City of Fort Lauderdale - Economic Development > Film Fort Lauderdale!
City of Fort Lauderdale - Economic Development
City of Fort Lauderdale - Economic Development
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Film Fort Lauderdale!

Filming a motorcycle commercialFort Lauderdale has long been attractive to filmmakers who take advantage of the diversity of the City’s locations. Production designers and directors love the unique character of the City’s neighborhoods and the beach, made even more popular by the Wave Wall for interesting beach driving shots.

Fort Lauderdale’s unique architectural styles and upscale ambience make it a popular film backdrop. In 2007, the City hosted 40 television commercials and 11 feature films.

Among the recent projects:

  • Feature films: Marley and Me, Immigration Tango, Once Upon
    a Summer, The Tesla Project, Bart Got a Room; My Life Untitled,
    Lost Everything, One Day Late, The Forgotten Father
  • Commercials: Hilton Hotels, Babies R Us, Crocs Footwear,
    Huggies, AT&T, Belk Stores, Burger King, Capital One, Ford,
    Chevrolet, BMW, ITT Tech
  • TV Specials/documentary/other: A Child is Missing, Desperate
    landscapes, Aplace in the Sun, Almost Got Away with It, Myn
    reis is Top, Burn Notice, World's Richest, Homes by the Sea
  • Still photos: Victoria's Secret, US Census, Food Lion, Bayer,
    Good Housekeeping, Hershey's

Filming at the beachWith Florida’s new film financial incentive and the addition of a number of star-quality resort hotels, Fort Lauderdale can look forward to adding many more film production dollars to its economy. Supporting and welcoming film and television production brings big dividends plus the added bonus of promotion for the City.

New Tax Breaks for Filmmakers

Starting on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, filmmakers planning to shoot in Fort Lauderdale and across the state will be eligible to apply for tax relief under Florida's new Film and Entertainment Incentive Program.

Major film and TV productions that employ at least 50% of their production cast and below-the-line crew (non-starring cast members, technical crew) from Florida's talent pool could qualify for tax breaks of up to 30%.

Small independent, digital, and emerging media productions could qualify for tax incentives of up to $125,000.

The incentives apply to projects with a start date of July 1, 2010 or later, and are designed to attract production to the state while encouraging the use of Florida artists and technicians.

Applications on behalf of productions slated for fiscal year 2010/2011 will be accepted via electronic submission to the State of Florida's Office of Film and Entertainment beginning on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at noon EST. Additional details are available at www.filminflorida.com/ifi/incentives.asp.

Film Permits

The City staff makes every effort to assist producers through the permit process. Download an information packet PDF File, which includes step-by-step instructions and all the forms and guidelines you will need to apply for your permit.

Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Film and Television Commission

You should also visit the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Film and Television Commission website.