Is There a Resort Tax in Florida?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip to Florida and wondering if there is a resort tax? The answer is yes, there is a resort tax in Florida. Let’s dive into the details of what this tax is and how it works.

What is Resort Tax?

Resort tax, also known as tourist development tax or bed tax, is a tax imposed on visitors who stay in hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and other short-term lodging accommodations. This tax is used to fund tourism-related projects such as beach restoration, convention centers, sports facilities, and other tourism-related activities.

What is the Resort Tax Rate in Florida?

The resort tax rate varies from county to county in Florida. The maximum allowable resort tax rate is 6%, but some counties may charge less than that.

For example, Miami-Dade County has a resort tax rate of 6%, while Orange County (home to Orlando) has a resort tax rate of 6%. It’s important to note that the resort tax rate applies only to the first six months of rental accommodations.

Who Pays Resort Tax?

Anyone who stays in short-term lodging accommodations such as hotels, motels, vacation rentals or any other short-term rental property for six months or less pays the resort tax. This includes both residents and non-residents of Florida who stay in these accommodations.

How Is Resort Tax Collected?

The resort tax is collected by the property owner or manager at the time of check-in or check-out. The collected taxes are then remitted to the local government agency responsible for administering the collection of these taxes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a resort tax in Florida that applies to visitors who stay in short-term lodging accommodations for six months or less. The maximum allowable resort tax rate varies from county to county but cannot exceed 6%.

This tax helps fund tourism-related projects and activities in the state. So if you’re planning a trip to Florida, make sure to budget for this tax in addition to your accommodation costs.