now also requires an affidavit confirming the applicant is not a “foreign entity of concern” (per a 2023 law) as part of the application​filminflorida.com.
• Who Can Apply: Both Florida-based and out-of-state production companies can apply, as long as they are producing a qualified project in Florida. There is no fee to apply, and certificates are typically issued within a few business days if all criteria are met​filminflorida.com. The certificate generally expires after one year, so longer productions must renew as needed​filminflorida.com.

2. Absence of Statewide Tax Credits/Rebates: Aside from the sales tax exemption, Florida currently offers no statewide film tax credit or cash rebate program. The previous Florida Entertainment Industry Financial Incentive (a tax credit program) sunset in 2016, and Florida’s ranking as a production destination fell sharply afterward​ wusf.org. In recent years, lawmakers have introduced bills to revive state incentives (e.g. a proposed “Florida First Production Partnership” tax credit in 2023), but as of 2025 no new statewide program has been enacted​ flsenate.gov. This means producers cannot currently get a state-paid rebate or transferable credit for production expenses in Florida.

• Recent Update: In 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, bipartisan efforts were made to create a modest tax credit fund (around $20 million/year) for film/TV projects, but these bills died in committee​flsenate.gov. The debate may continue, but for now Florida remains one of the few major film centers without a statewide refundable credit. Producers are thus encouraged to leverage local county/city programs and the sales tax exemption for financial relief​wusf.org.

3. General Business Incentives: While not film-specific, production companies establishing a permanent presence in Florida can tap general business incentives. Florida has no personal state income tax and no corporate income tax on limited partnerships or S-corps, which benefits production companies’ bottom lines​ filmiami.org. There is also no state-level property tax or inventory tax​ filmiami.org. For digital media and tech-oriented production companies, programs like the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund or local Targeted Jobs Incentive Fund (in Miami-Dade) may provide grants or tax refunds for creating full-time jobs in the state. These tend to apply if a studio or digital media company relocates or expands in Florida, rather than for individual film projects. Companies considering moving operations to Miami can work with the Miami-Dade Beacon Council (the county’s economic development agency) to identify such opportunities​ filmiami.org​. (These incentives are case-by-case for businesses and not automatic rebates for productions.)

4. Grants for Florida Filmmakers: Florida-based independent filmmakers may seek support from statewide or regional grant programs. One example is the Film Florida Emerging Filmmakers Fund, which offers small grants (~$1,000–$2,000) to up-and-coming Florida filmmakers for their projects​ filmiami.org. While modest, such grants can help seed short films or assist with finishing funds. Additionally, Florida filmmakers can pursue national grants listed by Film Florida (e.g. the Sundance Documentary Fund, Women in Film Finishing Fund, etc.​). These are competitive and not limited to Floridians, but are part of the ecosystem of support.

Miami-Dade County Programs

To compensate for the lack of state credits, Miami-Dade County has implemented its own robust incentive programs. These are administered through the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment (FilMiami) and offer cash grants/rebates for productions that spend money locally and hire local residents. Currently, the county has two main programs:

1. Miami-Dade County TV, Film and Entertainment Production Incentive (“Tiered” Grant Program): This is a tier-based cash grant program targeting small to mid-sized productions. It is effectively a rebate on local spend, paid after the project wraps and criteria are verified. Key features:

