Robust summer tourism has driven bed tax revenue to be the greatest in Santa Rosa County history.

Numbers have consistently trended upward all year with August bed tax collections showing the greatest growth, a 33 percent increase over August of last year. Eleven months in to the current fiscal year, revenue is $1.61 million compared with a total 2012/2013 fiscal year revenue of $1.33 million. Previously, 2012/2013 fiscal year had the highest revenue recorded.

Commission Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Jim Melvin credits a change in marketing efforts and BP funding for the increase.

“We have the right business model and the right people in place and the numbers are proving it.”

Mike Loera, Tourist Development Council Chairman continues, “It is very exciting to see such positive growth in bed tax collection this summer. The TDC has worked hard with our marketing and advertising agency to target the markets and segments we feel would help us grow and it certainly appears to have worked. The numbers clearly show that Santa Rosa County is holding up to its name of Florida’s Playground by being a fun, clean, affordable, and family friendly vacation destination for people of all ages to enjoy.”

It is important to note that a one percent bed tax increase for beach renourishment began in June, which slightly inflates the actual percentage increase.

Even with removing the increase, bed tax collections are up 14 percent this fiscal year over the same period in 2012/2013.

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