News Summary
Orange County, Florida, has experienced a significant increase in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections, with revenue reaching $33,698,100 in June. This marks a 10.3% increase from the previous year, driven by the recent grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe and major events like the AAU Junior Volleyball National Championship. The area’s hotel occupancy rates and short-term rental demand also saw notable improvements, underscoring Orlando’s growing appeal as a prime tourist destination. With continued strong bookings expected, the tourism trend appears set to sustain.
Orlando, Florida – Orange County recorded a significant boost in Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections in June 2025, reflecting a 10.3% increase compared to June 2024. The total TDT revenue reached $33,698,100, marking the highest amount ever collected for the month of June. This surge in revenue comes on the heels of Universal’s Epic Universe grand opening on May 22, which undoubtedly contributed to an uptick in tourism.
In this first full month following the opening of Epic Universe, the area’s hotel occupancy rate increased to 73.5%, representing a 1.5% rise year-over-year. Additionally, demand for hotel rooms surged by 3.4%, providing a clear indication of the heightened interest in Orlando as a tourist destination. The average daily hotel room rate climbed 4.2% to $196.70, up from $188.70 in June 2024, evidencing the increased willingness of visitors to pay for accommodations amid the flourishing tourism sector.
Short-term rental demand in Orlando also saw a dramatic increase, rising by 18% in June, although the average daily rental rate experienced a slight decrease of 3%. This rise in demand indicates a robust interest in alternative lodging options as visitors flock to experience the city’s many attractions.
The influx of visitors in June was enhanced by major events such as the AAU Junior Volleyball National Championship, projected to draw 325,500 attendees and generate approximately $825.5 million in economic impact for the region. The combined effect of these events with the newly opened theme park contributed heavily to the overall growth in tourism.
Revenue from TDT collections has significantly strengthened the county’s renewal and replacement reserves, adding $13.3 million in June alone. The total amount allocated to the “other authorized uses reserves” component has risen to $154.4 million. As a fiscal tool, the TDT is a 6% surcharge applied to hotel and short-term rental stays in Orange County, designed to support local tourism growth and infrastructure.
The trend of increasing tourism appears to be sustained for the remainder of the year, with hotel bookings for the upcoming months strong. Current projections indicate that the fourth quarter is pacing 5% ahead of 2024, as hospitality providers anticipate continued interest in Orlando as a preferred vacation destination.
Moreover, Comcast Corp’s theme park segment reported a revenue increase of about 19% in the second quarter of 2025, coinciding with the theme park opening, highlighting the economic implications of such developments on not just local businesses, but also large corporations heavily invested in the area.
The upward trajectory of Central Florida’s tourist tax revenue, which has set records multiple times in the past year, underscores the vital role of theme parks and significant events in propelling economic growth in the region. As attractions like Epic Universe continue to enhance the city’s appeal, the trend of increased visitation and spending underscores Orlando’s status as a prime tourist destination.
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Additional Resources
- My News 13: Orange County Tourist Development Tax Collections Surge
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Florida
- Florida Politics: Epic Universe Helps Orange County’s Hotel Tax Surge
- Google Search: Orange County tourism
- Orlando Sentinel: Epic Universe Drives Orange County Tourist Tax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- WESH: Epic Leads to Another Record for Orange County Tourist Tax Collections
- Google News: Central Florida tourism
- Click Orlando: Epic Impact on Orange County Tourist Tax Collections
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
