One of the top priorities of the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) is safeguarding the Florida Tourist Development Tax (TDT), also known as the bed tax. These taxes, approved by counties, are imposed on overnight accommodations, and play a crucial role in funding the Tourism Development Council (TDC) (and/or CVB, VCB) of your county. They provide the necessary resources to promote county destinations and attractions to potential visitors. By combining your attraction marketing dollars with theirs and partnering with VISIT FLORIDA, attractions of all sizes can be promoted both domestically and internationally.
A threat to the TDT has emerged in the form of HB 7033 – the House tax package. HB 7033 contains harmful provisions that would allow counties to use TDT revenue for property tax relief and any general purpose. Additionally, language contained in the House bill would dissolve all TDCs by December 31, 2025, and require a county referendum on TDT every eight years to continue providing the property tax benefit.
While the Senate has not expressed the same interest in these reforms as the House, now is the time to act and let the Legislature know the devastating impact that the dangerous TDT provisions in HB 7033 can have on Florida tourism and your attraction.
CALL TO ACTION
During the week of May 12, 2025, legislators will negotiate and consider the tax package for FY 2025-26. It is important that you contact your legislators this week and ask them to remove the harmful TDT provisions from HB 7033 before passing the final tax package. TDT funds are meant to be spent on tourism advertisement and promotion, not property tax reductions and any general purpose. Please contact your Senator and Representative THIS WEEK and voice your opposition to the vast expansion of TDT allowable uses in HB 7033 and ask them to remove the TDT provisions.
If you have any questions, please contact me by email (lupfer@floridaattractions.org) or phone (850) 222-2885.
Thank you.
Bill Lupfer
President
Florida Attractions Association
