Updated Thursday, March 25, 2021

Dangerous bills that would fundamentally affect the way counties can use the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds are quickly moving though the Florida Legislature this Session. HB1429 sponsored by Representative Bryan Avila (111 – Hialeah) and SB2008 sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz (36 – Hialeah Gardens) are companion bills. 

The House Bill unanimously passed through its first two Committees. HB 1429 is on the Agenda for its final committee, the House State Affairs Committee next Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:30pm.

Senate Bill 2008 will be heard in its first committee of reference, the Senate Committee on Community Affairs next Tuesday, March 30 at 3:30pm.

These bills allow county governments to siphon funds collected through the TDT in your county intended for tourism promotion and use them for “flood mitigation.” Our focus isn’t on this specific expanded use, rather ANY use aside from tourism promotion and marketing weakens our state’s tourism marketing efforts. Tourist Development Taxes invested by Florida destinations result in billions of dollars in sales tax revenue generated by tourists affording a lower tax burden for Florida residents.

*** CALL TO ACTION ***

As our industry begins to rebound from the ravages of the pandemic, these bills imperil our ability to recover. Elected officials need to support our economic recovery, not disrupt it. Here is where we need your help!

1.    Please contact YOUR REPRESENTATIVE and SENATOR. Tell them how the Tourist Development Tax in your county helps market your county destination and attractions. Share how you depend on the efforts of your Tourist Development Committee and/or CVB to bring visitors to your county, increasing your county’s tax base and generating additional TDT funds.

2.    Please email all members of the House State Affairs Committee and ask them to VOTE NO on HB 1429. Download Committee Database Here.

3.    Please email all members of the Senate Committee on Community Affairs and ask them to VOTE NO on SB 2008. Download Committee Database Here.

Thank you for all you do for the FAA and our collective industry. Keep advocating for the protection of Florida tourism!