In an unexpected move late yesterday, the Florida House released a radical Proposed Committee Substitute (PCS) of HB 1221.  Until yesterday afternoon, the FAA’s objection to the House Bill was the requirement for a county’s Tourism Development Tax (TDT / Bed Tax) to be reauthorized by public referendum every 8 years. 

Yesterday’s PCS would eliminate your county’s Tourist Development Council AND allow counties to use Bed Tax FOR ANY PURPOSE.

Below, (in the interest of time) I’m sharing a message from Robert Skrob (Executive Director, Destinations Florida) to describe this unfortunate circumstance.

Our ask – to contact your State Representative  NOW and oppose PCS for CS/HB 1221.

Please contact me if you have any questions – and THANK YOU for acting NOW.

Bill Lupfer
President/CEO
850-222-2885
lupfer@floridaatractions.org

__________________________________________

Proposal to Eliminate County Tourism Promotion Heard in Two House Committees Today

Yes, you read that correctly.

For weeks, we’ve been sounding the alarm about House Bill 1221 by Representative Monique Miller (R)—a proposal that would force all Tourist Development Taxes (TDTs) to expire every eight years, placing Florida’s tourism economy on a never-ending treadmill of uncertainty.

Now, with less than 24 hours’ notice, an amendment has been filed that takes the threat to a whole new level.

This amendment not only maintains the damaging 8-year sunset provision—it completely eliminates the ability of counties to use TDTs for their intended purpose: promoting tourism.

Instead, 100% of TDT proceeds would be used as a credit against county residents’ property tax bills.

If adopted, this amendment to HB 1221 would:

Abolish all existing uses of Tourist Development Taxes, including:

·        Tourism promotion and advertising

·        Beach renourishment and environmental enhancements

·        Convention centers

·        Professional and spring training sports facilities

·        Dissolve all county Tourist Development Councils

·        Restrict spending of TDT to only existing contracts in force as of January 1, 2025

·        Require counties to reduce their property tax levy starting FY 2026-2027 by the amount of TDT collected

·        Allow tourism promotion agencies to be reauthorized only if funded from non-TDT sources

This is a direct attack on Florida’s tourism industry and the millions of Floridians whose jobs, businesses, and communities rely on visitor spending.

Two Critical Committee Hearings today, Tuesday, April 22 – Your Voice Is Needed!

We expect today’s committee meetings to be the final opportunity for public comment against the dangerous proposals in HB 1221 and HB 7033. 

House State Affairs Committee

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Agenda Item: HB 1221 (Local Option Taxes)
We are AGAINST the amendment: “PCS for CS/HB 1221”

House Budget Committee

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Agenda Item: HB 7033
We are AGAINST the amendment: “PCS for HB 7033”

 

It’s never been more important for anyone receiving Tourist Development Taxes to communicate immediately to their Senate and House members to the importance of Tourism Promotion Taxes.  Please get the word out to your industry and all partners receiving TDT in your community.

 

Key Talking Points:

1. This Amendment Would Eliminate Florida’s Competitive Advantage.

·        Florida’s economy is built on tourism. TDT fuels marketing efforts that generate more than 2 million jobs and $124 billion in annual visitor spending.

·        Without marketing, Florida loses visitors, loses jobs, and loses tax revenue. Neighboring states will gladly take our place.

2. TDT is Not a Burden on Residents—it’s a Benefit.

·        Visitors pay TDT, not residents. These dollars come from out-of-state guests and are reinvested to attract more.

·        Eliminating TDT uses for marketing means residents will pay more in taxes over time, not less.

3. This Would Devastate Small Counties.

·        Large counties might survive by finding alternative funding—but small, rural counties will lose their only reliable tool to compete for visitors.

·        Some counties rely on TDT for over 30% of their total property tax value. This bill cuts that economic lifeline.

4. Dissolving TDCs Silences Local Voices.

·        TDCs ensure accountability, oversight, and community involvement.

·        This amendment replaces local governance with forced mandates from Tallahassee.

5. The Savings to Residents Are Minimal—The Damage is Massive.

·        The average TDT is a tiny fraction of property tax revenues. (Statewide average: 11.3% of property taxes.)

·        Wiping out TDT will do virtually nothing to reduce property taxes—but it will cost billions in lost economic activity.

6. This is Not a Tax Cut—It’s a Job Killer.

·        TDT is a self-imposed tax by the lodging industry to grow visitation.

·        Every dollar of TDT generates many more dollars in local sales, job creation, and tax revenue.

7. We Don’t Need to Break What’s Working.

·        Florida just celebrated its sixth consecutive record-breaking year in tourism.

·        Now is the time to invest, not abandon, what’s powering our economy.

Every Floridian can identify their Senator and Representative by visiting this page.  

 

I know this is late notice. And, I wish this wasn’t so important. 

  

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this industry. We can win this.  

Robert Skrob

Executive Director

Destinations Florida