Tourist Development Tax collection showed a 3.23 percent decrease in South Walton for May 2023 compared with the previous year. Total collections for May 2023 in South Walton were $5,831,072.77.
The Tourist Development Tax, or bed tax, is a 5 percent tax collected on hotels, condos, and other short-term rentals south of Choctawhatchee Bay. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends in South Walton. The revenue supports tourism marketing and beach operations efforts, including cleaning and maintaining beaches, lifeguards, destination improvements, and preservation initiatives.
Tourist Development Tax collection on short-term rental accommodations north of the Choctawhatchee Bay totaled $25,822.64 for May 2023. Collections for May represent an 8.62 percent increase, or $2,050.19, compared with the previous year.
The Tourist Development Tax, or bed tax, for the reporting period is a 2 percent tax collected on hotels, condos, and other short-term rentals north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends. Effective with July 2023 collections the bed tax will increase to 3 percent for all short-term rentals north of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
