ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Those staying at hotels in Seminole County could pay an additional fee at the end of their stay very soon.

County commissioners have given their initial approval for a $1.75 per night assessment. The funds would help pay for the construction of a new indoor sports complex.

What You Need To Know

  • Seminole County commissioners will be giving their final vote on an additional fee to hotel stays on March 11

  • The new fee, also known as the Tourism Improvement District Assessment, would only apply to hotels with 60 rooms or more that are located in Seminole County, and it would remain intact until the construction of the sports complex is complete

  • The new tax would also fund marketing efforts and other tourism-related initiatives

  • If passed, the new fee would take effect April 1

The new fee, also known as the Tourism Improvement District Assessment, would only apply to hotels with 60 rooms or more that are located in Seminole County, and it would remain intact until the construction of the sports complex is complete.

This type of fee isn’t the first of its kind in Seminole County. A 5% tourism development tax on hotel stays helps pay for projects like the Boombah Sports Complex, which has tournament-quality fields and facilities.

Last year, it generated nearly $60 million for the county through its events.

The new tax would also fund marketing efforts and other tourism-related initiatives.

County leaders say if passed, the fee would likely generate close to $3.22 million annually to support the indoor sports complex project — a move that the general manager for the Townplace Suites by Marriott Hotel backs with no hesitation.

“Our sports supported us all through COVID. It was sports — that was what put us back on the map and got people back in here. So, to see a new project come along, it’s definitely well worth the making,” said Townplace Suites by Marriott General Manager Kristen Oswald.

While this initiative will add a small fee to visitors’ bills, the county says they believe it’s a worthy investment that will ultimately help local businesses by drawing sports-related tourism to the area.

The proposal already passed its first reading on Feb. 25.

A final vote is set for Tuesday, March 11. If passed, the new fee would take effect April 1.