Call to Action: Legislative Support Needed

Dear member,

As the 2025 Legislative Session progresses, Film Florida along with SAG-AFTRA is working behind the scenes on key initiatives that will support our industry in the short term while laying the foundation for future successes. To accomplish these immediate goals, we need the help of two key legislators.

We are gathering short letters to hand-deliver to Florida Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper and Florida House Appropriations Chair Lawrence McClure—both strong supporters of Florida’s screen production industry. These letters will thank them for their continued support and encourage their ongoing commitment to our industry.

How Can You Help?

By Noon ET on Wednesday, April 2, please submit one short letter(addressed to both legislators) demonstrating your appreciation for their leadership.

 Submission Guidelines:

• Send an e-mail to michael.viera@sagaftra.org with your short letter attached as a Word or PDF file (on company letterhead if available).
• Include your name, company name (if applicable), and profession/role.
• DO NOT send letters directly to the legislators. A handful of individual letters won’t have the same impact as 50, 100, 250 letters delivered together.

Make It Personal!

Below, you’ll find key points you may choose to include, along with a sample letter for reference. However, form letters diminish our credibility—we need these letters to reflect your personal experience and perspective. Please do not copy and paste the sample letter; instead, craft your own message in your own words. Highlighted portions of the sample letter need to be customized by you.

Your participation is critical to ensuring our industry’s voice is heard. Please take a few moments to write your short letter and send it to michael.viera@sagaftra.org by noon ET on Wednesday, April 2.

Facts & Figures to Include as You Wish:

(pick one or two to include)

The average industry wage in Florida is $101,684 (53% higher than Florida’s average for all jobs). Our industry provides high-wage, high-tech jobs for Floridians.

Each feature film or television series hires 1,500+ local workers.

The industry supports indirect jobs such as caterers, hotels, law enforcement, lumber suppliers, electricians, carpenters, etc.

An average feature film will spend $150,000 per day, totaling $20 million per project.

An average cable television series will spend $100,000 per day, totaling $10-$20 million per project.

Florida has three of the top 25 U.S. film schools.

5,000+ students graduate annually in film/digital media, but 75% leave Florida for jobs elsewhere.

Below you will find a sample letter for you to follow. If we submit form letters, we lose all credibility! It's extremely important that each letter be YOUR STORY in YOUR WORDS. Please do not just copy and paste our sample letter. The highlighted items in the template are for you to edit to your personal info/story. 

Template Example

Florida Senate Appropriations Chair Ed Hooper

Florida House Appropriations Chair Lawrence McClure

Florida Capitol

400 S Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Dear Chairs Hooper and McClure,

My name is Joseph Smith and I work for XYZ Company. Thank you for supporting Florida’s film and television production industry. 

The impact of our industry is undeniable. INSERT FACTS & FIGURES FROM ABOVE AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU WISH TO ADD.

I appreciate your ongoing commitment to our industry and urge you to continue championing policies that sustain and grow this vital economic sector. Thousands of Floridians depend on steady work in film and television to support their families and communities, and with your leadership, we can ensure that Florida remains a top destination for production.

Regards,

YOUR NAME & COMPANY