• Grant Amount: Up to $100,000 per project (as a direct cash grant). The baseline tier requires a minimum $1,000,000 of qualified expenditures in Miami-Dade County to receive a $100,000 grant​filmiami.org. According to the county, $1M spend is “Tier One,” which yields the maximum $100K grant – implying that spends between $500K and $1M might be eligible for a smaller grant (e.g. $50K) as a lower tier​griptruckflorida.com. For example, a production spending $500,000 in the county can apply for a $50,000 grant, while spending $1,000,000+ can qualify for $100,000​griptruckflorida.com. (Note: $100K is the cap per project​filmiami.org.)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Local Spending: Must spend at least $500K (for a partial grant) or $1M (for full $100K) on qualified expenses within Miami-Dade. Qualifying expenses include local crew payroll and payments to Miami-Dade businesses for goods/services used in the production​filmiami.org​filmiami.org.
  • Local Hiring: At least 70% of the project’s cast and crew must be Miami-Dade County residents (excluding extras) and employed for the majority of the project’s duration​filmiami.org. This ensures the incentive is boosting local employment.
  • These requirements were tightened in recent years (notably, the local hire quota increased, as indicated by bolded changes in guidelines​filmiami.org). Producers need to submit proof of Miami-Dade residency for crew (e.g. driver’s licenses) and detailed spending records as part of the application/audit.
• Application Process: An application with supporting documents (budget, hiring plan, etc.) must be submitted before filming begins in Miami-Dade​filmiami.org. The County’s film office reviews applications to certify eligibility. The grant is performance-based – funds are disbursed only after production is completed and an audit confirms all requirements were met (including the local spend and hiring minimums)​filmiami.org​filmiami.org. Typically, an independent CPA must verify the expenditures. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis, but is subject to annual budget availability (first-come, first-served until funds are exhausted). It’s advisable to apply as early as possible, as funding is limited each fiscal year.
• Recent Update: The Miami-Dade grant program’s criteria were updated recently (higher local hire percentage, etc.) to ensure stronger local impact​filmiami.org. As of 2025, the program remains active and has successfully attracted TV series and films to the area by offsetting a portion of costs​filmmakersalliance.org. It can also be stacked with city incentives (like the Miami Beach program) for additional savings​moviemaker.com.

2. Miami-Dade County “High Impact” Film Fund: Launched in 2023, the High Impact Film Fund is the county’s largest incentive program, aimed at big-budget productions that will spend heavily and hire extensively in the region. It offers a cash rebate of up to 20% on qualified expenditures, with an annual funding pool of $10 million (renewed each county fiscal year)​ This makes it one of Florida’s most significant film incentives.

• Rebate Details: Qualifying projects can receive 20% cash back on their Miami-Dade spend, after meeting all requirements​filmiami.org. For example, a feature film that spends $5 million locally could get up to $1 million reimbursed. There is no per-project dollar cap explicitly stated, but the entire program is capped at $10M per year​filmiami.org. If multiple projects qualify, they will draw from that fund (so effective rebate percentage or awards may depend on how many productions participate and the funds available).
• Eligibility Requirements: This program targets feature films, television movies, and TV/streaming series with sizable budgets​filmiami.org. Notable requirements include:
  • Minimum local spend of $5,000,000 in Miami-Dade County​filmiami.org. This is a hard floor – smaller projects should use the $100K grant program instead.
  • Local Production Focus: At least 90% of the production days/production activity that occurs in Florida must take place in Miami-Dade County​filmiami.org. In other words, the project should primarily film in Miami-Dade (you can’t, for example, shoot mostly in another Florida county and only do a few days in Miami to qualify – Miami-Dade must host the vast majority of Florida-based filming).
  • Local Crew/Vendors: At least 60% of the project’s crew (below-the-line labor) must be Miami-Dade residents, and at least 70% of vendors/contractors used must be Miami-Dade-registered businesses​filmiami.org. This ensures the spend truly benefits the county’s workforce and service providers. The residency of crew and location of vendors will be audited (production must document hires and invoices).
  • “Showcasing” Miami-Dade: The county stipulates that the production should portray Miami-Dade County as a recognizable setting whenever possible​filmiami.org. This is a creative requirement – essentially to encourage projects that feature Miami-Dade’s identity (though specifics are evaluated case-by-case). Additionally, a screen credit acknowledging the county’s support (and displaying a Miami-Dade logo) is required in the final production​filmiami.org.
  • Other: Productions must pay Miami-Dade resident crew at least a minimum wage rate set by county code (a living wage ordinance)​filmiami.org, and must hire two students or recent graduates from local film programs as interns/production assistants (workforce development component)​filmiami.org. A final certified audit by a Florida-licensed CPA is required at the production’s expense​.
• Application Process: The High Impact Fund opens one application window per fiscal year​filmiami.org​filmiami.org. In 2024, for instance, applications were accepted from April 2 through Sept 30​filmiami.org​filmiami.org. Productions apply via an online portal (FilMiami’s website) during that period, providing detailed budgets, scripts (to evaluate Miami showcase), hiring plans, etc. The film commission reviews each project case-by-case and approves those that meet the criteria until the $10M fund is allocated​filmiami.org. After filming and post-production, the production must submit to a thorough audit before the rebate is paid​filmiami.org.
• Recent Update: Funding & Timeline – Miami-Dade County earmarked a recurring $10 million/year for this program starting FY2023-24​filmiami.org, signaling a multi-year commitment. The first cycle (2024) attracted high-profile TV productions (for example, Showtime’s “Dexter: Original Sin” was lured to Miami-Dade by this incentive​stagerunner.net). The 2024 application portal is now closed and will reopen in 2025 for the next round​filmiami.org. This fund, combined with Miami Beach’s efforts, has been heralded as reigniting South Florida’s production industry​filmmakersalliance.org.

