Writer: Chérie Lynn Canada
3 min read March 2024 — Over the past three decades, the film and television industry in Palm Beach County has made a significant economic impact, contributing more than $3 billion to the local economy. This figure includes expenditures such as on-location shoots, hotel accommodations, and employment opportunities for residents. As filmmakers flock to the area, the allure of Palm Beach’s natural beauty and luxurious lifestyle continues to resonate.
“$247 million in local expenditures marks back-to-back years of record-breaking production numbers,” says Michelle Hillery, film commissioner at Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission, in a conversation with Invest:.
Several local production companies, including LaFrance Films, Apex Productions, and Zip In Media Productions, play a pivotal role in shaping the film scene.
The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission has many partners who work together to showcase The Palm Beaches as a place to do business and visit. Hillery told Invest:, “We all work collaboratively together to market Palm Beach County as a film destination.” Those partnerships include Discover the Palm Beaches, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, among others.
Some challenges filmmakers face in Palm Beach include the lack of tax incentives. Florida’s film industry faced setbacks when tax incentive packages were discontinued. This impacted major productions that once thrived in the state of Florida.
“Florida does not have a state-wide incentive program to attract production business, unlike many other states. Many film commissions have created their own types of smaller incentive programs. Our film office manages the County’s official tourism channel, The Palm Beaches TV. The channel broadcasts more than 85 hours of original, family-friendly programming with another 30 hours of new programming set to come online this fall. The channel’s programs shine a spotlight on The Palm Beaches’ diverse tourism assets to inspire travel, attract visitors and extend hotel room stays in Palm Beach County,” noted Hillery.
Despite filmmakers’ challenges, there are many opportunities for the film industry in Palm Beach. Though no state tax incentive program exists, a sales tax exemption program is available in Florida. The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission recently released a press release detailing the retention of the Entertainment Industry Sales Tax Exemption Program in the 2024 legislative session.
Programs also extend to youth engagement and creating more awareness about the film industry for the next generation of filmmakers in Palm Beach and the United States.
Among the 13 film festivals in Palm Beach County is The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films. “This initiative is near and dear to my heart. We have the honor of producing the largest state-wide film competition and award show for college and high school students. It is like the mini academy award show for up-and-coming Florida student filmmakers. We received 529 entries from 97 schools across the state of Florida,” said Hillery.
“Talented young people get such a great education here in the state of Florida. This is our way of retaining that talent here.”
Top image via Captain Kimo/Discover Palm Beaches
[Editor’s note Mar. 25th, 20214 11:55 a.m. EST: This article has been updated to remove mention of the Palm Beach International Film Festival in supporting the industry and economic growth.]
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