Legislation passed by the Florida state House will eliminate 62 tourist development councils across the state affecting organisations such as Visit Orlando, which promote tourism to their destinations in markets including Canada.
The proposal, which still faces deliberation by the state Senate, is part of a $5.4-billion tax break package that would require county collection of bed taxes to be used to lower property taxes; and TDCs would be eliminated by the end of the year.
The bill will force all Tourist Development Taxes (TDTs) to expire every eight years.
The TDCs collect nearly US$2 billion annually based on travel sector that saw a record 142.9 million visitors in 2024.
Don Welsh, President and CEO of the global tourism advocacy group Destinations International, shared, “Florida’s economy is the envy of the nation and many countries around the world, and tourism is the engine that makes it run. For decades, the state has thrived on a smart, sustainable model: out-of-state visitors contribute billions through the Tourist Development Tax, fueling local economies, creating jobs and funding public services without burdening residents.
“But two bills in the state legislature – HB 1221 and HB 7033 – propose to dismantle this model. If passed, they would eliminate dedicated funding for tourism marketing and facilities, dissolve every Tourist Development Council in the state and force Tourist Development Tax dollars to be used as property tax credits. On paper, that might sound like savings. In practice, it’s an economic cliff: It cuts the funds allocated to promote and encourage tourism, which fuels the significant economic impact of tourism across the state.”
“This is not just a policy change. It is an existential threat to one of Florida’s most vital industries and the local jobs, small businesses and public services that rely on it. Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. Why? Because visitors pay their way. Through the Tourist Development Tax, visitors pay a tax on their accommodations during short-term stays that fund the campaigns that bring them and future visitors, supporting everything from hospitality jobs to infrastructure projects. These dollars are reinvested to generate more revenue, more jobs and more opportunity. It’s a cycle that works.”
I urge every Floridian, especially those whose lives and livelihoods are tied to tourism, to stand up and speak out. Contact your local legislators, tell your story to the media and share what these bills would mean for your town, your business, your family.”
