A pot of money generated in the tourism capital of the world could hit more than $400 million by conservative estimates in 2027, officials said.
Orange County’s 6% hotel tax revenue projections were disclosed during a discussion on tourism and taxes during the County Commission’s 2026-27 fiscal budget workshop.
The hotel tax is already up 10% in the 2026 fiscal year, fueled by Orange County Convention Center business and the arrival of the Epic Universe theme park, public officials said.
“In the last 10 to 15 years, the trajectory has really shot up … with a couple blips there obviously during COVID and during the 2009 housing crash,” said Ray Walls, deputy director of the Orange County Convention Center.
The hotel tax is used to fund construction debt at the Kia Center, the convention center, and Camping World Stadium. It also pays for Visit Orlando marketing and supports the arts and local events that bring in tourists.
Some elected officials are clamoring to free up those millions for public transportation or other community needs, but they have faced fierce opposition from Disney and the tourism lobby to change the law to allow it.
Framing the ongoing budget discussion is local officials’ concerns over property funding cuts if voters approved a November ballot initiative.
Faced with a shortfall, the Orange County Public Library could cut hours, officials said this week. They added that Orange County Fire Rescue might nix plans to build new fire stations, which would increase response times. And some county programs addressing homelessness, vulnerable families and mental health might be at risk.
The County Commission did not make any decisions this week as it awaits to see the outcome of the election.
But not everyone is in cost-cutting mode.
Orange County Convention Center Executive Director Mark Tester is asking to hire 10 new hourly employees, which would bring the total employee count to 496 people. The positions include two more parking attendants, four security guards and other trades employees to help with the events.
The proposed 8% increase for the $118 million budget is also needed because “expenses are being outpaced by revenue” and for building maintenance, Tester said.
The Convention Center is also undergoing a $230 million expansion funded by the hotel tax.
About 2.1 million visitors are expected to attend 170 events at the Convention Center in 2027, which Tester predicted will bring $4.5 billion in economic impact.
Attendance at previous major events includes 175,000 people for the Sunshine Volleyball Classic in March, 160,000 at MegaCon Orlando in May, and 325,000 for the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships.