Florida’s tourism model shows success; experts advise against making significant changes to preserve its effectiveness.

Florida’s economy is widely regarded as one of the most robust in the United States, with tourism serving as its primary engine. For numerous years, the state has maintained a sustainable economic model where out-of-state visitors significantly contribute to local economies. Through the Tourist Development Tax, these visitors help fund public services, stimulate job creation, and enhance local businesses without imposing financial burdens on residents.

However, recent legislative proposals in Florida, specifically House Bill 1221 and House Bill 7033, have raised alarms among tourism advocates. These bills, if enacted, would dismantle the current framework that supports tourism marketing and infrastructure, extinguishing the dedicated funding historically allocated to the state’s tourism development efforts. Key components of these proposals include the elimination of all Tourist Development Councils and redirecting Tourist Development Tax revenues to property tax credits, posing a significant risk to future tourism growth.

The implications of such legislative changes extend beyond policy adjustments; they present an existential threat to Florida’s vital tourism industry, which supports two million jobs across the state. The success of Florida’s tourism sector is not incidental. It is the result of decades of strategic efforts by destination marketing organizations, community leaders, and local businesses that have cultivated Florida into a premier tourist destination.

Visitors to Florida contribute to a cycle of economic investment that underpins tourism-related jobs, infrastructure development, and community vitality. In 2024, Florida welcomed approximately 142.9 million visitors, generating around 1 billion in visitor spending and .9 billion in tax revenue. The proposed legislation could significantly disrupt this flourishing ecosystem, particularly impacting rural and small communities that rely heavily on tourism as their primary economic lifeline.

Moreover, the dissolution of Tourist Development Councils would remove essential local oversight and accountability in tourism decision-making. By centralizing authority in Tallahassee, these bills risk silencing the voices of local stakeholders who understand the unique needs of their communities.

Florida’s tourism industry has recently celebrated its sixth consecutive year of record-breaking growth. The current model has proven effective in funding vital public services without incurring costs to taxpayers. As competing states actively seek to attract Florida’s visitors, the need for strategic tourism marketing and promotion has never been more critical.

In light of these developments, it is crucial for Floridians—especially those whose livelihoods depend on tourism—to advocate against these proposed changes. Engaging with local legislators and sharing the personal impacts of these bills could help safeguard an industry that has long been a cornerstone of Florida’s economic success.

Protecting tourism is essential for sustaining Florida’s vibrant economy and ensuring that its residents do not bear the financial burdens that visitors have historically shouldered. The time to invest in the future of Florida’s tourism sector is now, and local communities must be empowered to continue thriving in this dynamic environment.