From the Orange County Newsroom
Orange County is one of the top travel destinations in the world with more than 59 million visitors a year and is fast approaching its pre-pandemic levels of 75 million annual visitors. Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax (TDT) – sometimes called the “bed tax” – is revenue generated by a 6-percent tax on hotel stays and other short-term rentals that are less than six months in duration. TDT collections were enacted by ordinance in 1978 following a successful voter referendum.
And in 2024, Orange County has experienced a TDT windfall.
“We received great news to start 2025 regarding Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections," said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. "Comptroller Phil Diamond reports that the collections received by Orange County for November 2024 were $31,788,300. This is the best November collection ever.
November 2024 was boosted by strong attendance at the Orange County Convention Center with IAAPA surpassing records, and robust travel around the Thanksgiving holiday. Hotel occupancy and demand both increased over prior years, which sets the stage for a great 2025!
It’s important to note that the first two months of the current fiscal year have been in the plus column, compared to the first two months of the last fiscal year which were decreases.
Current TDT reserves totals of nearly $417 million helps us reinvest in community projects and programs to benefit residents and visitors such as community venues, cultural arts, and the Convention Center.”
Apopka received $13.1 million in TDT grant funds in 2024.
Apopka’s application titled “Northwest Rec: 2025 and Beyond” outlined a $13.1 million proposal to expand the Northwest Recreation Complex by bringing four new softball fields with associated amenities and expanded amenity upgrades to the Apopka Amphitheater. The application was prepared by the Apopka Parks and Recreation Department and presented to the TDT Application by Apopka Parks and Recreation Director Radley Williams. The application highlighted the existing and future impacts the Northwest Recreation Complex has on Orange County tourism and the local economy. In 2023, the complex hosted over 58,000 visitors across 58 sports tournaments and over 31,000 visitors across 15 concerts.
