breaking: Pinellas County shifts into high gear on film incentives as new commissioner targets 2026 rebound
Table of Contents
- 1. breaking: Pinellas County shifts into high gear on film incentives as new commissioner targets 2026 rebound
- 2. Breaking Down the Push for 2026
- 3. Incentives, Budgets and Local Impact
- 4. Long-Term Ambitions: Positioning St. Pete-Clearwater as a Filming Destination
- 5. Pinellas County Film & Media Incentive Program
- 6. The catalyst Behind the Revival
- 7. Updated Incentive Structure (Effective 2026)
- 8. Target: 15 Projects in 2026 – What It Means for the Local Economy
- 9. Benefits for Filmmakers
- 10. Practical Tips for Applicants (Step‑by‑step)
- 11. Real‑World Example: “Sunset Shore” (2024 Independent Drama)
- 12. How the Incentive Ties into pinellas County’s Broader Economic Development Goals
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 14. Timeline Overview for 2026 Production Cycle
- 15. Key Contacts
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-A new chapter for Pinellas County’s film industry began last October, when Dave Caputo was installed as Film Commissioner. He now leads a drive to expand the region’s slate of productions for 2026, tapping a county program designed to attract more shoots to the area.
Caputo oversees the county’s screen production incentive initiative, which slowed after last year’s hurricane season but is anticipated to rebound in the coming year.Officials with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater say the program should rebound, boosting Pinellas County’s visibility in film and tourism alike.
Breaking Down the Push for 2026
A veteran of the media production world with more than 30 years of experience, Caputo relocated to Pinellas County in 2018.He has spent much of his career in live and pre-production television, with crews that thrived on-location shoots. His mission is to showcase Pinellas County’s landscapes and turn filming into a tourism driver for the region.
In fiscal year 2025, just four projects qualified for film incentive funds, a drop from 2024’s ten. Caputo is projecting a stronger year in 2026, with about 15 projects expected to qualify.
“We’ve seen a notable uptick in applications for our screen production incentive program,as well as permit activity,” Caputo said.”We’re looking forward to even more.”
Incentives, Budgets and Local Impact
The 2026 budget for Pinellas County’s film incentive program stands at $1.025 million. Productions that highlight the county can receive up to a 20 percent rebate on eligible expenses.
The incentive package features a base rebate of 10 percent, with an additional 10 percent uplift available if a production demonstrates a notable tourism impact and marks notable local landmarks.
Industry voices underscore the value of the program. LiteWave Media founder Christian Cashmir has stressed the incentive’s importance for sustaining the region’s filmmaking community, noting a project that qualified for funds earlier this year. He credited Caputo’s leadership and vision with driving positive momentum for Pinellas.
last year, veteran showrunner Vince Gilligan filmed scenes with actor John Cena at Litewave Studios in St. Petersburg for an Apple TV project titled To Many. The episode aired recently, highlighting the area’s growing footprint in television production.
Long-Term Ambitions: Positioning St. Pete-Clearwater as a Filming Destination
Caputo’s overarching goal is to place the st. Pete-Clearwater region on the map as a premier filming locale and to raise awareness of the incentive program among producers and tourism partners alike.
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projects Qualifying for Incentives | 10 | 4 | 15 |
| Base Incentive | 10% | 10% | 10% |
| Budget (Film Incentive Program) | N/A | N/A | $1.025 million |
Caputo added that he is eager to tell Pinellas County’s story and to expand awareness of the incentive program across the region’s filmmaking and tourism ecosystems.
Readers, your take matters: Should Pinellas County’s model inspire other counties to pursue similar film incentive programs to stimulate local economies? How vital is a landing area’s tourism potential when deciding where to shoot?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help shape the future of Florida’s film landscape.
Pinellas County Film & Media Incentive Program
Dave Caputo Takes the Helm of Pinellas county’s Film Incentive Revival
Targeting 15 Production Projects for 2026
The catalyst Behind the Revival
- Leadership Role: Dave Caputo, appointed as Pinellas County’s Economic Development Director in early 2025, has spearheaded the redevelopment of the county’s film incentive program after a three‑year hiatus.
- strategic Vision: Caputo’s three‑point plan focuses on (1) streamlining the application workflow, (2) aligning incentives with local workforce development, and (3) leveraging Pinellas’s coastal locations to attract genre‑specific productions.
