Newly released figures from the Florida Department of Revenue report that visitors spent US$ 89.1 billion in 2015, an increase of US$ 7.1 billion from the previous year. Florida welcomed 105 million out-of-state and international visitors, marking the fifth consecutive record year for Florida tourism.
“Visitors spent US$ 89.1 billion in Florida last year on taxable goods, of which more than US$ 5.3 billion was returned to the state in sales tax collections. That represents an increase of US$ 425 million over the previous year. Those are taxes Florida’s businesses and families don’t have pay because our visitors have paid them for us,” said Dr Jerry Parrish, chief economist and director of research, Florida Chamber Foundation.
Record visitation and visitor spending have translated into record employment in Florida’s hospitality industry, which currently employees 1.2 million residents. The achievement is attributed to the leadership of Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature, and the private-sector support and investment.
