In this episode: The city of Orlando, home to Disney World and Universal Studios, raises hundreds of millions of dollars every year from a tax on hotels. But while other communities spend hotel taxes on public safety, environmental preservation and affordable housing, Orlando spends all its money propping up tourism businesses and sports billionaires. It’s the result of decades of lobbying by Disney, Universal and other big tourism businesses — and of compliant politicians, from the local county commission to the state Legislature. But change may finally be afoot.
Further reading:
Orlando Sentinel: Hoteliers, Keys fight for use of tourist tax
Orlando Sentinel: Florida police group: Use hotel tax to keep tourists safe
Orlando Sentinel: Small county takes on tourism industry over control of bed taxes
Florida Trend: The bed tax never sleeps in Florida
Orlando Sentinel: Universal Orlando’s new road deal with Orange County is lopsided, critics say
Orlando Sentinel: Orlando hotel taxes don’t pay for roads or housing like in other cities. One reason: Disney and Universal’s political power
Orlando Sentinel: Environmentalists praise plan to spend hotel taxes on ailing springs and lakes. But the tourism industry is fighting it.
Orlando Business Journal: Orlando state representative files bill to expand TDT uses
Seeking Rents: Mr. Smith goes to Washington…and gets rolled
Seeking Rents: The Orange County mayor's office isn't telling the truth as it tries to sell voters on a higher sales tax
Orlando Sentinel: An uprising? Mayor’s hotel-tax task force suggests overdue changes | Commentary
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