August TDT Collections Shows Positive Growth for South Walton

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — October 7, 2019 — Official numbers just released show strengthening in visitation during August for South Walton. According to the Walton County Clerk of Courts, the Tourist Development Tax collection showed a 10.2 percent increase for August 2019, an impressive increase over the previous year. Walton County recorded approximately $2,927,522 in Tourist Development taxes in August, an increase of approximately $270,854.

“With fewer families able to travel because of early school start schedules, strong August numbers prove continued demand for South Walton during shoulder season,” notes South Walton Director of Communications David Demarest. “This is hugely important for the local economy and year-round employment in Walton County.”

The Tourist Development tax, or bed tax, is a four percent tax collected on hotels, condos and other short-term rentals. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends in South Walton. The revenue supports tourism marketing and beach operations including cleaning and maintaining beaches, lifeguards, destination improvements and preservation initiatives.