Tourism is a major part of life and the economy here in Lee County, but you may not realize how much visitor spending also helps support the amenities that residents enjoy.
Lee County’s Tourist Development Tax (TDT) is a 5% tax charged on short-term accommodations of six months or less, including hotels, motels and vacation rentals. The important distinction for local homeowners is that this tax is paid by visitors staying in these accommodations, not through residents’ property taxes.
Where Does the Money Go?
In fiscal year 2025, the Tourist Development Tax generated approximately $46.8 million.
Current tourist tax allocations include:
- 53.6% for advertising and promotions
- 26.4% for beaches and shoreline
- 20% for stadium facilities
These tourism dollars are also being put to work on projects throughout Lee County. The VCB highlights several recent investments, including:
- $2.1 million for Sanibel Fishing Pier reconstruction
- $6.4 million for improvements to Sanibel Causeway Islands Park
- $500,000 for Sanibel Shared Use Path resurfacing
- $7 million for Fort Myers Beach Pier improvements
- $3.1 million for enhancements at Lynn Hall and Crescent Beach Parks
- $700,000 in marketing recovery funds for local Chambers
How Does This Benefit Residents?
Tourism dollars can help fund improvements that both visitors and residents enjoy, particularly our beaches, parks and recreational facilities.
According to the VCB, $12.4 million was invested in beaches and beach park facilities in 2025, with an estimated $929 in local tax savings per household. Lee County tourism also helps support air service, with 69 nonstop destinations on 15 airlines noted for 2025.
For those of us who live in Southwest Florida, tourism is about more than welcoming visitors. The dollars generated by those visitors can help maintain and improve many of the places and amenities that make Lee County such a desirable place to live.
Source: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Tourist Development Tax information