City and Local Incentive Programs in the Miami Area

In addition to county-wide incentives, several cities within Miami-Dade offer their own programs to encourage filming in their jurisdictions. Below are the key local incentives in the Miami area:

1. City of Miami Beach – Film & Production Incentive Program: Miami Beach has a “small but mighty” film incentive fund of $100,000 per year, managed by the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA)​ moviemaker.com. This fund provides grants in the form of a $10,000 cash rebate to qualifying productions that film in Miami Beach. The program is designed to be straightforward and stackable with other incentives.

• Benefit: An instant $10,000 rebate on expenditures, given as a grant. The city intends to award roughly 9 grants of $10K each year (totaling $90K) and reserves an additional $10K for a local talent project, totaling $100K fund​miamibeachfl.gov. In practice, any production meeting the criteria gets $10K, until the annual fund is exhausted.
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, a production must: film at least 3 full production days in the City of Miami Beach and spend a minimum of $25,000 on Miami Beach expenditures​moviemaker.com​miamibeachfl.gov. Productions also must use Miami Beach as a primary lodging/base during shooting – specifically, at least 50% of the cast/crew’s lodging nights should be in Miami Beach hotels or at least 50% of the qualifying expenses must be at a Miami Beach hotel​miamibeachfl.gov. (Alternatively, if lodging is elsewhere, the production can satisfy this requirement by hiring 70% local cast/crew from Miami-Dade County – the program allows either the hotel spend or 70% local hire to meet the residency requirement​miamibeachfl.gov.) In short, the project must significantly engage the city’s economy (through hotels or workforce).
  • The minimum spend of $25K in the city can include location fees, Miami Beach crew wages, local rentals, etc. Qualifying projects include feature films, TV series/episodes, TV movies, documentaries, short films, music videos, web series, commercials, and game/competition shows​miamibeachfl.gov. (News, talk shows, reality programs, sports broadcasts, and political or obscene content are ineligible​miamibeachfl.gov.) This wide eligibility means everything from an indie film to a national TV commercial could apply, as long as they meet the spend and days criteria.
• Application Process: Interested productions must contact the Miami Beach VCA at least 45–60 days before production to submit a pitch letter and initial proposal​miamibeachvca.com​miamibeachvca.com. The pitch should outline the project, filming dates, locations in Miami Beach, key crew, etc., and include a verification letter from the Miami Beach Film Office confirming a permit application is in process​miamibeachvca.com. Once the pitch is approved, the applicant fills out a formal grant application. Grants are reviewed and approved by the Miami Beach Production Industry Council (a city-appointed board) on a rolling (often quarterly) basis​miamibeachvca.com. Timing: Application must be made before filming; final grant approval often comes just prior to or during production.
• Disbursement: The $10K grant is typically paid in two installments – 50% upon approval of the project’s budget (pre-production) and 50% after completion of filming and submission of a final report with expense documentation​miamibeachfl.gov. Miami Beach also requires a credit (“Made possible through a grant by the City of Miami Beach…”) and use of the city’s logo in the production’s credits or marketing​miamibeachvca.com.
• Stackability: Notably, the Miami Beach $10K rebate can be combined with Miami-Dade County’s incentives​moviemaker.com. For example, a qualifying film that shoots in Miami Beach could receive $10K from the city in addition to, say, $100K from the county program – significantly offsetting costs.
• Recent Update: As of early 2025, Miami Beach officials are actively promoting this “small but mighty” incentive to raise awareness and attract more productions to the city​moviemaker.com. The ease and immediacy of the $10K rebate (essentially a quick cash-back for any production meeting 3 days/$25K) has been highlighted in industry press, and the city is encouraging productions of all sizes to take advantage​moviemaker.com. Miami Beach reported hosting a variety of projects, from big-budget series (e.g. “Dexter: Resurrection” filmed scenes in Miami Beach) to independent films, thanks to this grant​moviemaker.com.

