Bed Tax Goes Up to Six Percent in Pinellas County

The Tourist Development Tax is a tax collected in Pinellas County. It is also known as the Bed Tax. The Bed Tax proceeds go to marketing and community functions, including beach re-nourishment and construction on stadiums and museums. The Bed Tax was a five percent tax collected on accomodations rented in Pinellas County for less than 6 months. As of January 01, 2016 the bed tax is up to six percent.

From the visit Saint Pete/Clearwater 2015 report, the lodging occupancy for 2014 averaged 74.4%. The highest rate was in winter at 82.3%. The spring and summer combined was 78%. Coming in as the least popular part of the year, Fall came in with a 63% lodging occupancy rate. The average room rate for 2014 was 128.20$.

The area has been experiencing unprecedented growth over the years, expressed by yearly Bed Tax collection amounts increasing steadily from 9-13% since 2011. Bed Tax collections in 2011 were just over 26 million. The amount increased in 2012 and 2013, up to 29 million, then 31 million. Then in 2014, 35 million dollars were collected from the Bed Tax.

There is an interesting breakdown on the Visit Saint Pete/Clearwater report. There is a common myth in the area. It is that the majority of visitors to the area are foreign visitors from Europe, but in fact the majority of visitors are domestic at 71%. That breakdown includes 16% from Florida, 10% from the southeast, 33% from the northeast, and making up the largest portion of domestic visitors to the area, individuals from the midwest make up 41% of the 71% of short term visitors to Pinellas County, excluding day trippers.