Subject:
Title
Ordinance amending Section 118-32 of the Pinellas County Code relating to the Tourist Development Plan.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adoption of an ordinance amending Section 118-32 of the Pinellas County Code relating to the Tourist Development Plan (TDP).
• The proposed revision to the ordinance adds “publicly owned and operated beach park facilities that are directly associated with or demonstrated to be tourist attractions” to allowable uses of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds.
• The Tourist Development Council approved the revisions on November 19, 2025.
• Amendment of the Tourist Development Plan requires a supermajority vote by the Board of County Commissioners.
• The adoption of this ordinance, by itself, has no fiscal impact on Pinellas County. However, the amended TDP would allow additional potential projects to be eligible for TDT funding within the Capital Projects Funding Program.
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Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities
Summary:
Summary
The proposed ordinance includes the following revisions:
• Adds “publicly owned and operated beach park facilities that are directly associated with or demonstrated to be tourist attractions.”
• Adds “The matching fund requirement does not apply to capital projects or public facilities owned by Pinellas County.”
Amendment of the Tourist Development Plan requires a supermajority vote by the Board of County Commissioners.
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Background Information:
On November 19, 2025, during a regular meeting, the TDC reviewed the proposed revisions to the TDP. Following discussion, the TDC approved the revisions by a unanimous vote.
The proposed ordinance expands authorized Capital Project Funding Program expenditures under Category D to include “publicly owned and operated beach park facilities that are directly associated with or demonstrated to be tourist attractions.” Public facilities are an allowable expenditure under Florida Statutes 125.0104. The proposed ordinance also clarifies that “the matching fund requirement does not apply to capital projects or public facilities owned by Pinellas County.”
If authorized, a capital project related to public facilities must be approved by the Board and adhere to the Capital Project Funding Program Guidelines.
Fiscal Impact:
Amending this ordinance, by itself, has no fiscal impact on Pinellas County.
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, President & CEO, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Partners:
Tourist Development Council
Attachments:
Proposed Ordinance (redline version)
Proposed Ordinance (clean version)
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