By Jim Carchidi
October 19, 2026
An adjusted version of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ tourist development tax funding proposal was advanced by the Board of County Commissioners during an Oct. 19 workshop. The five-hour meeting featured more than 60 minutes of public comments from 78 speakers, including requests from members of the tourism community to reconsider funding for convention center upgrades.
Adjusted funding
The 13 projects and funding allocations Demings proposed in an Oct. 8 memo to commissioners received a 6-1 vote to approve after $50 million was trimmed from a $400 million request from Dr. Phillips Center. The adjustment lowered total funding allocations to $786 million, adhering to the county’s tax reserve requirements. Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger told commissioners the adjusted amount would provide adequate funding assistance for the additional spaces and services of a Master Plan expansion.
District 5 Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad was the sole opposing vote, citing concerns with long-term debt service. She also felt Demings’ addition of UCF sports upgrades - previously not recommended for funding - was unfair and that all denied proposals from the original submission list should be reconsidered.
Comments and clarifications
Semrad also echoed requests from several community members to pursue transportation funding options as an alternative use of the tourist development tax. A citizen task force, charged by Demings to oversee the funding request process, also recommended commissioners explore "every avenue to advance alternative uses of the tax."
State law mandates the revenue, which come from a 6% levy on hotel rooms and short-term rentals, can only fund direct tourism-related purposes such as marketing, publicly owned event venues, and convention center operations. Assertions that transportation could presently be a viable funding option were addressed by task force co-chair and former Orange County mayor, Linda Chapin.
“While it would be wonderful to have (the state legislature) say, 'sure, use it for community uses,' I do not believe that is going to happen.”
Renderings of the Orange County Convention Center's Grand Concourse expansion, currently under way. Image courtesy of Orange County Convention Center
Public comments also included requests from International Drive hoteliers and members of the tourism community to reconsider proposed upgrades for Orange County Convention Center. The task force chose not to fund the request until a $560 million upgrade currently in progress at the North-South Building is completed. Demings pushed back on statements that additional upgrades are necessary for Orlando to remain competitive with Las Vegas and other convention markets.
“It's about everything else that we have to offer,” Demings said of Central Florida's appeal. “The customer service, our theme parks, the cultural tourism events, eco tourism. All of those other reasons bring people here and make us competitive.”
The final list
Approved projects and allocations are as follows:
Orange County Application Review Committee (ARC) Grant Program will be replenished with $75 million from FY29-33. Previous funding was $75 million from FY24-2028.
Orange County Natural Resource Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program will receive $50 million over 10 years beginning in FY28.
Orange County Eco-tourism Grant Program will receive $50 million over 10 years beginning in FY28.
Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs funding will increase from 5% of the first four cents to 6%, an increase of approximately $3 million per year beginning in FY2027.
Dr. Phillips Charities Eatonville Museum of Culture and History will receive $60 million beginning in FY27.
Creative City Project's Immerse Festival will receive $12.5 million with $4.75 million coming from its existing Blockbuster Grant and $7.75 million from future TDT revenue beginning in FY27.
8 Waves I Am Children's Museum in Winter Garden will receive $25 million beginning in FY27.
Orange Audubon Natural History Museum at Apopka Birding Park will receive $12 million beginning in FY27.
Florida Citrus Sports Parking Structure will receive $52.5 million beginning in FY28.
City of Ocoee Forest Lake Golf Club and Conference Campus will receive $30 million beginning in FY28.
Town of Eatonville CRA, Eatonville Heritage Tourism District will receive $20 million beginning in FY28.
UCF Soccer Stadium & Track Facility will receive $46 million beginning in FY29.
Dr. Phillip's Center for the Performing Arts Master Plan will receive $350 million, plus associated financing costs with financing to be bonded by the City of Orlando.
Funding agreements will be submitted by each organization for county comptroller review and approval before funds are distributed.
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About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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