Tourist development tax dollars in Manatee County climbed more than 15% in July compared with July 2024, but the spike includes a hike in the tourism tax approved by voters last fall.
The county tax collector’s Office reported earlier this month that tax revenues — income from the 6% tax levied on overnight rentals of six months or less — for July were $3,031,466. That’s up 15.56% from July 2024, when the tax generated $2,623,320 on a rate of 5% on overnight lodging.
With two months remaining in fiscal year 2024-25, the county has earned $28,520,750 in tourist tax revenue and is still on track to top $30 million despite setbacks from hurricanes Helene and Milton last fall.
Holmes Beach accommodations in July produced $866,823 in tourist development tax dollars or 28.59% of the county’s total earnings.
Only unincorporated Manatee County accommodations yielded more than Holmes Beach, with $1,041,117 in collections or 34.34% of the revenue pie.
Anna Maria accommodations produced $521,082 or 17.19% and Bradenton Beach’s brought in $119,760 or 3.95%, while Longboat Key’s garnered $216,452 or 7.14%.
Bradenton’s earned $226,022 or 7.46% and Palmetto’s netted $40,252 or 1.33%.
After a 3% administrative fee, the county’s net tourist tax revenue for July was $2,940,603.
Under state law, resort tax earnings must be spent on tourism-bolstering initiatives.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council advises the county commission on bed tax spending and, over the years, earnings from the levy have financed beach renourishment projects, the Gulf Islands Ferry service and made contributions to the construction of two new city piers — in Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach.
Other entities that have received tourist tax dollars include the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Realize Bradenton and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
August resort tax revenue data will be released in early October.
The next TDC meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
About the TDC
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council recommends to county commissioners how to spend the tourist development tax — the 6% tax collected on overnight rentals of six months or less.
TDT spending must boost and develop tourism.
July tourist tax collections:
July 2021: $2,764,559
July 2022: $2,800,988
July 2023: $2,697,210
July 2024: $2,623,320
July 2025: $3,031,466
Source: Manatee County Tax Collector