Florida's Adventure Coast Tourist Development Tax Brochure

TOURIST DE V ELOPMENT TA X — A Guide for Property Owners —

— F loridasAdventureCoast.com —

Partner Benefits

How the TDT Works for You

The Tourist Development Tax is not merely an

obligation to property owners, but an opportunity to help you grow your business. The TDT benefits you in two key ways: F irst, TDT-funded marketing programs, visitor services, and special events help raise awareness for our destination overall and its rich natural and cultural amenities. In 2015, the TDC and Visitors Bureau launched an aggressive brand marketing campaign to promote the area as Florida’s Adventure Coast. The more travelers reached by this impactful initiative, the more potential customers your business will enjoy. econd, the TDT allows the Visitors Bureau to S make available many opportunities to promote your property specifically. Free services available to you as a tourism partner include a listing on our new FloridasAdventureCoast.com destination website, social media linking, display of your materials at our Visitor Information Centers, promotion of your specials and packages, and much more. he Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau T is passionate about helping our tourism partners succeed!

Welcome

Tourism is Everybody’s Business

The Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau

is pleased to welcome you to the Hernando County tourism community! As a property owner providing overnight accommodations, you play an important role in our essential tourism industry.

Tourism gives residents of Brooksville, Weeki Wachee and the surrounding area a sustainable industry that contributes greatly to the local economy. Local tourism also supports the shops, restaurants, and vital government services that contribute to the overall quality of life enjoyed by all residents.

Visitors and locals alike benefit from tourism in Florida’s Adventure Coast, Hernando County.

Here, tourism truly is everybody’s business — and we are delighted that you have joined us as a tourism partner.

About the Tax

What is the Tourist Development Tax?

Hernando County’s Tourist Development Tax

(TDT) is a 5% tax on accommodations rented for a period of six months or less. This includes beach houses, bed & breakfast inns, campgrounds, condominiums, cottages, hotels, mobile homes, motels, RV parks, vacation rentals, and any other sleeping accommodations rented for six months or less. Additionally, rentals of longer than six months that do not have a bona-fide written lease are subject to the tax for the first six months.

I n brief, if you are charging for short-term overnight accommodations, then you must remit the 5% tax to the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners.

Origin and Purpose ernando County residents voted in 1992 to H levy the Tourist Development Tax. In 2014, the County raised the amount of the tax from 3% to 5%. The funds are designated to promote Hernando County as a destination for leisure, group, sports, and business travelers, enhancing the local economy. The Board of County Commissioners appoints the Tourist Development Council (TDC) to oversee the expenditure of the tax, and the Visitors Bureau conducts day-to-day marketing and visitor-assistance operations.

Remitting the Tax

When to Remit

New TDT collectors are required to submit an

application to the Hernando County Clerk of Court and Comptroller. Then, the tax is remitted annually, semiannually, quarterly, or monthly, depending on the estimated amount to be collected. Tax returns are delinquent if postmarked after the 20th of the month due, and taxpayers must file a return even if no tax is owed.

For an application and additional details, visit HernandoClerk.com, or call (352) 540-6518.

Penalties & Auditing enalties for failing to collect and pay the tax P may include fines, property liens, and even imprisonment. Rental records may be audited with 30 days written notice to ensure compliance.

Compensation roperty owners who remit the tax on time are P entitled to an allowance of 2.5% of the first $1,200 collected (not to exceed $30).

Zoning & Sales Tax ental of a home or other dwelling in Hernando R County is subject to zoning ordinances. Please contact the Development Department at (352) 754-4050 to determine if rentals are permitted in your location. Also, accommodators are required to pay state sales tax, and more information is available from the Florida Department of Revenue at (727) 943-4880.

Contact The Visitors Bureau

Our Team is Here to Help You

Becoming

a new accommodator can be a challenge, and the Visitors Bureau team is eager to assist you. If you have questions about Tourist Development Tax collection, or would like more information on the free marketing opportunities available to you, please contact us for friendly assistance. You can reach us at (352) 754-4405 or info@FloridasAdventureCoast.com.

352.754.4405 v FloridasAdventureCoast.com — V ISITOR I N F OR M ATION C E N T ER S — WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK 6131 Commercial Way Weeki Wachee, FL 34606

CARRIAGE HILLS PLAZA 31085 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, FL 34602