Orange County’s record run of tourist tax collections stretched to 11 consecutive months with February’s receipts totaling $38.1 million, the most ever for a February, Comptroller Phil Diamond announced Monday.

The total was $2.68 million better than in February 2025, said Diamond, whose office tracks collections and spending of revenue from the Tourist Development Tax, or TDT, a 6% surcharge on the cost of a hotel room and other lodging options including an Airbnb or VRBO home-sharing rentals.

Collections are considered a key gauge of the local tourism industry’s health. But these numbers were tallied before the United States’ war with Iran, which has pushed gas prices significantly higher.  More expensive visits to the gas pump could impact visits to the region, and then tax receipts, in the next reporting period.

TDT revenue has totaled more than $177 million through the first five months of fiscal year 2025-26, $15.1 million ahead of the same five-month period last year.  Fiscal year 2024-25 ended with a 12-month record collection of $384.6 million.

Diamond said record-high collections have been driven at least partly by Epic Universe, which opened in May of last year.

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But the numbers released by Diamond’s office were essentially pre-war figures.

The U.S. and Israel didn’t strike Iran until Feb. 28.

“Travel plans were made, people were already en route by then,” Diamond said. “It will be really interesting to look at the March numbers, the April numbers and numbers for the other months going forward because that’s when the impacts will be felt. It’s hard to believe that it won’t have at least some impact on the area because frankly it’s going to cost more to travel.”

Diamond said people will feel higher fuel prices in their lives because those costs filter through the entire economy.

“How much depends on how long the war goes on,” he said.

The Comptroller’s TDT report usually is released about five weeks after collections. The report for March — the strongest in most years — is due in early May.

U.S. gas prices jumped Monday to a national average of $4.12 a gallon, according to the AAA motor club.

The increase has raised the cost for drivers by 38% since President Donald Trump declared war six weeks ago.

Florida gas prices also surged to the highest level in four years peaking at $4.23 per gallon. Sunday’s state average was $4.21 a gallon, 25 cents a gallon higher than a week ago, nearly $1.00 more than last month and over $1.00 per gallon more than this time last year.

Still, Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, remains optimistic, despite the higher gas prices.

“When fuel prices rise, what we typically see is travelers adjusting their plans, not cancelling them, especially when higher gas prices aren’t tied to a broader economic slowdown,” she said. “Travel intent tends to remain very resilient, particularly for destinations with strong brands and a wide range of experiences. And that’s where Orlando continues to perform well, offering value, flexibility and reasons for visitors to keep coming.”

She said February was a strong month for travel to Orlando.

Hotel occupancy during the President’s Day weekend averaged 91%.

Metro Orlando hotels recorded an 89% occupancy rate — the second highest weekly rate in more than five years.

The average daily room rate for the month reached $262.27, up from $225.50 in February 2025.

Among the big February draws to the Orange County Convention Center were the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the National Association of Home Builders, which brought more than 120,000 conventioneers for Design & Construction Week events.

The shows are the largest annual gatherings of residential construction and design industry professionals.

Matej said hotel room demand in metro Orlando for through May is pacing 2% ahead of last year.

She said Visit Orlando, the TDT-funded destination marketing organization that promotes the area’s attractions and experiences, monitors flight search data for travelers, which continues to pace ahead with volume through May to Orlando up 4% year over year.

TDT revenues have been used to expand, renovate and maintain the Orange County Convention Center. It has also been used to expand Camping World Stadium, build the KIA Center, upgrade arts and cultural venues, and bid for marquee sporting events.

shudak@orlandosentinel.com