Some kind of new "tax" in October?

[*Robin*]

Okay, this isn't Disney specific, but my neighbor just said that Orlando (He said Orlando, I'm wondering if it would be all of Florida?) Is adding some kind of new "tourist" tax starting in October.

I googled it and didn't find anything, but I'm just wondering if this is bits of good information just misconstrued or if I'm just not finding it. This new tax is purposed to be about 14-18% of whatever it's taxing.

I figured you all would have the lowdown...you always do.

Thanks!!

 

[eeyoremommy]

I know that Florida already charges a resort tax. I think it varies across the state, but tourism provides a very large part of Florida's revenue. That is why there is no state income tax. Of course, the residents get hit with high property taxes, etc. I haven't seen anything in the news recently about an increase though.

 

[rebecca06261]

the Florida legislature has been kicking around the idea of increasing the hotel tax but it hasn't passed yet. I wonder if this is what they're referring to?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Florida does not have a "lodging" tax. However, most counties do as it is a County Option.

And there has been nothing in either The Orlando Sentinel or any of the local TV news about any jurisdiction talking about any tax increases. (The only exception is Seminole County which may increase the school tax portion of their property taxes, but this would not affect WDW at all.)

 

[TDSAXX]

I believe the total tax on a hotel room at Disney and the surrounding area is 13% (Not sure how it breaks down). I could see them raising the tax rate 1% to a total of 14%, but I'm sure they won't jack up taxes 14% in this economy.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Total resort tax in Osceola Co is 13%. The resort tax in Orange Co is 12.5%.
6.5% of those taxes are state tax.
That is my understanding anyway.
I have not read nor heard anything about a tax increase. Not to say it will not eventually happen, as taxes are bound to be raised sometime. But haven't heard anything about it.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Total resort tax in Osceola Co is 13%. The resort tax in Orange Co is 12.5%.
6.5% of those taxes are state tax.

Actually, the state sales tax is 6.0%. Orange County has an additional 0.5% sales tax for school funding which totals the 6.5% you mentioned. Hotels have different taxes on top of the sales tax depending on the county and city it is located in.

I've not heard of taxes going up either other than real estate property taxes. Many jurisdictions are having to raise them because property values have dropped. Since Disney is located in two incorporated cities that it owns and runs (Lake Buena Vista, Florida & Bay Lake, Florida), I doubt that's involved.

BobK/Orlando

 

[*Robin*]

Hehehe, it looks like a couple of posts were removed...I wondered when I saw (and commented on - apologies to the powers that be!) a political statement...

Anyway, again, I just wanted to thank you guys. As usual you have the informed answers!

 

[mitros]

Actually, the state sales tax is 6.0%. Orange County has an additional 0.5% sales tax for school funding which totals the 6.5% you mentioned. Hotels have different taxes on top of the sales tax depending on the county and city it is located in.

I've not heard of taxes going up either other than real estate property taxes. Many jurisdictions are having to raise them because property values have dropped. Since Disney is located in two incorporated cities that it owns and runs (Lake Buena Vista, Florida & Bay Lake, Florida), I doubt that's involved.

BobK/Orlando

The sales tax in Florida varies from 6% to 7.5 %, depending on the county.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The basic Sales Tax rate in Florida is 6.0% and is on most goods and services. The counties have an option, by vote of their residents, to add a surtax of 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0% or 1.5% to the state rate.

Orange County, which is most of WDW, has a surtax of 0.5% so purchases (including meals) are taxed at 6.5%.

Osceola County, which has the All-Stars Resorts and Wide World of Sports in it, has a 1.0% surtax so purchases at those locations are subject to a 7.0% tax.

In addition, counties are allowed to have a tax on transient lodging. In both Orange and Osceola Counties it is 6.0%, so all lodging except the All Stars is 12.5% while the All Stars, in Osceola County, is 13.0%.

Mike (CPA Retired)

 

[Dznefreek]

Of course, the residents get hit with high property taxes,

No we don't . . . . .

 

[mitros]

No we don't . . . . .

We don't either. I think a lot has to do with the whole Homstead deal. We bought our house in 1997, and our taxes are only a bit above what they were back then, and compared to our old home state {N.J.} our property taxes are a breeze to pay here.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Agree. Our property taxes are much less here than when we lived in Nebraska. And in NE, the wheel tax was terribly high too. One would think NE was a highly desirable state to live in for all the high taxes they have.