Tourism continues to anchor Pinellas County’s economy, generating more than $10 billion in economic impact in 2025 while supporting roughly 100,000 jobs across hospitality, retail, transportation and related sectors.
Beyond visitor spending, tourism is also driving significant reinvestment back into the county.
In 2025, tourism-generated dollars returned nearly $155 million directly into Pinellas County communities, funding infrastructure, cultural assets and events that benefit residents as well as visitors.
County leaders say the scale of reinvestment underscores tourism’s role not just as an economic engine but as a funding mechanism that offsets local tax burdens.
Where tourism dollars are being reinvested
In 2025, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners approved $153.1 million in Tourist Development Tax funds for projects designed to sustain visitation while improving quality of life countywide.
Approved investments included the largest beach nourishment project in county history, six major capital projects spanning museums, attractions and sports complexes and support for 40 elite sporting and cultural events held throughout Pinellas County.
Over the past decade, annual Tourist Development Tax collections have doubled, reflecting sustained growth in visitor demand and expanded overnight stays across hotels, vacation rentals and short-term accommodations.
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Nearly 15 million visitors stayed overnight in St. Pete-Clearwater in 2025.
Each paid a 6% bed tax, which is reinvested into destination marketing, public infrastructure and tourism-related capital improvements rather than drawn from resident property taxes.
Tourism and hospitality businesses also contributed close to $300 million in sales and property taxes during fiscal year 2025, according to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.
A funding model residents benefit from
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President and CEO Brian Lowack said tourism revenue functions as a multiplier that reaches beyond hotels and beaches.
“The tourism industry is the backbone of Pinellas County’s economy,” Lowack said. “The taxes paid by visitors help fund infrastructure, reduce pressure on resident property taxes and support projects that enhance daily life for people who live here.”
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The county’s tourism strategy channels visitor-funded dollars into assets residents use year-round, including beaches, cultural institutions, sports facilities and public spaces.
Officials say that approach strengthens long-term economic resilience while preserving the region’s appeal.
As competition for visitors intensifies across Florida, Pinellas County leaders view reinvestment as critical to sustaining growth and protecting one of the county’s largest employment sectors.
