The Miami-Dade County Office of Film and Entertainment has launched the largest film incentive in Florida to attract major motion pictures and television series. The film incentive, known as the High Impact Film Fund Program (HIFFP), will provide up to $50 million over the next 5 years to bring productions back to Miami-Dade County through a cash rebate of up to 20% for qualifying domestic and international productions filming locally. The HIFFP was sponsored by Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia and unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
The Film Office underscores the significant economic contribution of the local film industry, generating job opportunities and showcasing our region on a global scale. Highlighting Miami-Dade County in films and TV series not only enhances our visibility but also boosts tourism and attracts investments.
The Film Office conducted an extensive year-long outreach, engaging with producers, directors, studio executives, and other industry stakeholders, including those already involved in our county’s film scene and those considering future ventures. Feedback analysis revealed the absence of competitive entertainment economic development programs has hindered major TV and film productions from choosing Miami-Dade County as their filming destination.
“The High Impact Film Fund Program is a testament to our commitment to nurturing both the artistic and economic growth of our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This initiative aligns with our vision of making Miami-Dade a thriving hub for creative industries, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our county. Not only will this program create jobs, but it will support the many local businesses that are the backbone of our economy in Miami-Dade County.”
Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia is thrilled over the tremendous support he has received from his colleagues on the Board of County Commission, industry stakeholders, and residents alike. “Our unmatched crews, talent, infrastructure, and locations have made Miami-Dade the perfect place to shoot movies and television series. This program will help create and sustain thousands of small businesses and good paying jobs for our residents and while bringing billions in much needed new investment to our county. I am especially excited about the possibility of growing this program with the promise of retaining our talented workforce and youth, and the economic growth a robust program can bring to our community. It will also strengthen our global competitiveness and deliver significant, long-term value to our economic future,” said Commissioner René Garcia.
“Film incentive programs support economic development by creating jobs, stimulating local spending, attracting investment, promoting tourism, and enhancing the county’s overall appeal. The main concern I always hear from producers to artists to crew personnel is the lack of a real incentive. The program will begin to position Miami-Dade as a global destination for major film and television production,”, stated Miami-Dade Film Commissioner, Marco Giron.
Miami-Dade County was recently selected as a top 10 destination and named as one of the best places to live and work as a movie maker in 2024 by MovieMaker Magazine. The Film Office also won numerous awards including the National Association of Counties (NACo) Best in Category for its Movie and TV Map Tour, and also won NACo awards for the Magic City Music Tour and the One-Stop-Shop Film Permitting Center. Also this year, the Film Office was selected among 200 film commissions around the world as a finalist for Film Commission Initiative of the Year by Makers & Shakers.
Miami-Dade County is proudly featured in some of the most iconic TV series, such as Miami Vice, Burn Notice, CSI: Miami, Dexter, Ballers, Glades, Magic City and Keeping up with The Kardashians to name a few. Major movies set in Miami include the Bad Boys franchise, There’s Something About Mary, Pain and Gain, Iron Man 3, and the recent HBO remake of Father of the Bride starring hometown superstars Gloria Estefan and Andy Garcia.
The Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment is part of The Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) which catalyzes a FutureReady Miami-Dade — where investing in equity, resilience, and innovation cements our position as a global economic hub.
For more information about the High Impact Film Fund Program (HIFFP) and how to apply, please visit www.filmiami.org or contact The Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment at 305-375-3288.
