Where Orange County’s Tourist Tax Money Is Going: Dr. Phillips, UCF and More
Orange County commissioners have approved nearly $800 million in tourist tax funding for 13 projects across the county. Here’s what was approved and where the money is going.
What Did Orange County Approve?
On October 19, Orange County commissioners approved, in a 6–1 vote, a list of 13 projects to receive tourist development tax funding. Twelve of the projects were recommended by a citizen advisory task force, and one was added later, bringing the total to 13.
What Is the Tourist Development Tax?
The tourist development tax is a 6% tax on hotel stays and certain short-term rentals in Orange County. State law limits how the money can be spent, generally to projects that support tourism, like venues, attractions and tourism marketing.
Which Projects Are Getting Funded?
The largest allocation, $350 million, goes to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts master plan in downtown Orlando. Other funded projects include:
- Dr. Phillips Charities Eatonville Museum of Culture and History: $60 million
- Eatonville heritage tourism district: $20 million
- Florida Citrus Sports parking garage at Camping World Stadium: $52.5 million
- UCF soccer stadium and track facility: $46 million
- Children’s museum in Winter Garden: $25 million
- Creative City Project’s Immerse Festival: $12.5 million
- Orange County Application Review Committee grant program: $75 million
- Natural Resource Tourism Infrastructure grant program: $50 million
- Eco-Tourism grant program: $50 million
When Will the Money Be Spent?
Not all projects receive funding at once. Some begin receiving money as early as 2027, while others, like the Camping World Stadium garage and the UCF facility, start in 2028 and 2029.
What This Means
The approved projects will shape some of Orange County’s biggest venues and attractions over the next several years, from a major expansion at the Dr. Phillips Center to new facilities at UCF and Camping World Stadium. As each project moves forward, more details on designs and timelines are expected.
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