Florida is pushing itself back into the production spotlight by arguing it can land major film and TV projects without the statewide incentives many rivals treat as essential.
That pitch now comes with fresh examples. Reports indicate ABC’s “R.J. Decker,” Peacock’s “M.I.A.” and Apple TV’s first season of “Bad Monkey” all used Florida’s locations, while HBO’s comedy series “It’s Florida, Man” prepares for a third season. The signal matters because these productions moved ahead without state-sponsored incentives, a point Florida boosters clearly want decision-makers in Hollywood and beyond to notice.
Key Facts
- Florida is promoting regional incentives instead of statewide production subsidies.
- Recent series tied to the state include “R.J. Decker,” “M.I.A.” and “Bad Monkey.”
- “It’s Florida, Man” is reportedly prepping for a third season.
- Officials and local advocates are highlighting crew depth and varied locations as key selling points.
Florida’s argument rests on three pillars: distinct settings, local support and a seasoned workforce. Beaches, suburbs, cities and tropical backdrops give producers a wide visual range without sending crews across multiple states. Regional incentives can help close financing gaps, even if they lack the scale and simplicity of a statewide program. And a reliable crew base can lower risk for productions that need to move fast and stay on schedule.
Florida’s sales pitch is simple: unique locations and strong crews can outweigh the absence of statewide tax incentives.
That does not erase the larger challenge. For years, competing states and countries have used aggressive tax credits to pull projects away from traditional hubs and emerging markets alike. Florida now appears to be making a more targeted case, one aimed at producers who want authentic local settings and enough on-the-ground talent to avoid rebuilding a crew from scratch. Sources suggest that approach has found traction, at least for projects whose stories fit the state’s unmistakable look.
What happens next will determine whether this moment becomes a trend or a brief burst of momentum. If more series choose Florida and regional programs keep proving useful, pressure could grow for a broader production strategy. If not, the state may remain a selective destination rather than a full-scale production magnet. Either way, the recent run of projects gives Florida a stronger hand as it tries to turn natural appeal into lasting industry business.