Is There a Tourism Tax in Florida?

By Robert Palmer

If you are planning a trip to Florida, you may be wondering whether there is a tourism tax that you need to consider in your budget. The answer is yes, Florida does have a tourism tax. In fact, it has one of the highest tourism taxes in the United States.

What is a tourism tax?

A tourism tax, also known as a bed tax or transient rental tax, is a tax that is imposed on visitors who stay in commercial lodging establishments such as hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The purpose of this tax is to generate revenue for the local government and support tourism-related activities such as marketing and promotion of the destination.

How much is the tourism tax in Florida?

The tourism tax rate in Florida varies by county but can range from 4% to 6%. Some counties may also impose an additional discretionary sales surtax on top of the tourism tax.

For example, Miami-Dade County has a total tourist development tax rate of 7%. It’s important to note that these taxes are typically added on top of the base room rate advertised by hotels and vacation rentals.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular counties in Florida and their current tourism tax rates:

Miami-Dade County

  • Tourist development tax rate: 6%
  • Discretionary sales surtax: 1%

Orange County (Orlando)

  • Tourist development tax rate: 6%
  • No discretionary sales surtax

Palm Beach County

  • Tourist development tax rate: 6%
  • No discretionary sales surtax

It’s worth noting that some exemptions may apply to certain types of lodging establishments such as government-owned hotels or non-profit organizations.

How is the tourism tax collected?

The tourism tax is collected by the lodging establishment and remitted to the local government on a monthly basis. The government then uses this revenue to fund tourism-related activities such as beach restoration, convention centers, and sports facilities.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are planning a trip to Florida, you should be aware of the tourism tax that may be added to your lodging bill. The rate varies by county but can range from 4% to 6%, plus any additional discretionary sales surtaxes.

It’s important to factor in these taxes when budgeting for your trip to Florida. By paying this tax, you are contributing to the local economy and supporting tourism-related activities in the area.