Tourism Drives $10 Billion in Economic Impact and Fuels Nearly $155 Million in Direct Investment Back into Pinellas County in 2025 to Improve Residents’ Quality of Life
ST. PETE-CLEARWATER, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2026) - Tourism is the leading economic driver in Pinellas County, accounting for approximately 100,000 jobs with an economic impact of more than $10 billion in 2025. Additionally, direct investment of tourism-generated funds back into Pinellas County communities drives visitation to local businesses while also enhancing residents’ quality of life.
| 2025 Investment Highlights |
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This past year, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved a combined $153,149,351 in Tourist Development Tax funds (TDT) to invest in: - The largest Beach Nourishment project in County history - Six Capital Projects – including museums, attractions and sports complexes - 40 Elite Events throughout the County These key investments help continue to drive visitation to Pinellas County, which has doubled its annual TDT collection over the last decade. |
Pinellas County residents benefit directly from the nearly 15 million visitors that came to St. Pete-Clearwater in 2025 and stayed in accommodations. Visitors pay a 6% bed tax (TDT) for any overnight stays in hotels, vacation rentals, RV parks and other short-term accommodations options. This TDT is then reinvested into additional marketing and promotion of Pinellas County as the home of America’s Favorite Beaches and a premiere tourist destination as well as funding these important projects of which residents can take advantage. Additionally, tourism and hospitality properties and businesses contributed sales and property taxes totaling nearly $300 million to the local economy in fiscal year 2025.
“The tourism industry is the backbone of Pinellas County’s economy, and we are fortunate to have a Board of County Commissioners with the vision and commitment to grow the sector, invest in projects that elevate the visitor experience, and enhance the quality of life for residents,” said VisitSPC President and CEO Brian Lowack. “The Tourist Development Tax and accompanying taxes paid by visitors is an important resource for which each county resident benefits with savings on their property taxes, funding for infrastructure, and an enhanced quality of life in our slice of paradise – delivered directly to Pinellas County from visitors with love.”
To learn more about the positive impact of tourism on the local economy and Pinellas County residents, visit FromVisitorsWithLove.com.
- AMERICA’S FAVORITE BEACHES & THEN SOME -
About Visit St. Pete-Clearwater:
Nestled on a sun-soaked peninsula on Florida's west coast, separating the Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay, St. Pete-Clearwater is the gateway to world-class cultural experiences along with 35 miles of award-winning white-sand beaches annually ranked among the world's best. Immerse yourself in our picturesque sunsets & go beyond the beaches to explore our unique cultural heritage, interactive art exhibits, sporting & recreational activities, a Michelin Guide-rated culinary scene serving up innovatively delicious dining experiences, & great local shopping. St. Pete-Clearwater is your only destination with spectacular beaches complimented by world-renowned museums, family fun & endless sunshine. To learn more about America's Favorite Beaches, visit VisitStPeteClearwater.com.
Media Contacts:
Eddie Delgado, [email protected], (727) 415-1337
Jason Latimer, [email protected], (727) 386-3783