Qualified expenses may include both above-the-line and below-the-line costs, such as location rentals, lodging, transportation, production supplies, set construction materials, props, equipment rentals, and other approved production-related expenditures. To be considered for participation, productions must generate a minimum of $100,000 in eligible spending or assessed marketing value as it relates to Hillsborough County.

Expenses for alcohol and tobacco items are not reimbursable. All reimbursable expenses must have been incurred by applicant within Hillsborough County for use by applicants doing production and post-production work in and utilizing businesses or residents of City of Tampa, City of Plant City, City of Temple Terrace, and Unincorporated Hillsborough County.

Projects seeking funding must enter into a formal incentive agreement with Hillsborough County and successfully fulfill all approved program requirements and deliverables outlined in that agreement.

Bonus Incentive Opportunities

Productions may be eligible for up to an additional 10% grant, allowing qualifying projects to receive a total incentive of up to 20% of eligible assessed marketing value. These enhanced incentives are awarded to projects that provide meaningful promotional value and help showcase Hillsborough County as a premier filming destination.

Examples of activities that may qualify for additional incentive consideration include:

Featuring Iconic Locations: Highlighting recognizable Hillsborough County landmarks, attractions, waterfronts, neighborhoods, or other notable destinations within the production.

Destination Marketing Efforts: Incorporating visual, verbal, or branded references that increase awareness of Hillsborough County.

Digital and Social Media Campaigns: Executing social media strategies that generate exposure for the county before, during, or after production.

Distribution and Exhibition Commitments: Securing distribution opportunities or hosting premieres, screenings, or related events within Hillsborough County. Distribution plans will be reviewed as part of the application process.

Media and Public Relations Activities: Organizing press events, interviews, publicity tours, or industry gatherings that feature Hillsborough County locations and assets.
 

Final eligibility for bonus incentive awards will be determined by Film Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County based on the project's overall economic impact, promotional value, and fulfillment of program objectives.

Total Qualified Hillsborough County Expenditures include additional costs not reflected in this document, such as location fees, equipment rentals, third-party services, municipal fees, permits, and more.

Fraudulent Claims

Per Florida Statue 288.1254, "Any applicant that submits fraudulent information under this section is liable for reimbursement of the reasonable costs and fees associated with the review, processing, investigation, and prosecution of the fraudulent claim. An applicant who obtains a credit payment under this section through a claim that is fraudulent is liable for reimbursement of the credit amount plus a penalty in an amount double the credit amount. The penalty is in addition to any criminal penalty to which the applicant is liable for the same acts. The applicant is also liable for costs and fees incurred by the state in investigating and prosecuting the fraudulent claim."

Affidavit of Compliance

Hillsborough County, Florida Human Trafficking Affidavit

As a condition of entering into, extending or renewing a contract with Hillsborough County (the “governmental entity”), the Entity (the “nongovernmental entity”) by and through its authorized representative, does verify and affirm the information below. 

By submitting this application, awardee agrees to provide promotional and marketing deliverables to Film Tampa Bay (FTB) as a mandatory prerequisite for payment. The promotional deliverables may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

1. Awardee will allow FTB to host a “media day” in which FTB will invite media to the set or another suitable location in the form of a press junket prior to the release of the film. Awardee shall make producer, director, and/or key talent available to be interviewed. The interview will be scheduled so as not to interfere with production schedules. At the production's request, a media embargo may be implemented and maintained until the film's official release date.
2. Awardee will permit FTB staff to capture vertical content for social media promotion related to the film or general production behind-the-scenes (BTS). The production has the right to preview content before release, and this must take place in a timely manner. FTB agrees to embargo materials until after the project's release.
3. Awardee will collaborate with FTB on ten (10) approved positive social media posts directly related to the project.
4. Awardee will provide no less than two (2), five-minute, video testimonials featuring above-the-line talent or producers or director talking positively about their filming experiences in the “Hillsborough County area” and varied locations, supportive community, and the impacts of film-induced tourism. Awardee will provide FTB with the perpetual use of testimonial videos for promotional purposes in connection with marketing Hillsborough County as a filmmaking destination. Testimonials to be recorded by the awardee and delivered in 1920x1080 High Definition Format.
5. Awardee will provide FTB perpetual use of at least twenty (20) still photographs to be used for promotional purposes (photos to be provided by Awardee). The photographs will be taken by the set photographer and will include various (BTS) activities and images of crew with the understanding that the images will only be used in a positive manner. Awardee will allow FTB to use these authorized images on FTB websites and in video or printed presentations to community groups, at trade shows, at film festivals, and to governmental boards. FTB agrees to use the images within the context of promoting
   • that the project was filmed on location in Hillsborough County,
   • the positive economic value that resulted from the filming,
   • the area is capable of supporting a major screen industry project, and
   • the governmental, business, and neighborhood communities are cooperative and support on-location filming.
6. Awardee will include end credit thanks to the County and FTB, as well as the County and FTB's seal/logo preceded by “Filmed in Hillsborough County, Florida.”
7. Awardee agrees to provide a free community screening of the project at a suitable venue within the calendar year in which the project premieres.
8. If receiving a bonus incentive, Awardee agrees to release through a major digital or theatrical platform or premiere at a major film festival.

It is understood that it is the responsibility of FTB to ensure that the Awardee provides these deliverables.