Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force

Funding Interest Indicator Application Open

The 2026 Funding Interest Indicator is used to gather information on potential community projects seeking TDT funding. The TDT Task Force will consider only funding requests that meet the current statutory requirements for Tourist Development Tax funding and exceed $20 million. Funding Interest Indicators are due by 5:00 pm on July 16, 2026. All proposed projects must qualify as authorized uses of TDT funds in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 125.0104.

If you have questions about the Funding Interest Indicator, email to TDTcitizenadvisory@ocfl.net. Please do not contact co-chairs or individual task force members with questions.

Information

Orange County attracts more than 76 million visitors a year, making it one of the nation’s top travel destinations. Its Tourist Development Tax (TDT), or “bed tax,” is a 6% tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals of less than six months. Authorized under Florida law, the tax was approved by Orange County voters and enacted by ordinance in 1978.

Task Force Objective

The TDT Task Force reviews and recommends uses for future unallocated TDT revenues in compliance with Florida Statutes Section 125.0104 to the Tourist Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners.

Members

The 2026 task force will be co-chaired by former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin and Lift Orlando President Eddy Moratin. The remaining members of the task force will be announced at a later date.

Meetings & Resources

The 2026 task force will be co-chaired by former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin and Lift Orlando President Eddy Moratin. The remaining members of the task force will be announced at a later date.

Previous Task Force

The TDT Task Force was first convened in 2023 as annual visitor to the region returned to pre-pandemic levels. In more than 20 hours of public meetings, the task force received extensive information on the TDT, applicable Florida statutes, the economic impact of prior investments, and funding requests from community organizations. Through thoughtful discussion, the task force developed recommendations to guide TDT investments that align with statutory requirements while benefiting both residents and visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tourist Development Tax (TDT)?

The TDT is revenue generated through a tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals of less than six months. The tax rate varies by county across Florida. In Orange County, the current TDT rate is 6% of the total lodging bill.

How much is generated through TDT?

Orange County collects the largest share of TDT revenue of any county in Florida. For fiscal year 2024-25, the county’s total collections were $384.6 million, the highest in its history.

To view past news releases regarding TDT collections, please visit the Orange County Comptroller.

How is the money used?

The TDT funds tourism-related expenditures. Major uses in Orange County are:

Orange County Convention Center
Tourism promotion (i.e., Visit Orlando)
Arts, museums, and events through Arts & Cultural Affairs, Grant Application Review Committee, Sports Incentive Committee, and the Film Incentive Program
Venues (e.g., Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts)

Florida law sets out different allowable uses for the various percentages of TDT. Orange County uses those percentages in the following ways:

1st to 4th percent: Orange County Convention Center debt, operations, and maintenance; tourism promotion; tourism development plan uses; and arts
5th percent: Orange County Convention Center debt
6th percent: 50 percent tourism promotion; 50 percent to the City of Orlando for Amway Arena debt

The Tourist Development Council advises on TDT expenditures and reports to the Board of County Commissioners, who approve TDT uses.

Why can’t TDT support other government services?

Florida Statutes Section 125.0104 governs the use of TDT revenues. Because of this restriction, TDT funds cannot be used for general civic needs like public schools, public safety, housing, or local road maintenance.

Contact Us

Email: TDTcitizenadvisory@ocfl.net
Media Inquiries: PIO@ocfl.net

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.

Date and Time	Location and Resources
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.	Orange County Administration Center 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 Rewatch Resources
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.	Orange County Innovation Center 7149 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32818 Rewatch Resources
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.	Orange County Innovation Center 7149 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32818 Rewatch Resources
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.	Orange County Innovation Center 7149 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32818 Rewatch Resources

Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force