The bill amends section 125.0104 of the Florida Statutes, which governs the tourist development tax, by introducing a new requirement regarding the allocation of tax revenues. Specifically, it mandates that at least 40 percent of all tourist development tax revenues collected in a county, capped at a total of $50 million annually, must be spent on promoting and advertising tourism. This stipulation is intended to ensure that a significant portion of the tax revenues is dedicated to tourism promotion, which is crucial for attracting visitors and supporting the local economy.
In addition to this new requirement, the bill maintains existing provisions regarding the authorized uses of tourist development tax revenues, which include funding for public facilities, convention centers, and beach park facilities, among others. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to enhance the effectiveness of tourism-related expenditures by ensuring a consistent investment in promotional activities.
Statutes affected:
S 1114 Filed: 125.0104