Funding through the Okeechobee Tourism Development Council (TDC) is intended for events that increase tourism and visitors to Okeechobee County. Events should have the majority of participants and/or spectators from out of the Okeechobee County area. --> Funding eligibility expectations include, but are not limited to, the following: • Events that have demonstrated a history of, or the potential to generate, overnight stays in local accommodations such as hotels, motels, campgrounds, or RV parks. • Multiple day events (this can include pre-events that guarantee overnight stays or a series of events located in Okeechobee County) • Special consideration will be given to events that will generate regional, state, national, or international media exposure for Okeechobee County. --> Applications are reviewed by the TDC Advisory Board for economic benefits to the community and to ensure funding requests are following state statute guidelines. Funding requests are reviewed and approved on a case by case basis for the economic impact to Okeechobee County. Final award amounts will be determined by the TDC Board based on availability of funds. --> The use of funds by the TDC is governed by Florida Statute 125.0104 – Tourist Development Tax; which outlines the procedures for levying the tax, authorized uses of the funds, requirements for referendums, and enforcement provisions. Okeechobee County TDC is 100% funded by the Tourist Development Tax (TDT). The TDT is a countywide 3% tax applied to short term overnight stays during a duration of less than 6 months. The TDT is not a tax collected by residents unless they are staying in local lodging but, rather, is paid by Okeechobee County visitors. The state statute specifies that funds must be used to “promote and advertise tourism in the State of Florida and nationally and internationally; however, if tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue, or event, the activity, service, venue, or event shall have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue, or event to tourists”. (“Tourist” means a person who participates in trade or recreation activities outside the county of his or her permanent residence or who rents or leases transient accommodations”). *** It is important to note that all funding is based on availability of funds as determined by the approved budget for the Okeechobee County TDC by the Board of County Commissioners. The TDC is funded on a fiscal cycle beginning October 1 and ending on September 30. --> Okeechobee welcomes you and looks forward to a successful year of events that help to promote our small community!

• Number of estimated overnight stays • Number of out of county participants • Number of events held throughout the year in Okeechobee County • Events that generate Regional, State, National or International media exposure for Okeechobee County • Events that show a commitment to the expansion of tourism in Okeechobee County • Events that emphasize a substantial tourism, artistic, cultural, or other significance, giving prominence to creativity and excellence. • Events that without such assistance would not otherwise be possible • Economic Impact to the community

• The (TDC) will review each application for funding once each year for inclusion in the Council’s Fiscal Year budget. *Please note that most budget allocations are determined during the Summer planning with a final approval by October 1st (beginning of the Fiscal Year). • Each applicant must provide an application for each event each year regardless whether they have worked with TDC in the past. • Applications must be complete or will be returned. If applicant does not return the application completed correctly to the TDC it will not be considered for funding. • Applications may be emailed to Okeechobee County TDC at tourism@okeechobeecountyfl.gov. • Presentations by applicants will not be scheduled and are not required. Please include as much information as possible regarding your event for consideration by the TDC. If you would like to be present at the meeting, please notify the Tourism Coordinator. • Out of Grant Cycle Applications and New Events/Tournaments will be considered on a case by case basis dependent upon budgetary allocations and scheduling requirements. Request must be made at least 60 days prior to event to allow for proper advertising and promotion. *For information on Funding availability and TDC Board meetings please contact the Tourism Coordinator. TDC Board meets quarterly. Meeting dates are advertised in advance at www.okeechobeecountyfl.gov. This information may also be found at www.visitokeechobeecounty.com

• Pre-event marketing • Digital advertisements (online, websites, social media) • Print advertisements/brochures • Radio advertisements • Outdoor signage/billboards/banners • Promotional expenses related to the event such as pens, pencils, cups, t-shirts, flags, etc. (must be giveaways not merchandise for sale) • Plaques, trophies, medals, and similar items. • Costs related to an event, performance, or activity designed to entertain others and attract out of County visitors to the event. --> All advertisement and promotion must be out of county to be a reimbursable use of funds. Please provide links, copies of print or radio advertisement and any information on ways that your organization used to promote Okeechobee County. Brand Guidelines are available through the Tourism Coordinator. Radio advertising should reference Okeechobee as a host by referring to Okeechobee Tourism or Okeechobee Tourist Development Council. Pictures of promotional items are sufficient. *Pre-press proof is still required to assure the TDC logo is used in accordance with the current TDC brand requirements (i.e. flyers, print ads, in-town signs, signs at the event, promotional items, etc.).

• Expenses incurred or obligated prior to approval of TDC funding or after funding period. • Annual operating expenditures of the organization. • Professional, legal, medical, engineering, accounting, auditing, or other consultant services. • Salaries of staff or supplements for salaries of existing staff. • Capital improvements, including but not limited to new construction, renovation, restoration and installation or replacement of fixtures. • Tangible personal property, including but not limited to office furnishings or equipment, permanent collections or individual pieces of art. • Interest, or reduction of deficits or loans. • Events which are restricted to private or exclusive participation. • Private entertainment, food or beverages. • Making payments or reimbursements for goods or services purchased for previous or other events. • Advertising and promotion within Okeechobee County. • Prize money or scholarships. • Other expenditures not consistent with Florida Statutes or TDC objectives.

• A form will be sent to all applicants after the TDC review providing notification of funding award as received, awarded with adjustment or notification of non-reward with additional comments. • If awarded funding the Authorized Representative of the Organization will be required to sign an “Acceptance of Funding” form to be returned to the TDC. This form is assuring that the Authorized Representative understands the terms and guidelines included in this packet. This form must be received by the TDC Office prior to event to ensure funding. • Organizations receiving funding shall designate a Funding Manager (Representative of the Organization that will be handling the reimbursement process). That individual shall be responsible for maintaining the file with the original application, correspondence, funding request for reimbursements, invoices, and samples of promotional and advertising materials used. The organization’s Funding Manager will be responsible to assure that all of the elements of the funding application are followed, that requests for funds are accurate and appropriate attachment included. It is the Funding Manager’s responsibility to see that any applicable Federal, State or County laws and policies are followed.

The payment process for each new event and/or tournament is based on the successful completion of the event and/or tournament in Okeechobee County. Invoices will not be accepted for reimbursement until the event is complete. Organizations awarded funding should take into consideration that payments from Okeechobee County TDC will be made in accordance to Florida Statute 218.74 that stipulates that payment may take up to 45 days for processing upon receipt. The invoice(s) must be submitted to the TDC office no later than 60 days following the event. Reminder notices will not be sent by the TDC office. The following documents must accompany the invoice for payment submission, these must include the TDC logo or mention (Okeechobee County Tourism or Okeechobee County TDC): • Copies of all product(s) developed or produced, such as brochures or flyers and promotional items • Copy of advertising (out of county) such as tear sheet or screen shot. • Pictures of sponsor mentions such as banners or logo placement on website and/or social media. • Post Economic Impact form (supplied by TDC office) or independent surveys (must include the number of out of county participants and visitors as well as overnight stays in county) *Please note that majority of participants must be from out of county. • All event organizers must provide a current W-9 to be registered with Okeechobee County as a vendor and receive reimbursed grant funding. Mailing address for reimbursement fund distribution must match the address on the W-9.

• Public Record: All materials submitted with funding applications will be a matter of public record open to inspection by any citizen of the State of Florida - subject to Chapter 119 Florida Statutes. • Audits and Records: The Organization awarded funds shall maintain such records and accounts, including property, personnel, and financial records, as are deemed necessary by the County to ensure a proper accounting of all TDC funds. The aforesaid records will be made available for audit or inspection purposes at any time during normal business hours.