Florida House Tax Plan would enable counties to use tourist tax dollars for every need

Orlando, Fla. – A proposed house tax change could enable counties to use the tax funds for tourism development for general purposes.

On Tuesday, the House budget Committee discussed significant changes in the financing of the Tourism Development Tax (TDT). A proposed change in the house tax package (HB 7033) would override existing laws, which means that the counties can access TDT funds for general use and not exclusively for projects related to tourism.

The legislator uses the proposal to compensate for the proposed cuts in local property taxes.

Some residents argue that the TDT, which is generated in Orange County by taxing 6% on hotel stays and short -term rentals, should be assigned to improve local infrastructure and transport.

Take a look at the video below to find out how the plan can affect.

Last year, the TDT generated 360 million US dollars in Orange County alone, but the current regulations limit the use of initiatives that promote tourism, such as advertising campaigns from visit Orlando and financing for the Orange County Convention Center.

Mark Anthony, who works in the tourist area, was frustrated about the current allocation of the funds.

“I think they should rather indicate the residents and the infrastructure. They know to help each other because we are tightened. You know, so people were on the side, but on the outskirts of the city is now being disturbed,” he told News 6.

The construction is underway for the I-4 ramp near Exit 68, which will eventually improve access to the tourist area. The busy streets that lead to Disney Springs emphasize the influx of tourists who contribute significantly to the local economy and raise questions about how TDT funds are issued.

(RELATED: For which tourist tax money from Orange County is used and why)))

Scott Boyd, former Orange County representative for District 1, said it is important to have TDT financing for tourism initiatives.

“Changes in Tallahassee take place. You know that this discussion has been going on for 20 years. It was like that when I was there,” he told News 6.

In addition to the shift in the tourism dollar for general use, the law would also dissolve County Tourism Development Councils. In the meantime, tourism authorities such as Visit Orlando would only exist if the district government would approve the agency.

Boyd, whose family has a long history in agriculture and in the construction of central florida, warned that it could also endanger projects to rely on TDT for general use. He was in office during a recession and remembered when there was less tourism dollars.

“What happens when the market goes south again, for whatever reason? The tourism industry is extremely important and a large part of our economy. Tourism to drive here in our entire area,” he added.

Boyd expressed concerns about sustainability to use TDT funds for general purposes and asked if these funds were available if necessary.

The Senate Tax Package in Florida would also make changes to the way in which tourism tax money is used.

The proposal of the Democratic Senator of Orlando, Carlos Guillermo Smith, would limit the amount of the TDT money districts for tourism funding to 50 million US dollars a year so that the rest of the money can be used for other purposes.

Smith sees the TDT as a way of improving public transport, which Orange County has difficulties.

“Because if we want to fully realize our potential for tourism in central florida, we have to be able to find sources of financing for the connection Sunrail to the airportIn order to promote mass transit and have the infrastructure, we have to support the complete expansion of tourism in central florida, and that’s why we presented this legislative package, ”said Guillermo-Smith.

The Florida House and the Senate would have to iron out all the differences between the two tax plans to say goodbye to the signature of governor Ron Deantis.