Tourism in Walton County 

Tourism is big business. It is the #1 economic driver in Walton County. In 2019,  tourism generated $5.2 billion in economic impact. 

 The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) was created in 1986 to manage bed tax collection and create an annual budget in accordance with
Florida State Statute 125.0104.

With the extreme growth of tourism in Walton County, it is important to understand the history and purpose of the TDC in order to determine goals for the future.
It's time to get Back to the Basics for bed tax collection in Walton County. 

Formation of Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC)

Florida State Statute 125.0104

In 1986, Walton County Board of County Commissioners passed Ordinance 86-18 to levy and impose a two (2) percent tourist development tax pursuant to the "local option tourist development act" as enacted by the legislature for the state of Florida. Learn more about the original ordinance. In 2021, the TDC budget has grown to $59.2 million up from $25.8 million in 2020.  

Impact of Tourism of Walton County

 Tourism is big business in Walton County. The total impact of tourism in Walton County is was $5.2 billion dollars in 2019.  ​Visitor spending accounts for 67% of total taxes in Walton County and creates 27,800 jobs. Learn more in the TDC Annual Report.

All tax revenues received pursuant to this section by a county imposing the tourist development tax shall be spent for authorized uses of revenue only. Click here to review Authorized Uses Under Section 5. 


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What You Need to Know

All spending to date is in alignment with the Florida State Statute 125.0104. The 2021-2022 budget was recommended by the TDC council members and approved by the BCC. Click here to view current budget. 

Short-term visitors fund the Walton County Tourist Development Council
​ (aka Tourism Department) through a Bed Tax. 
5% Bed Tax is collected from visitors by lodging partners in South Walton AND 2% Bed Tax is collected from visitors by lodging partners in North Walton
North & South bed tax funds are not comingled

Walton County Tourism News

MATT ALGARIN PROMOTED TO WALTON COUNTY TOURISM DIRECTOR
Matthew Algarin, current communications director for the Walton County Tourism Department, has been selected to fill the vacant Walton County tourism director position. Read more the news in the DeFuniak Herald here.

DRAFT OF PROPOSED TDC VISITOR STRATEGY PRESENTED
The Wisconsin-based destination marketing consulting firm developing a three-year strategic plan for the Walton County Tourism Department has some work to do before presenting a final draft to the Tourist Development Council, the group of hospitality industry professionals and local government officials who help guide the county's tourism efforts. Read Northwest Florida Daily News article here.