Orange County, in Orlando, registered in July 2026 a new monthly record in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue, a tax charged on lodging at hotels, resorts, and short-term rental establishments. According to data released by Comptroller Phil Diamond, revenue reached $31.47 million, representing a 6.4% growth compared to the same period in 2025. The result was driven by the intense activity of the summer season, when there is a traditional increase in tourist arrivals to Central Florida.
The hotel occupancy rate reached 74.1%, up approximately 1.5% from the previous year, while the average daily rate was $198.25, virtually stable. The increase in revenue occurred mainly due to the higher volume of lodgings. Short-term rentals also contributed, with growth of approximately 3% in demand, according to data from Visit Orlando.
The Tourist Development Tax funds activities and structures linked to tourism in Orange County, including the region's tourism promotion, the Orange County Convention Center, and facilities for large events. The local government maintains a task force to analyze and recommend the use of future revenues from this tax, highlighting the importance of this revenue for the region's economic development.
The new record reinforces that Orlando continues to be among the top tourist destinations in the United States, with direct impact not only on hotels and theme parks but also on restaurants, retail, transportation, entertainment, and services. The July numbers demonstrate that tourism remains one of the main growth engines for Orlando and Orange County.
