The state statute that regulates the funds used by the TDC is Florida State Statute 125.0104 -Tourist development tax; procedure for levying; authorized uses; referendum; enforcement. 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. Per the state statute which states 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”).

Each year’s funding review typically begins during the Summer planning sessions. If interested in applying for grant funding be sure to reach out to the Tourist Development Council at tourism@co.okeechobee.fl.us. These applications are reviewed by the Tourist Development Council Advisory Board, all decisions are final and funding is limited. We look forward to hearing from you regarding this opportunity!