If you’re planning a trip to Florida, you may have heard about the state’s resort tax. This tax is an additional charge on top of the usual sales tax and is commonly applied to accommodations such as hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Florida’s resort tax is and how it works.
What Is Florida’s Resort Tax?
Florida’s resort tax, also known as the transient rental tax, is a tax levied on temporary lodging accommodations. The tax applies to all counties in Florida and ranges from 0% to 6%, depending on the county where the accommodation is located. The revenue generated from this tax goes towards funding local tourism initiatives and projects.
How Does Florida’s Resort Tax Work?
The resort tax is typically added to the cost of your accommodation and is collected by the lodging provider on behalf of the state. The provider then remits the collected tax to the appropriate government agency.
For example, let’s say you book a hotel room in Miami Beach for $100 per night. If Miami-Dade County has a 6% resort tax rate, you would be charged an additional $6 per night for a total of $106 per night.
It’s important to note that not all types of lodging accommodations are subject to the resort tax. For example, if you rent a private residence or vacation home through a platform like Airbnb or VRBO, you may not be subject to the resort tax depending on certain factors like length of stay or number of units rented.
Why Is Florida’s Resort Tax Important?
Florida’s tourism industry plays a significant role in the state’s economy. The revenue generated from the resort tax helps fund local tourism initiatives that promote travel to different areas of Florida and support businesses that rely on tourism dollars.
In addition to supporting local tourism initiatives, the resort tax also helps fund important projects like beach restoration, environmental conservation efforts, and transportation improvements.
The Bottom Line
Florida’s resort tax may seem like an additional expense when planning your trip, but it’s an important source of revenue for the state. By supporting local tourism initiatives and important projects, the resort tax helps maintain Florida’s status as a top travel destination. When planning your next trip to Florida, be sure to factor in the resort tax when budgeting for accommodations.