Gulf to weigh extending one-cent bed tax for parks 

For the first time since Gulf County voters approved the initial two-cent tax on short-term rentals two decades ago, they will be asked next month to approve at the ballot an extension of one of the five pennies now being collected by the Tourism Development Council.

This so-called fifth penny, first implemented in 2014, based on a supermajority vote of the Gulf County commissioners, is earmarked for the county’s parks and recreation, “through marketing, promotions and advertising of Gulf County tourism in new, developing and existing markets,” said Silvia Williams, TDC director. 

But in 2023, the Florida Legislature amended Florida Statutes to require a county to place a referendum on a general election ballot on whether to extend such a tax again.

“That is why voters will see this on their ballot for the first time,” said Williams.

She said that this fifth penny in fiscal year 2022-23 brought in a little more than $948,000, and that to date this fiscal year has brought in nearly $902,000.

“We are still waiting for our final month collections to close out the fiscal year,” Williams said. 

In advocating for an extension of this fifth penny, she said that “this is such an important matter, as this visitor-paid tax plays a vital role in supporting Gulf County’s economy, our parks, and our quality of life.

“This is a tax we don’t pay, but we directly benefit from it. Only those staying overnight in local accommodations pay this tax,” Williams said. “Reinvesting in our parks through the tourist development tax benefits locals and enhances the visitor experience.”

She said that in addition to “promoting beautiful parks and recreation areas through creative marketing campaigns, this penny aided in the expansion of the pickleball courts at Frank Pate Park as well as improvements to T.L. James Park, Honeyville Park and various other parks throughout the county.

“We are so lucky to have such beautiful parks here in Gulf County,” Williams said. “I always say that I challenge anyone to find another rural county in this state with more beautiful outdoor spaces than we have. We are truly blessed.”

If approved, this fifth penny will be imposed “until such time the tax is repealed by referendum.”

As it stands now, Gulf County is running about $475,000, or roughly 12 percent, ahead of last fiscal year, when a total of $4.74 million was collected. Once September’s numbers are factored in, even with a downturn due to hurricane activity, it looks likely that the county for the first time ever will eclipse the $5 million mark in annual lodging tax revenue.