Florida’s glittering beaches, buzzing theme parks, and vibrant city centers have long been the envy of travelers everywhere. But a new bill moving through the state legislature could put that reputation—and the magic of a Disney World vacation—at serious risk.
While visitors may not notice anything yet, the ripple effects could change the Florida tourism experience for years to come, making trips more expensive and local economies far more fragile.
The Bill That Could Shake Florida’s Tourism Industry…and Disney World
House Bill 1221, sponsored by Rep. Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay), proposes a major shift: counties would be allowed to redirect tourism development taxes—those extra charges added to hotel stays—toward property tax relief for residents instead of promoting and maintaining tourism attractions.
Miller defends the idea as a way to help struggling homeowners by cutting taxes and rolling back unpopular local fees. “People are losing their homes,” she said during a hearing this month. “We need to make Florida more affordable.”
On the surface, helping residents sounds like a win. But business leaders warn the consequences could be severe—and not just for Floridians.
Tourism Leaders Warn of Long-Term Fallout
Tourism is more than just a bonus in Florida—it’s a lifeline. In Pinellas County alone, 15 million visitors last year generated about $100 million through hotel stays. That money didn’t sit idle; it was poured back into beach preservation, tourism marketing, infrastructure improvements, and event promotion.
“If we can’t market after a hurricane or environmental disaster, visitors simply won’t come,” said Charlie Justice, CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. “And if they don’t come, the economy breaks down.”
Justice and others stress that hotel taxes aren’t just padding county coffers—they’re keeping businesses alive, residents employed, and infrastructure updated for both locals and tourists.
Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada echoed the concerns, estimating Hillsborough County could lose $9.4 billion in visitor spending and 61,000 tourism-supported jobs if the bill passes—all for about $20 in annual property tax savings per household.
How It Could Impact Your Disney World Vacation
For Disney fans and Florida-bound travelers, House Bill 1221 poses less obvious—but still serious—risks.
While Walt Disney World Resort drives its own massive marketing machine, the surrounding Orlando area depends heavily on tourism tax revenues. These funds help maintain visitor-friendly infrastructure like roads, airports, convention centers, and public transit options. They also boost regional marketing efforts that draw huge events to the area—events that create buzz, discounts, and added perks for guests.
Without those dollars, Orlando’s visitor experience could deteriorate over time: fewer major events, reduced hotel incentives, and higher costs passed along to tourists.
In other words, that dream Disney vacation could come with a steeper price tag—and fewer benefits.
And it’s not just Orlando. Destinations across Florida—Daytona, Tampa, Clearwater, Miami—could all feel the squeeze, making trips across the state more costly and potentially less enjoyable.
A Divisive Battle: Residents vs. Industry
Supporters like Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach) insist the bill is necessary to give power back to residents. “The residents in my district will love this bill,” Chaney stated, highlighting frustration over escalating property taxes.
But tourism advocates argue the bill paints a short-term fix over a long-term foundation.
“When you hurt tourism, you hurt everyone,” said one Pinellas County official. “We need visitors to thrive—otherwise we all pay the price.”
Environmental groups also oppose the bill, noting that tourism taxes often fund beach restoration projects vital for protecting coastal communities from erosion and hurricanes. Without dedicated funds, those efforts could slow or disappear altogether.
What’s Next for House Bill 1221 and Disney World?
The bill cleared its first major committee hurdle earlier this month and now heads to the full Florida House and Senate for further debate. The legislative session wraps in May, meaning the outcome could come swiftly.
If the bill passes, counties could immediately start shifting funds away from tourism—and visitors might start noticing the changes as early as next year.
One thing remains certain: Florida’s delicate balance between resident needs and tourism success is facing a major test, and the future of countless vacations—including those magical Disney trips—may soon hang in the balance.
