Bill > S1520

This bill allows certain coastal counties in Florida, specifically those bordering the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean and not receiving revenue from specific other taxes, to use up to 10 percent of their tourist development tax revenue for public safety services like emergency medical services and law enforcement, provided these services are needed due to increased tourism. To qualify for this provision, a county must generate at least $10 million annually from tourist taxes, have at least three municipalities within its borders, and have a population under 225,000 (excluding inmates), with the county commissioners needing to approve such reimbursements based on a recommendation from the tourist development council. The bill also clarifies that these funds cannot be used to replace the normal operating expenses of existing public safety departments, and it amends existing law to ensure that any use of these tax revenues must be for an expressly authorized purpose.