Tourism is Florida’s number one economic driver and visitors fund our Monroe County economy.  

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s (TDC) mission is to manage Monroe County’s tourism marketing efforts to assure long-term economic stability resulting from visitor-related revenues. The TDC pledges to benefit residents and visitors by utilizing those financial contributions to improve the Florida Keys’ environmental and community resources. The tourism council also prioritizes enhancing residents’ quality of life and minimizing their property taxes by safeguarding the health of the county’s primary industry.

TDC’s Role in the Community

  • Champion tourism as the Keys’ top economic driver, fueling jobs, small businesses and local tax revenue.
  • Strengthen community connections through industry and resident engagement.
  • Lead responsible travel efforts to protect the Keys’ environment, cultural heritage and quality of life.
  • Support local stakeholders by sharing their stories and offerings through our channels.
  • Drive strategic marketing efforts to consistently attract visitors year-round.

Tourism Impact (2023 numbers)

  • ~19K jobs are directly supported by visitor spending
  • Additional 5,500 jobs are supported by secondary spending of tourism dollars
  • 1010 new jobs (5.6% increase over previous year)
  • Wages, benefits and proprietor income increased 4.8% totaling $1.02B

Visitor Spending & Tax Revenue (2023 numbers)

  • Visitors spent $3.5B
  • $305M generated by direct travel-related tax revenue
  • State & local taxes add $92.6M in secondary travel impacts bringing tax revenue to total of $397.4M
  • Tax revenue has increased 43% since 2019
  • $11,500 approximate tax savings per local household including $1,124 in property taxes alone

*Source: Dean Runyan Associates, 2025 Economic Impact Report (analyzing 2023 data)

Where Visitor Tax Revenue Goes

  • $173M in local taxes paid by visitors
  • Tourist tax paid by visitors contributes $60.6M to tourism promotions, event funding & conservation
  • Sales tax paid by visitors contributes $42.2M to local services & infrastructure

Local Investments Supported by Visitor Tax Revenue (5 yr trend)

  • $19.2M – tourism-related attractions
  • $15M – to promote fishing & diving events
  • $12M – beach facility funding
  • $10.8M – community events
  • $8M – cultural events and the arts
  • $4.3M – toward coral restoration & the marine sanctuary

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