Tourist Development Plan Revised

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, Historic City News local reporters observed as commissioners approved an amended Tourist Development Plan.

The new plan outlines how the proceeds of the Local Option Tourist Development Tax, commonly called the “bed tax”, will be used.

The tax is applied on short-term accommodation rentals such as hotels and campground spaces; it is primarily paid by tourists visiting St. Johns County.

The commission recently increased the tax, from 3 percent to 4 percent; however, the way in which the money can be spent is restricted by 125.0104 F.S.

In St. Johns County, it provides funding for tourism marketing programs through the Visitors and Convention Bureau, cultural programs and special events, tourist related infrastructure projects like the county piers, dune walk-overs, the amphitheatre, the convention center, and even some county boat ramps and beach parking areas.

Under the new County Ordinance passed by the Commission, there are four categories of “bed tax” uses: Destination Marketing, Arts & Culture, Leisure & Recreation, and Administration/Special Uses/Special Events.

The changes approved by the Commission became effective April 1st.