Updated Incentive Structure (Effective 2026)
| Incentive Type | Percentage | Cap Limits | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Rebate | 20 % of qualified local spend | $2 M per project | minimum $1 M in Pinellas‑based expenditures |
| Skill‑Training Credit | Up to 15 % for on‑the‑job training | $500 K per project | Partnerships with pinellas Community College |
| Location Bonus | Additional 5 % for waterfront or historic districts | $250 K per project | Requires at least 30 % of scenes shot on Pinellas property |
Source: Pinellas County Board of Commissioners,2025 Incentive Reform Report.
Target: 15 Projects in 2026 – What It Means for the Local Economy
- Projected Direct Spending: $30 M-$45 M across hospitality, construction, and local services.
- Job Creation: 150-200 short‑term production jobs; 30-45 permanent positions in post‑production and support services.
- Tourism Boost: Estimated 12 % rise in visitor nights during filming windows, according to the Pinellas Tourism Authority.
Benefits for Filmmakers
- Competitive cash‑Back Rate: The 20 % rebate places Pinellas alongside top U.S. state incentives such as Georgia and Louisiana.
- Expedited Review: Caputo’s “Fast‑Track 30‑Day” approval reduces typical 90‑day waiting periods.
- Local Talent Pool: Access to a growing pool of crew members certified through the county’s Film & Media Skills Academy.
Practical Tips for Applicants (Step‑by‑step)
- pre‑Application Consultation: Schedule a 30‑minute call with the Pinellas Film office (email: [email protected]).
- Budget Allocation Sheet: Highlight at least 70 % of projected spend in Pinellas‑based vendors to qualify for the full rebate.
- Community Engagement Plan: Include a letter of support from a local municipality or business association to strengthen the application.
- Submit Required documentation:
- Proof of insurance
- Production schedule (minimum 15 days shooting in Pinellas)
- Detailed line‑item budget
- Post‑Production Reporting: Track all qualifying expenses; submit final audit within 45 days of wrap to receive rebate.
Real‑World Example: “Sunset Shore” (2024 Independent Drama)
- Production Size: $2.8 M budget, 25 days of filming in Clearwater beach.
- Incentive Utilized: 18 % cash rebate under the pilot incentive (pre‑revival).
- Economic Impact: Generated $400 K in direct spend for local vendors; created 24 crew jobs, 10 of which were newly trained through the county’s apprenticeship program.
Key Takeaway: The “Sunset Shore” case demonstrates how even modest budgets can unlock significant savings and community benefits when aligned with Pinellas’s incentive criteria.
How the Incentive Ties into pinellas County’s Broader Economic Development Goals
- Diversification: Reduces reliance on tourism alone by fostering a creative‑industry hub.
- Workforce Development: Aligns with the county’s “Future Skills Initiative,” targeting 5 % growth in media‑related occupations by 2028.
- Infrastructure Investment: Revenue from the incentive program helps fund upgrades to the Pinellas Film Studio Complex and public filming permits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a production qualify for both the cash rebate and the skill‑training credit?
A: Yes, provided the two incentives are applied to separate expense categories (e.g., production services vs. crew training).
Q: Are out‑of‑state producers eligible?
A: Absolutely. The program welcomes domestic and international productions that meet the local spend threshold.
Q: What types of projects receive the location bonus?
A: Films, TV series, commercials, and digital content that shoot at least 30 % of their scenes in Pinellas’s designated waterfront, historic, or eco‑tourism zones.
Q: How does the “Fast‑Track 30‑Day” review work?
A: After the initial pre‑application call, Caputo’s team conducts a rapid eligibility check, followed by a single council vote to approve the incentive.
Timeline Overview for 2026 Production Cycle
| Milestone | Deadline (2025-2026) |
|---|---|
| Program Launch Announcement | Dec 23 2025 |
| Application window Opens | Jan 15 2026 |
| Fast‑Track Review Period | Jan 15 - Feb 15 2026 |
| Incentive Allocation Confirmation | Mar 1 2026 |
| Production Start (Earliest) | Apr 1 2026 |
| Final Rebate disbursement | Within 45 days of wrap (estimated Sep 2026) |
Key Contacts
- Dave Caputo – Economic Development Director
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (727) 555‑0198
- Pinellas Film Office – Incentive Coordinator
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (727) 555‑0123
By aligning creative vision with targeted fiscal incentives, Dave caputo’s leadership is set to reposition Pinellas County as a premier destination for film and digital media production, delivering measurable economic benefits while cultivating local talent.
