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

Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 5

Report 17-13, December 2017




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 several other states.
  • The three entities addressed several of our previous concerns related to program administration. However, our recommendations regarding the methods used to assess the impact of VISIT FLORIDA's marketing efforts on the tourism industry in Florida remain.


Related Reports
  1. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations Year 8
    Report 20-08 December 2020
  2. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 7
    Report 19-16 December 2019
  3. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 6
    Report 18-07 December 2018
  4. Florida Economic Development Program Evaluations - Year 4
    Report 17-02 January 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.
tourism, visitors, VISIT FLORIDA, film and entertainment, sports, spring training facilities, Sports Foundation, Department of Economic Opportunity, incentives, tax credits, tax exemption, marketing, advertising, grants, professional events, television, digital media, sports facility, employment, location quotient, jobs