Marion County generates over $340,000 from tourism tax, 300% increase over last year

Marion County generated over $340,000 from its tourism development tax from April to June 2021, an over 320% increase from the same period last year.

The figures are part of a Tourism Development Tax report to the Marion County Tourist Development Council. 

From April 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021, Marion County generated a total of $340,249.47 in revenue from the tax, which is a 4% charge on the revenue from accommodation rentals of six months or less (i.e., hotels, motels, etc.). 

Over the same period in 2020, the county generated $104,746 after the tourism economy in Florida plummeted from statewide COVID-19 pandemic closures. 

The most recent figures suggest that Ocala and Marion County tourism is rebounding in recent months. 

The 4% Tourist Development Tax, which is taxed in addition to the State of Florida’s 6% Sales Tax, is given to the Marion County Tax Collector. 

Multiple organizations hosting upcoming events have approached the Marion County Tourist Development Council in recent months for tourism grants, including the popular Kingdom of the Sun Basketball Tournament hosted by Vanguard High School. 

In Ocala, the city is currently accepting artist applications for its upcoming First Friday Art Walk series, which enables artists to display their works around the Historic Downtown Ocala Square.