Tourist-tax collections in Orange County set another record in January — the tenth straight, best-ever total for a month.
Receipts in January topped $35.3 million, nearly $2 million better than a year ago, said Comptroller Phil Diamond, whose office tracks collections and spending of the Tourist Development Tax, a 6% surcharge added to the cost of a hotel room or other short-term lodging.
“Right now, we’re on pace for another record year,” Diamond said.
Through four months, a third of the 2025-26 fiscal year, collections are on pace to soar past $400 million annually, an all-time high which seemed unlikely five years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered theme parks and TDT collections cratered to historic lows.
Collections for the fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, are $12 million ahead of last year.
“I still credit Epic for a huge part of this increase,” Diamond said, referring to Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe, which opened in May.
The tax raised a record $384.6 million in fiscal year 2024-25, breaking the previous best of $359.4 million set in 2023-24.
Despite war in the Middle East, which could raise gas prices, Diamond was optimistic tourism would remain vibrant.
TDT collections are regarded as a gauge of local tourism’s health.
“There’s always some uncertainty about the economy,” said Diamond, who persuaded county leaders to keep a minimum of $300 million in TDT reserve. “Central Florida has the best collection of theme parks in the world and, with that, should always do well.”
January delivered a strong start to the calendar year with growth across key travel indicators, which point to continued momentum in the spring, said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, the region’s TDT-funded destination marketing agency.
She said hotel demand across metro Orlando is pacing ahead of last year with March up 6% and April up 9%.
January’s strong showing was boosted by several big events at the Orange County Convention Center. The Veterinary Meeting & Expo drew 30,000 visitors for a five-day gathering and the PGA of America Golf Professionals Show lured 33,000 golf industry professionals from 94 countries and all 50 states.
Diamond said TDT also has gotten a boost from increased hotel demand and a higher average daily room rate.
The daily room rate in the Orlando area was $226.80 in January, up nearly $33 from two years ago.
shudak@orlandosentinel.com