2. City of Miami Beach – “Miami Beach MADE” Film Contest: In addition to its standard rebate program, Miami Beach introduced a new film contest grant in 2024/2025 called Miami Beach Made. This is a competitive program aimed at encouraging filmmakers to create content set in Miami Beach.

• Benefit: Grants ranging from $5,000 up to $25,000 for winning project proposals​moviemaker.com. Filmmakers submit pitches for narrative or documentary projects that prominently feature Miami Beach’s culture, history, and scenery (e.g. South Beach Art Deco architecture, local landmarks). A panel judges the proposals on creativity, how well they showcase Miami Beach, diversity, and feasibility. Top projects are awarded funding to help produce their film.
• Details: The contest’s inaugural application window closed in Feb 2025 (applications were accepted through Feb 10, 2025)​moviemaker.com. It is open to both experienced and emerging filmmakers. Content restrictions apply (projects with gratuitous violence or discrimination are not eligible) to ensure a positive representation of the city​moviemaker.com. The program is run by the MBVCA in partnership with the City’s Tourism and Culture department.
• Impact: This contest is essentially a grant program geared towards individual filmmakers (often local) rather than production companies. It’s an example of Miami Beach investing in content development that can boost the city’s image. Winners not only receive funding but also city support during production. As this is a new initiative, filmmakers should watch Miami Beach’s official channels for announcements if the contest will recur annually.

3. City of Miami (City of Miami Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment): The City of Miami (which covers downtown, Brickell, Wynwood, Little Havana, etc., distinct from Miami Beach) does not currently offer a direct cash rebate or grant program like the county or Miami Beach. However, the city provides significant support to productions through facilitated permitting and fee waivers, making filming in Miami as frictionless as possible:

• One-Stop Permitting & No City Fees: The City of Miami is part of the county’s one-stop film permitting system, and notably charges no film permit fees for most productions (permits are free)​filmgate.miami. The only exception is a $100 fee if drone filming is involved (due to additional review)​filmgate.miami. This policy effectively saves productions money (many cities charge permit fees daily or per location; Miami’s waiver can save hundreds or thousands of dollars on a lengthy shoot). Additionally, Miami often assists with coordinating street closures, police escorts, etc., sometimes at reduced cost.
• City Services: While not a formal “incentive program,” the City of Miami’s film office can help productions obtain necessary city services. For instance, they can coordinate with Miami Police for filming – fees for police or fire assistance are generally the production’s responsibility, but in special cases (large shoots that significantly promote the city), there might be opportunities to negotiate city sponsorship or fee reductions. These are handled case-by-case.
• Special Zones: The City of Miami has encouraged filming in certain neighborhoods that have been designated for economic development. For example, the city’s Overtown neighborhood has a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and was once slated for a city-backed film studio (the Miami Entertainment Complex). While that specific project didn’t fully materialize, productions filming in or around Overtown or similar redevelopment areas might find cooperative partners in the CRA if the project ties into community development. (This isn’t a published rebate, but an avenue for potential support or partnerships.)
• Note: If your production is considering Miami city locations, it’s recommended to reach out to the City of Miami Film Office early. They can advise on any current ad-hoc incentives or opportunities (for example, sometimes Miami will collaborate on a project that highlights the city in exchange for certain considerations). At minimum, you will benefit from a user-friendly permit process and no base fees, which in itself is a cost savings and form of support for filmmakers.

