Film Incentive Program

Attracting creative talent, promoting local businesses, and showcasing Orange County’s unique assets.

Now Accepting Applications

The Orlando region continues to strengthen its position as a competitive destination for film and television production, with Orange County now accepting applications for its Film Incentive Program.

This first application window will be open until May 28, 2026. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to available funding. For assistance or troubleshooting when applying, please refer to the User Guide (PDF), which provides detailed instructions and support resources.

Incentives

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
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.

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.

Click to learn more

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.

Selection Criteria

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.

About the Program

Strategic Investment

Mutually Beneficial

Tourism Focused

Who Should Apply?

Who Should Not Apply?

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:

New visitors
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:

Feature films
Television series
Streaming productions
Commercials

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:

Live events
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.

Who manages the program?

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.

Partners

OEP1901_Film_Logo_RGB-1024x284

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.

Meet the Team

Jen Pennypacker
Film Incentive
Administrator

Jen Pennypacker

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
Administrative
Assistant

Jessica Kinkle

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.

Contact Us

Office of Economic, Trade, and Tourism Development
Orange County Administration
201 S. Rosalind Avenue, 5th Floor
Orlando, FL 32801

Email: OCFilm@ocfl.net
Phone: 407-836-3456

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.

Film Incentive Program

Now Accepting Applications

Incentives