Marion County is on pace to generate a record amount in tourism tax revenue this fiscal year, having already crossed $2.5 million through last month.
The revenue figure will be presented as part of the Marion County Tourist Development Council’s regular meeting on Friday, March 28.
According to the most updated Tourism Development Tax (TDT) collections chart, the county has generated approximately $2,564,423.38 from the TDT through February 28, 2025.
During the previous two fiscal years, the county generated over 15% less than this year’s total. In both of those years, the county surpassed $5.3 million in TDT revenue.
The current fiscal year’s TDT revenue represents the largest amount collected in at least the past decade, according to the chart.
During the month of February alone, records show that the county generated $626,799.77 in TDT revenue.
In addition to the revenue data, the report also provides trend data for occupancy over the past 12 months.
It shows that occupancy rates have hovered between 60 and 70% over the past year, peaking in October and November.
The TDT is a 4% charge on the revenue from rentals of six months or less in Marion County. The tax applies to short-term rental of any living quarters or accommodations in any hotel and a variety of other structures (i.e., motels, apartments, etc.).
The tax is charged by the person receiving the consideration for the lease or rental and is collected from lessees, tenants, or customers at the time of payment. The tax is remitted to the Marion County Tax Collector and used for various initiatives.
“Marion County is not contracted with any third party vendors, including AirBnb, VRBO, Homaway, etc., therefore, it is the property owner’s responsibility to collect and remit the 4% tourist tax to the Marion County Tax Collector’s Office,” reads a county statement.
That includes gateway signage over Interstate 75 in Marion County.
The Marion County Tourist Development Council next meets at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 28, in the Tourist Development Conference Room.