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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsAugust 26, 2026Hillsborough

Pinellas County officials discuss using tourism tax revenue to address budget deficits

Pinellas County officials are exploring whether state law could be changed to allow tourist development tax revenue to cover general budget shortfalls if Amendment 3 passes in November. The county is currently facing a $30 million General Fund deficit and is considering fee increases for parking, boat ramps, and annual passes to close the gap.

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Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Politics

Why It Matters

Residents may face higher fees for public amenities like parking and boat ramps as the county attempts to address a $30 million budget deficit, while the potential passage of Amendment 3 could further reduce local government revenue.

Key Facts

  • Pinellas County faces a General Fund deficit of more than $30 million for the 2027 fiscal year.
  • County administrators proposed increasing fees for parking, boat ramps, and annual passes to generate an estimated $2.77 million annually.
  • The county is considering a $15 daily cap on proposed hourly parking rates at public facilities like Fort De Soto.
  • Amendment 3, if passed, would increase property tax exemptions and reduce the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%.
  • St. Petersburg estimates Amendment 3 could reduce its General Fund revenue by $33 million in 2028 and $21 million in 2029.
  • Pinellas County collected $8.6 million in tourist development taxes in June, a 15% increase over the previous year.
  • Total tourist development tax collections for the fiscal year through June reached $79.8 million.
  • The current tourist development tax rate on short-term lodging is 6%.

Who's Mentioned

locationPinellas County“The local government jurisdiction facing budget deficits.”personDylan Hubbard“Tourist Development Council member.”personBarry Burton“Pinellas County Administrator.”otherAmendment 3“Proposed property-tax overhaul on the November ballot.”personDave Eggers“Tourist Development Council Chair.”personChris Latvala“Pinellas County Commissioner.”personRuss Kimball“CEO of Sheraton Sand Key Resort and TDC member.”