4. City of North Miami – CRA Incentive Program: North Miami (an independent city in northern Miami-Dade County) has one of the most attractive local incentive packages in Florida for filmmakers. Administered through the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), it offers a combination of cash reimbursements and in-kind support for productions that spend money in North Miami:

• 30% Cash Reimbursement on Local Expenditures: Productions that invest at least $10,000 in North Miami businesses (within the CRA area) are eligible for a 30% reimbursement of those expenditures, up to $15,000 back​northmiamifl.gov. In practical terms, if a production spends $50,000 on qualifying expenses in North Miami, it could receive the maximum $15,000 reimbursement (30% of $50K). Smaller spends (e.g. $20K) would get 30% of that amount ($6K). This applies to pre-production and production expenses such as local vendor rentals, local crew hires, purchases from North Miami retailers, etc., as long as they occur within the CRA boundaries.
• Tiered Bonus Incentives: North Miami also sweetens the deal with city fee waivers and free services at certain spend thresholds:
  • Spending over $20,000 in North Miami → Free municipal parking for production vehicles during the shoot​griptruckflorida.com.
  • Spending over $50,000 → Free use of city property for base camp and extra parking areas​griptruckflorida.com. (This can save location fees for using city parks or lots as staging areas.)
  • Spending over $30,000 → Location fees on city-owned venues waived (e.g. fees for filming in public parks, city buildings, etc. are waived)​griptruckflorida.com.
  • Spending over $100,000 → Police/security fees waived for city police support​griptruckflorida.com (meaning if you need police officers for traffic control or set security in North Miami, the city might cover those costs).
  These thresholds are cumulative – e.g. a production spending $120K in North Miami would get the 30% rebate (on the first $50K of spend) and could have all those city services (parking, base camp, locations, police) provided free because it exceeded all the spend benchmarks.
• Application: To access North Miami’s incentives, a production must indicate intent on the North Miami film permit application and work with the North Miami Community Planning & Development department​northmiamifl.gov​griptruckflorida.com. Essentially, the film permit doubles as the incentive application – the production will submit proof of spending in North Miami (receipts, invoices, etc.) after filming to claim the reimbursement​griptruckflorida.com. North Miami’s permit process is known to be fast (approvals in 1-3 days once insurance is in place)​griptruckflorida.com. The CRA funding for rebates is limited, so it’s wise to contact the city early to reserve your incentive. Funding is subject to availability each year​northmiamifl.gov.
• Impact: This generous 30% rebate and free city support have made North Miami a popular spot for location shooting. Productions like Miami Vice, Ballers, and Graceland have filmed scenes in North Miami to take advantage of these savings​griptruckflorida.com. The incentive is particularly attractive for commercials, music videos, and indie films that might not meet the $500K+ thresholds of the county program but can easily spend $10K–$50K in a local area for a quick shoot. Even larger productions often schedule a segment of their shoot in North Miami to benefit from the rebate on that portion of spend. This is a unique program in Florida and reflects North Miami’s strategy of leveraging its CRA funds to draw in media production.

5. Other Local Municipalities: Other cities in the Greater Miami area have smaller-scale support or simply a film-friendly approach:

• City of Miami Beach (additional): Beyond the $10K rebate and film contest, Miami Beach also has cultural grants (through its Cultural Arts Council and VCA) that occasionally support film-related projects (usually film festivals or art-house productions)​filmiami.org. These are project-based and often for non-profits, but a creative filmmaker might partner with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor to tap into arts grants for a Miami Beach-based project. Miami Beach’s Cultural Tourism Grant, for instance, is aimed at events that drive tourism and has funded local film festivals​filmiami.org.
• Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs – Film & Media Grants: The county’s cultural grants include the Miami Individual Artists (MIA) grant and the South Florida Cultural Consortium fellowship, both of which have categories for film/media artists​filmiami.org​filmiami.org. These programs award grants (typically a few thousand dollars for MIA, and up to $15,000 for the Consortium) directly to individual artists/filmmakers based in Miami-Dade. They are competitive (juried by arts professionals) and require artistic merit, but they are worth noting for local filmmakers seeking funding for experimental or art-focused projects. Applications are usually annually for these arts grants.
• Neighboring Counties: Just north of Miami, Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) launched new production incentives in late 2023, recognizing South Florida’s push to regain productions. Broward’s programs – the Multiple Project Guarantee, Partial Project Program, and a TV Series Program – offer rebates for projects that film in Broward County, with varying spend thresholds​ep.com. For example, Broward’s Partial Project Program can rebate a percentage of expenses for projects that only do part of their production in Broward (beneficial for productions splitting time between Miami-Dade and Broward). While Broward is outside Miami-Dade, many productions use crew and locations across county lines, so it’s possible to combine incentives (film a portion in Miami-Dade for its incentives, and a portion in Broward for theirs). As of 2025, Broward’s new incentives include rebates up to 30% for qualifying spends and a special bonus for long-running TV series​ep.com. Production companies should evaluate if shooting certain scenes in Broward (which has its own diverse locations and slightly lower costs) could maximize their overall incentive take.
• Monroe County (Florida Keys): The Florida Keys (Monroe County) do not have a formal rebate program, but the local film office sometimes offers location fee waivers or logistical help for productions that showcase the Keys. Since the question focus is Miami, we note this only as an aside – e.g., a production set in Miami might also consider a scene in the Keys and inquire about any facilitation the Keys film office can provide (often, they help secure permits in unique locations like the famed Seven Mile Bridge or underwater filming permits).
• City of Coral Gables, City of Doral, etc.: Many smaller cities in Miami-Dade have no separate incentives but are “film-friendly”. They often charge minimal permit fees and have quick permit turnaround. For instance, Coral Gables and Doral both participate in the one-stop film permit system and typically do not impose additional taxes or costs on filming (beyond any specific facility rental if you use a city-owned property). Their cooperation can save producers time and money via efficient operations. Always check with the local film office; even without a cash rebate, a supportive city can save costs (in police coordination, etc.).

