Orange County Florida Sparks a New Era – $25 Million Investment Set to Redefine Tourism: All You Need to Know

Published on December 2, 2025

It is a moment of pure excitement for Central Florida. On November 18, 2025, a new vision became reality. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously. They approved a massive new film and television incentive program. This plan is designed to make Orange County Florida a top filming location. It promises to boost the local economy and tourism in a powerful way. For many local film professionals, it means they can finally build their dreams at home.

TDT Funds Power the New ‘Hollywood East’ Dream

The new program is a bold five-year commitment. It totals $25 million for film and TV. This funding comes from the Tourist Development Tax (TDT). The TDT is a 6% tax paid by visitors on hotel and short-term rentals. State law says TDT money must support tourism-related efforts. This film incentive does exactly that. By showcasing local scenes, films become powerful marketing tools. The program will allocate $5 million annually through Fiscal Year 2030. Officials expect the first grants will be approved in mid-2026. This is a huge investment in the county’s future.

Performance-Based Rebates Attract Diverse Projects

The program is a performance-based rebate. Productions must spend money first. The county verifies the spending. Then the rebate is issued. This protects taxpayer funds. It ensures real spending happens in Orange County. The program targets small-to-medium-sized projects.

Two Main Incentive Tiers

The higher incentive for film aims to attract long-running productions. These projects bring sustained spending and jobs. They require many nights in Orange County hotels.

Mandatory Requirements: Films Must Become Tourism Catalysts

The rules are strict to ensure a return on investment for tourism. All projects must meet key criteria. They must clearly feature or brand Orange County locations. They must promote the area as a desirable travel spot. This is the heart of using TDT funds.

A county spokesperson said the requirement is clear. The project must have a Commitment to Promoting Orange County. This commitment accounts for 50% of the application score.

• Showcase the County: Films must prominently display local assets. Think of downtown Orlando or Winter Park’s unique trails and lakes.
• Acknowledge the County: Productions must include a special Orange County logo in the credits. This logo will feature a recognizable orange. Officials compare it to the famous “Georgia Peach” film icon.
• Drive Hotel Stays: Productions must document all hotel room nights. This directly supports the TDT-funded tourism industry.
• Hire Local Talent: Projects must actively try to hire local film professionals. This includes recent graduates from local schools. This goal is key to retaining young talent in Central Florida.

The Tourism Promise: More Than Just Theme Parks

Film production spending brings immediate benefits. It fills hotels and rents cars. It purchases goods from local vendors and restaurants. The long-term benefit is even more exciting. When a beautiful Orange County Florida setting is seen on screen, it inspires travel. This is called “set-jetting” tourism. Visitors seek out the exact locations they saw in a movie or show.

County leaders hope to show visitors the region’s diverse beauty. This goes beyond the famous theme parks. They want to spotlight historic districts and scenic natural areas. A local filmmaker, Eddy Vanegas, stated his gratitude. He said he built his entire career in the City Beautiful. He said he wants to stay and contribute here. Commissioner Mayra Uribe spoke about local talent. She said the program helps them stay and use their talent in Central Florida.

This program signals a vibrant future. It is an open invitation for the film world to return. It brings the dream of “Hollywood East” back to life. It will create jobs and memories, strengthening Orange County Florida for decades to come. Residents feel a renewed sense of hope and pride for their home.