Overview
- Tourist development tax collections for fiscal 2024-25 reached $384.5 million, the highest annual total on record.
- September brought $26 million, a record for that month, with growth easing to about 1% year over year after double-digit gains in August.
- County officials link the surge to Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, which opened in May and boosted visitor activity.
- TDT reserves stand at $471 million, about $171 million above the comptroller’s recommended minimum to buffer downturns.
- Proceeds are slated for venue commitments, including roughly $27 million in initial debt service for Camping World Stadium and a $10 million payment toward UCF’s stadium project, as officials warn that flight cancellations and the federal shutdown could trim future receipts.