Tourist Development Tax collection showed a 6.51% decrease in South Walton for June 2025 compared with the previous year, with $11,127,813 in total reported TDT. FY25 Year-to-date (Oct.-June) South Walton is down 2.72% in TDT collections.
The Tourist Development Tax, or bed tax, is a 5% tax collected on hotels, condos and other short-term rentals south of Choctawhatchee Bay. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends in South Walton. The revenue supports tourism marketing and beach operations efforts, including cleaning and maintaining beaches, employing lifeguards, destination improvements and preservation initiatives.
Tourist Development Tax collection on short-term rental accommodations north of the Choctawhatchee Bay totaled $37,992.35 for June 2025, representing a 5.51% decrease, or $1,477.94, compared with the previous year. FY25 Year-to-date (Oct.-June) North Walton is down 9.95% in TDT collections.
The Tourist Development Tax, or bed tax, for the reporting period is a 3% tax collected on hotels, condos and other short-term rentals north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. It is the best way to gauge visitation and demand trends.
As of Aug. 13, the number of active rental units in South Walton was 18,638 and North Walton was 886 for a total of 19,524.
Replies
4Beach Lover
Is there any historical data on the number of active rental units?
Beach Fanatic
Is there any historical data on the number of active rental units?I think You would have to contact Walton County Tourism Department directly for that. If you do, post it here please.
Beach Lover
Good idea will do. I'm curious as to the number of short term rentals but more curious on the revenue per rental. As so many of these have come online with debt underwritten by rental income, it can foretell a bit of how bad this correction we are already in is going to be. Percentage-wise it probably won't be as bad as the GFC vacant lot correction here but dollar volume is probably going to be much, much worse.
Beach Fanatic
A lot of things can affect rentals though - economy, weather, beach access, marketing, etc. Also Walton County's ability to collect has changed over time.
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