Recent Updates and Changes (as of 2025)

• Miami-Dade’s $50M Commitment: Miami-Dade County’s expansion of incentives (the $10M/year High Impact Fund, planned over 5 years) is a recent development aimed at firmly reestablishing the region as a production hub​miamidade.gov​worldredeye.com. This infusion (totaling potentially $50M over 5 years) is the largest local film incentive in Florida’s history​miamidade.gov. Early results in 2024 were positive, with big TV series choosing Miami, and the program is expected to continue into 2025 and beyond (subject to annual budget approval).
• Heightened Local Hire Rules: Both Miami-Dade and Miami Beach updated their programs to emphasize local hiring. Miami-Dade now requires 70% local crew on the $100K grant (up from 50% in earlier years) and 60% on the High Impact rebate​filmiami.org​filmiami.org. Miami Beach added the option/condition that 70% of cast/crew be local if hotel usage isn’t at least 50%​miamibeachfl.gov. These changes, implemented in 2021-2023, mean productions should budget for significant local labor – good news for local filmmakers and crew, but important for incoming producers to plan accordingly (e.g. crew up with local hires to qualify).
• Florida State Legislation: While no new state program exists yet, keep an eye on Tallahassee. There is growing bipartisan recognition that Florida is losing productions to Georgia, Louisiana, etc. due to incentives​wusf.org​wusf.org. In 2024, a Senate bill (SB 864) was introduced to redirect some state funds to a film incentive, and discussions are likely ongoing. Any change at the state level (e.g. a new tax credit) would be a game-changer and would complement the local programs. As of the start of 2025, no state incentive is active, but this could change in the coming legislative sessions. Always check the Florida Office of Film & Entertainment (filmflorida.com) for the latest statewide developments.
• Permitting and Infrastructure: Miami-Dade has rolled out an upgraded One-Stop Permitting portal (Apply4) to streamline permits across all cities in the county​griptruckflorida.com​griptruckflorida.com. This has made it easier to navigate the patchwork of jurisdictions when a shoot involves multiple locations. Additionally, new soundstages and studios have opened or are in development in the Miami area (for example, Electric Owl Studios announced a Miami facility). While not incentives per se, these infrastructure improvements often come with their own deals (e.g. discounted stage rates for pilots or local projects) and demonstrate the region’s commitment to supporting production.
• Marketing Support: Some incentive programs now include marketing tie-ins. For example, Miami Beach’s requirements about IMDb listing and city logos​miamibeachfl.gov, and Miami-Dade’s requirement to showcase the county​filmiami.org, show an emphasis on promoting “filmed in Miami” branding. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has been actively partnering with productions for co-promotions. Productions that cooperate (e.g. allowing behind-the-scenes for tourism use) might not get extra money, but they gain promotional support and goodwill, which can be valuable for distribution. This is a soft incentive – if your film highlights Miami, local agencies might help with exposure (premieres, press events, etc.).

