ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County leaders got final recommendations today on how hundreds of millions of dollars of tourism tax dollars should be spend on several major projects around central Florida.

What You Need To Know

  • The Tourist Development Council heard presentations from four projects approved by the county commissioners to receive Tourist Development Tax funds

  • On Oct. 4, more than $600 million tourist tax dollars were approved to go toward expansions of the Orange County Convention Center and the UCF stadium tour

  • Tuesday’s meeting was an update to where each project stands

If approved, nearly $600 million of that money will be going to the Orange County Convention Center for renovations.

That money won't be going to the convention center all at once, though, as county leaders said today it would be given in stages as the money becomes available.

Catherin Ojeda, business owner who depends on convention center visitors, says she could use more to keep her scooter and pedicad store running.

Ojeda says her business still is not where it was before the pandemic.

“It’s been a mixed situation, basically our tourist visitors – it is down – it hasn’t returned to what it was before COVID," she said.  "Locals – they are making their way over here.”

But for the most part, an expanded convention center means more visitors, and for Ojeda, hopefully more riders.

$90 million is also slated for UCF stadium tower improvements to expand capacity at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

UCF Vice President and Athletic Director Terry Mohajir said the funding it received will continue to help drive sports fans and revenue into the Orlando area for big home games.

“We already have $12 million invested in projects and progress," he said. "We have raised over $17 million to support additional projects that can begin once additional private funding is secured.”

With the TDT funding, UCF will be able to create a state-of-the-art athletic facility that for UCF students, he said. Fundraising will not stop because UCF received the funding support from the county, he said.

Tuesday’s meeting was an update to where each project stands, explaining what projected growth looks like with each project's completed expansions.

Other items on the agenda included at look at the year's TDT totals, reports on visitation to the county and future revenue projections for the next fiscal year.

TDT money comes from the 6% tax on hotel stays and other short-term rentals in the county. Tuesday’s presentations followed the decision earlier this month to fund four projects with those tourist tax dollars in the county.

County leaders are set to approve the funding at their next Board of County Commissioners meeting on Nov. 28.