Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 2

Report 15-01, January 2015

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Report Summary

  • The economic development incentives and programs offered by the Office of Film and Entertainment, VISIT FLORIDA, and the Florida Sports Foundation represent a wide range of benefits for businesses. For example, entertainment industry incentives include tax credits and sales tax exemptions, while VISIT FLORIDA primarily offers tourism marketing, promotion, and advertising programs. In addition, sports incentives are provided through grants and a professional sports facility funding program.
  • Stakeholders are generally satisfied with the programs and services offered by the Office of Film and Entertainment, VISIT FLORIDA, and the Florida Sports Foundation. However, relative to other competing states, the strength of the industries that benefit from the incentives and programs varies. For example, Florida's entertainment industry is declining in comparison to other competing states, while its tourism and sports industries outpace those of other states. In addition, across the three entities, there are several concerns related to program administration and the methods used to assess the impact of the incentives and programs offered to businesses.
  • There are a number of issues that could be addressed to enhance the administration of incentives and programs offered to businesses through the Office of Film and Entertainment, VISIT FLORIDA, and the Florida Sports Foundation. Improvements should also be made to the methods used to assess the impact of tourism and sports incentives and programs. Legislative action would be necessary to implement some of these recommendations.

Related Reports
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  2. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 7
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  3. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 6
    Report 18-07 December 2018
  4. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 5
    Report 17-13 December 2017
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
official tourism marketing corporation, tourism industry. destination marketing organization, DMO, convention and visitor bureau, marketing, advertising, promotions, tourism research, travel trends, visitors, welcome centers, grants, domestic visitors, international visitors