In summary, while Florida’s statewide incentives are currently limited to the sales tax exemption, the Miami-Dade region has a rich tapestry of local programs to financially support film, TV, digital media, and commercial productions. From tax savings on equipment to cash rebates for local spending, and grants for independent creators, there are numerous opportunities to reduce the cost of filming in South Florida. The table below provides a quick reference to the key programs and their benefits:

Summary Table of Key Programs (Florida & Miami Area)

Incentive Program	Jurisdiction & Type	Benefit	Key Requirements	How to Apply / Notes
Florida Entertainment Industry Sales Tax Exemption​filminflorida.com​filminflorida.com	Florida (State) – Sales tax exemption	6%–7.5% sales tax savings on qualified purchases/rentals (point-of-sale exemption; no upfront tax)	Qualified production in FL (film, TV, commercial, music video, sound recording). Must use items exclusively for production. Still photography not eligible.	Apply online to Florida Dept. of Revenue before purchases​griptruckflorida.com. No fee. Certificate valid 1 year. Excludes travel, hotels, food, etc.​filminflorida.com
Miami-Dade County Production Incentive (“TV, Film & Entertainment Grant”)​filmiami.org​filmiami.org	Miami-Dade County – Cash grant/rebate	$50,000–$100,000 cash grant (10% rebate) post-production	Tier1: $1,000,000+ local spend for $100K; Tier2: $500K–$1M spend for $50K​griptruckflorida.com. 70% of main cast/crew must be Miami-Dade residents​filmiami.org.	Submit application to Miami-Dade Office of Film & Ent. pre-shoot. Paid after audit of spend/hires. Can combine with city incentives. Annual funding limited.
Miami-Dade “High Impact” Film Fund​filmiami.org​filmiami.org	Miami-Dade County – Cash rebate	Up to 20% rebate on qualified Miami-Dade spend (no per-project cap; $10M fund/year)	$5 million min. local spend​filmiami.org. 90% of FL production in Miami-Dade​filmiami.org; 60% crew Miami-Dade residents, 70% vendors Miami-Dade​filmiami.org. Must showcase Miami-Dade & include credit.	Annual application window (portal opens once/year)​filmiami.org. Projects evaluated case-by-case. Rebate paid after completion & CPA audit​filmiami.org. New as of 2024; fund renews each FY.
City of Miami Beach Film Incentive​moviemaker.com​miamibeachfl.gov	Miami Beach (City) – Cash rebate grant	$10,000 rebate (grant) per production	$25,000 min. spend in Miami Beach + 3 filming days in city​moviemaker.com. Must use MB hotels for >=50% of stay or hire >=70% local cast/crew​miamibeachfl.gov​miamibeachfl.gov. Eligible: feature, TV, short, doc, commercial, music video, etc.	Email pitch to MBVCA 45–60 days before filming​miamibeachvca.com. Formal application reviewed by city council (PIC). Grant paid 50% upfront/50% after report​miamibeachfl.gov. Stackable with county incentive​moviemaker.com.
“Miami Beach Made” Film Contest​moviemaker.com	Miami Beach (City) – Grant contest	$5,000–$25,000 grant for winning film projects	Project must be set in/prominently feature Miami Beach culture & locations​moviemaker.com. Open to filmmakers (scripted or doc). Content must align with city image (no extreme violence/discrimination)​moviemaker.com.	Annual contest (inaugural 2025). Submit proposal during call (e.g. by Feb 10, 2025)​moviemaker.com. Judged on creativity, diversity, feasibility​moviemaker.com. Winners receive funding and city support to film.
City of Miami – Film Permit Fee Waiver​filmgate.miami	City of Miami – Fee waiver	$0 permit fee (saves $100+/day) for filming on public property	Must obtain City of Miami film permit. Drone filming incurs $100 fee; otherwise no city fees​filmgate.miami. Standard insurance and guidelines apply.	Apply via Miami-Dade one-stop film permit system. City also assists with logistics (traffic control, etc.) – fees for police/traffic may apply, unless separately negotiated.
City of North Miami CRA Incentive​griptruckflorida.com​griptruckflorida.com	North Miami (City) – Cash rebate + fee waivers	30% cash reimbursement of local spend (up to $15,000 back) + free city services (parking, venues, police)	$10,000 min. spend in North Miami CRA to qualify (30% rebate on spend up to $50k)​northmiamifl.gov​griptruckflorida.com. Higher spend unlocks extras: >$20k for free parking; >$50k for base camp space; >$30k for location fee waiver; >$100k for police fees waived​griptruckflorida.com​griptruckflorida.com.	Indicate participation on North Miami film permit application​griptruckflorida.com. After filming, submit proof of local spend to CRA. Reimbursement paid by CRA (subject to funding). Permit approval ~1-3 days​griptruckflorida.com.
Other Local Grants (Miami-Dade Arts)​filmiami.org	Miami-Dade (County Arts) – Grants to individuals	$1,000–$15,000 grants for local filmmakers/artists	Miami-Dade residents; artistic merit. E.g. Miami Individual Artists (MIA) Grant (up to $5K) for film/media category​filmiami.org; South Florida Cultural Consortium fellowship ($15K) for film/media artists​filmiami.org. Typically for experimental/independent work.	Annual or quarterly calls via Miami-Dade Dept. of Cultural Affairs​filmiami.org​filmiami.org. Apply with project description/portfolio. Not for commercial projects; geared to artistic endeavors (including festival shorts, documentaries, etc.).
Neighboring Broward County Incentives​ep.com	Broward County – Cash rebates	Up to 30% rebate on Broward spend (specifics vary by program)	New programs (2023): “Multiple Project” incentive for frequent producers, “Partial Project” for projects spending a portion in Broward, and a TV series incentive​ep.com. Typically require a minimum spend in-county and hiring Broward residents.	Contact Broward County Film Commission (Film Lauderdale). Can be used in conjunction with Miami-Dade if production spans both counties. Good for projects shooting in Fort Lauderdale, etc.
Federal/Other: Opportunity Zones, etc.	Federal/Various – Tax benefit to investors	Capital Gains tax deferral/reduction for investing in projects or infrastructure in designated zones	Large parts of Miami-Dade (incl. some studios) lie in Opportunity Zones. This is not a production rebate but an investor incentive: e.g. if an investor finances a studio or a film project based in an Opp Zone, they may get federal tax advantages.	Must invest through a Qualified Opportunity Fund and hold investment ~5-10 years. Primarily relevant for infrastructure (studio construction) or equity investment in a local film company. Productions generally benefit indirectly (e.g. new facilities).

