Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Tourist Development Budget
Summary
The board reached a consensus to work toward a 2028 voter referendum to expand the tourist development tax (bed tax) countywide onto the mainland. This would generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for tourism marketing, beach cleaning, and recreation projects.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 22, 2026.
Impact analysis
Generates an estimated $600,000 annually in new bed tax revenue for tourism and recreational infrastructure.
Mainland businesses, event venues, chambers of commerce, and visitors.
Visitors and overnight guests paying the tax, though proponents note the burden falls on tourists rather than local residents.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Amelia Island Tourist Development Council - Jul 22, 2026
The tourism board reviewed and approved the upcoming fiscal year budget, projecting $11.5 million in tax revenues while maintaining strategic reserves to address market volatility.
Amelia Island Tourist Development Council - Jun 29, 2026
The tourist development council reviewed the upcoming year's marketing strategy, which aims to balance visitor volume with high-yield tourism and address potential late-summer softening.
Nassau County Board of County Commissioners Winter Strategic Session - Feb 27, 2026
The board reached a consensus to work toward a 2028 voter referendum to expand the tourist development tax (bed tax) countywide onto the mainland. This would generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for tourism marketing, beach cleaning, and recreation projects.
Amelia Island Tourist Development Council - Jan 28, 2026
Staff and researchers reported on bed tax collections, noting that while recent winter storms and hotel renovations have caused temporary dips, overall destination demand and visitor satisfaction remain high.
Nassau County Board of County Commissioners - Jan 26, 2026
The county updated its tourist tax spending categories to allow tax revenue to help fund lifeguard services, providing financial relief for local municipalities like Fernandina Beach.
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