Manatee County's Bed Tax Soars to Over $3.6 Million in June!
Manatee County's bed tax revenue surged to over $3.6 million in June 2025, reflecting a rise in tourism and new tax rates.
Manatee County's Bed Tax Soars to Over $3.6 Million in June!
Manatee County has seen a vibrant uptick in its bed tax revenue from May to June, surging past the $3 million mark and demonstrating a robust tourist sector. According to The Islander, the county collected $3,608,714 in June 2025, representing a 7.16% increase from $3,367,633 in the same month the previous year. To put it simply, that’s a win for local businesses and the economy, highlighting the ongoing effectiveness of the county’s tourism strategies.
This substantial revenue growth comes after a previous record of $2,520,129 had been set in May 2025, marking a remarkable 16.09% boost from May 2024[1]. The bed tax, officially known as the tourist development tax, is currently set at a total of 13%, which includes both a 6% tourist tax and a 7% sales tax on accommodations rented for six months or less. The tax rate will see a 6% increase come January 1, 2025, as per the decision made in a voter-supported referendum[2].
Breaking Down the Revenue
What’s fueling this growth? The breakdown for June shows unincorporated Manatee County accounting for a hefty $1,275,732—about 35.34% of total earnings. Let’s take a closer look at the revenue by municipality:
| Municipality | Revenue | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Holmes Beach | $903,454 | 25.03% |
| Anna Maria | $602,382 | 16.69% |
| Bradenton Beach | $151,536 | 4.2% |
| Longboat Key | $238,925 | 6.62% |
| Bradenton | $374,087 | 10.36% |
| Palmetto | $64,038 | 1.77% |
Revenue for May was also healthy with notable contributions from various municipalities. Besides showing a consistent year-over-year increase since 2021 (with a noticeable dip only in 2020 due to the pandemic), these figures also demonstrate how local accommodations are highly sought after during the summer months[3].
Looking Ahead
As we approach the end of the fiscal period, total revenue collected from the bed tax from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, has reached an impressive $25,489,284. Following this pattern, July’s figures will emerge in early September, giving us a clearer picture of the summer’s impact on revenues.
The Manatee County Tourist Development Council plays a pivotal role in advising the county commission on how to allocate these funds. Revenue generated must be utilized for tourism development and amenities—a crucial aspect for maintaining our county’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.
The next advisory board meeting is set for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 19, at the Center of Anna Maria Island. This will be an important gathering for those interested in the future direction of tourist tax revenue and its implications for local businesses and tourism efforts.