(Table Notes: All amounts and percentages are current as of early 2025. “Local spend” typically means expenditures on goods/services or labor within the specified area. Always verify program details with official sources as guidelines and funding availability can change.)

Conclusion

Miami-Dade County and its cities have crafted a multi-layered incentive environment to support film, television, digital media, and commercial productions. By combining state-level tax exemptions with county and city rebates, a production in Miami could potentially save a significant portion of its budget – for example, not paying sales tax on equipment (saving ~7%), getting 10–20% of local spend rebated through county funds, and snagging additional grants from Miami Beach or North Miami. These incentives come with responsibilities: using local crew, patronizing local businesses, and showcasing the locale on screen. For those willing to do so, Miami offers a compelling value proposition: financial rebates, a deep crew base, diverse locations doubling for anywhere in the world, and a film-friendly culture (with streamlined permits and official support)​ Both production companies and independent filmmakers stand to benefit. Production companies with larger projects can leverage the big-dollar rebates and tax savings, while independent filmmakers can tap smaller grants (Miami Beach’s $10K, local arts grants, the Miami Beach Made contest, etc.) and enjoy minimal permitting costs. The landscape is dynamic – recent infusions of funding and new programs (like the $10M fund and Miami Beach contest) indicate a renaissance in Miami’s media scene. As of 2025, Miami is doubling down on attracting the industry back to Florida, and the available incentives reflect that commitment. Always check the official resources (Florida Office of Film & Entertainment, FilMiami, local film offices) for the latest applications and guidelines, as programs are updated frequently. With the right planning, filmmakers can piece together multiple incentives and make their Florida production not only creatively rewarding but financially viable.