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Florida Governor Charlie Crist has applauded the most recent film and entertainment industry figures showing that film and entertainment in the state is a $17.9-billion-a-year industry that generates 207,000 industry and related jobs in Florida. The Governor met with Florida Film Commissioner Lucia Fishburne and industry leaders to discuss the importance of film and entertainment in Florida, which is projected to grow jobs faster than any other targeted industry in the Sunshine State.

“As we continue to seek growth opportunities for Florida’s economy, it is important to remember the significant role film and entertainment plays in our state, generating more than 200,000 Florida jobs,” said Governor Crist, who hosted the roundtable in Tallahassee.

The Office of Film & Entertainment, within the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, recently conducted an independent study showing that in 2007, Florida’s film and entertainment-related spending accounted for:

• $17.9 billion in Gross State Product (GSP);
• $8.5 billion in income to Floridians; and
• $498 million in tax revenue.

The study also found that film and entertainment in Florida directly employed nearly 102,000 people with an average wage of $57,700. The industry also generated some 105,000 related spinoff jobs in construction, retail, and professional services.

Florida is currently home to hit television series Burn Notice, filmed in South Florida. The Emmy-nominated show infused more than $28.6 million into South Florida’s economy during the first two seasons and has created more than 2,700 jobs for its residents. They are currently in production on their third season and plan to spend an estimated additional $17 million in Florida.

The film and entertainment industry is unique in that the economic benefits extend into other industries, such as restaurants, lodging, retail, construction and tourism. Because of this, Florida-based productions help bolster job creation and generate revenue for an increased number of residents and businesses. Every $1 spent on a production within Florida generates an additional 95 cents, giving the film and entertainment industry a total economic impact of $29 billion statewide.

In July 2004, Florida began offering cash rebate incentives through the Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment to attract additional productions to the state in order to foster growth in the industry and boost local and state economies.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 10:32 am and is filed under Job Search. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.