Reply #57: It's not just bad for the residents. Tourism is Florida's #1 industry

[Norquist Nemesis]

A 12% sales tax is quite a chunk of change on a hotel bill in addition to any hotel/motel taxes that may be applied. :wow:

http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/r-article-a-102814-m-61-sc-100-florida_tourism_up_in_2006-i
"...About 84.6 million people visited Florida in 2006, up 1.2 percent from the prior year, according to preliminary data from Visit Florida.

The numbers as a whole were up in 2006, but statistics show tourism declined sharply during the third quarter.

"Though we are encouraged by the recent release in visitation, the tourism market in Florida is currently quite unstable," said Donna Ross, chairwoman of the Visit Florida board of directors and CEO of the Florida Attractions Association.

Tourism is considered Florida's No. 1 industry, generating revenue that funds roads, schools and other statewide programs."