Florida Senate - 2019                            (NP)    SR 1808
       
       
        
       By Senator Taddeo
       
       
       
       
       
       40-01332-19                                           20191808__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution recognizing the value of film and
    3         television production as an economic driver and a
    4         creator of high-wage jobs, encouraging the
    5         collaboration of public-sector and private-sector
    6         efforts through the development of programs and
    7         partnerships, and encouraging the Florida Office of
    8         Film and Entertainment’s continued support of various
    9         collaborative programs and partnerships for national
   10         and international marketing.
   11  
   12         WHEREAS, this state has a rich history as a primary center
   13  for film and television production in the United States and,
   14  with its natural scenic beauty and diverse environment, has long
   15  been considered one of the premier locations for film and
   16  television production in the world, and
   17         WHEREAS, historically, this state has maintained a highly
   18  trained and professional film and television production
   19  workforce, a wide variety of support businesses essential to
   20  film and television production, and a resilient infrastructure
   21  capable of supporting film and television production, and
   22         WHEREAS, this state’s nationally acclaimed colleges and
   23  universities continue to produce talented filmmakers, many of
   24  whom are on scholarships funded by this state and would prefer
   25  to remain in this state upon graduation, but often decide to
   26  relocate in pursuit of more favorable economic environments, and
   27         WHEREAS, tourism is a principal component of this state’s
   28  economy, the opportunity to tour filming locations is widely
   29  acknowledged as a boon to tourism, and this state recognizes
   30  that film production contributes substantially to tourism in
   31  this state, and
   32         WHEREAS, traditionally, this state has supported the film
   33  and television industry through financial incentives, tax
   34  exemptions, and marketing, and
   35         WHEREAS, counties and local communities also are engaging
   36  in efforts to reinvigorate film and television production across
   37  the state, and
   38         WHEREAS, in its November 2018 analysis of this state’s film
   39  and television industry, Florida TaxWatch, Inc., encouraged the
   40  private sector to develop its own incentive and subsidy programs
   41  and this approach has received public support, NOW, THEREFORE,
   42  
   43  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   44  
   45         That the Senate recognizes the value of film and television
   46  production as an economic driver and a creator of high-wage
   47  jobs.
   48         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate encourages the
   49  continued collaboration of both public-sector and private-sector
   50  efforts to develop programs and partnerships related to film and
   51  television production.
   52         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate supports and
   53  encourages the Florida Office of Film and Entertainment as it
   54  continues to promote such partnerships, including national and
   55  international collaborative programs, in its national and
   56  international marketing efforts.