Agenda 12/11/2012 Item #10 R12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Direct the County Attorney to seek a Florida Attorney General Opinion regarding
authorized uses of tourist development tax.
OBJECTIVE: To be in compliance with Florida Statutes, specifically, Section 125.0104, Fla.
Stat., Tourist development tax; procedure for levying; authorized uses; referendum; enforcement.
CONSIDERATIONS:
On October 25th 2005 the Board approved the Category "A" Funding Policy for tourist
development tax use to include:
"An area of an ineligible beach that is subject to high erosion with the recommendation of
Coastal Advisory Committee and determination by the Board of Commissioners that it is in the
public interest, may have erosion control structures installed, with Category "A" funding."
It is unclear to me whether this policy is consistent with 125.0104(5)(a)4, Fla. Stat. It is also
unclear to me whether the tourist development tax can be used for dredging passes if the dredge
material is used for beach renourishment.
Florida Statute is very specific on the use of tourist development tax. Obtaining an Attorney
General Opinion on these issues will help gain certainty for the County for these expenditures.
In furtherance of this Executive Summary, the County Attorney has drafted the attached
proposed request to the Attorney General. I am asking the Board to authorize and direct the
County Attorney to forward this request to the Attorney General.
Fiscal impact: None
Growth Management Impact: None
Recommendations: To authorize and direct the County Attorney to forward the attached
request to the Attorney General, which seeks an opinion from the Attorney General on the
authorized uses of tourist development tax in compliance with Section 125.0104, Fla. Stat.
Submitted by: Commissioner Henning
Packet Page -847-
12/11/2012 Item 10. R.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 10.R.
Item Summary: Direct the County Attorney to seek a Florida Attorney General Opinion
regarding authorized uses of tourist development tax. (Commissioner Henning)
Meeting Date: 12/11/2012
Prepared By
Name: BrockMaryJo
Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager, CMO
12/2/2012 6:31:51 PM
Submitted by
Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager, CMO
Name: BrockMaryJo
12/2/2012 6:31:53 PM
Approved By
Name: OchsLeo
Title: County Manager
Date: 12/3/2012 9:15:34 AM
Packet Page -848-
12/11/2012 Item 10. R.
BrockMaryJo
From: OchsLeo
Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 1:34 PM
To: BrockMaryJo
Subject: F'W: Tourist Development Tax AG Request
Attachments: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY signs.docx; TDC questions.docx.docx; beach funding policy.pdf.pdf;
municode.doc.doc
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: HenningTom
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 7:47 PM
To: OchsLeo
Subject: FW: Tourist Development Tax AG Request
please place on the Dec 11th agenda
From: Klatzkow3eff
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 11:58 AM
To: HenningTom
Subject: Tourist Development Tax AG Request
Commissioner Henning:
In response to your e-mail, attached for loading onto SIRE please find:
1. A proposed Executive Summary, which I took the liberty of editing;
2. A proposed AG Request for the Board to approve. Feel free to advise me of any
changes you would want to see in this request, which I believe captures your issues.
. 3. A copy of the Category A Funding Policy and the Tourist Development Tax ordinance,
as amended, which is the back -up to the AG letter request.
Jeffrey A. Klatzkow
County Attorney
(239) 252 -2614
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: HenningTom
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 7:41 AM
To: KlatzkowJeff
Subject:
J eff
I'm getting close to have my issues on the dec agenda. this is one more
Under Florida Law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail
address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this
entity. Instead, contact this office by telephone or in writing.
1
Packet Page -849-
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
Office of the County Attorney
oft A. Klatzkow
Deputy County Attorney - Scott R. Teach
Managing Assistant County Attorney -Heidi F. Ashton- Cicko* *Board Certified City, County and Local Government Law
Assistant County Attorneys - Colleen M. Greene KeN in L. Noell Emily R. Pepin Jennifer B. White Jeff E. Wright*
December 11, 2012
Honorable Pamela Bondi
Attorney General of Florida
Department of Legal Affairs
The Capitol PLOT
Tallahassee, FL 32399 -1050
Re: Collier County's request for Formal Legal Opinion regarding authorized uses of the
tourist development tax as set forth in Section 125.0104, Fla. Stat., the County's Tourist
Development Tax Ordinance No. 92 -60, as amended, and the County's Board approved funding
policy for use of tourist development tax.
Dear General Bondi:
This is a request from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners ( "BCC ") for a formal
legal opinion regarding authorized uses of the tourist development tax as set forth in Section
125.0104, Fla. Stat. (2012).
(1) Whether Collier County's Tourist Development Category "A" funding policy which
provides tourist development tax funding for erosion control structures for "ineligible beaches" is
a lawful expenditure of tourist development tax funds.
(2) Whether County Ordinance No. 92 -60, as amended, which provides for "pass and inlet
maintenance" using tourist development funds is consistent with and authorized by Section
125.0104(5)(a)(4), when said dredging projects are used for beach renourishment and erosion
control.
Issue I: Collier County's Category "A" Funding Policy
On or about November 5, 2005, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners
adopted a Tourist Development Category "A" Funding Policy. Collier County's Category "A"
Funds are defined by the County Ordinance and generally follow the authorized expenditures in
Section 125.0104(5)(a)(4). The purpose of the Funding Policy is to provide guidelines when a
municipality or other group requests tourist development tax funds for items related to beach
renourishment.
3299 East Tamiami Trail, Suite Soo - Naples Florida 34112 -5749 - (239) 252 -8400 - FAX: (239) 252 -6300
Packet Page -850-
12/11/2012 Item 10. R.
Section 5 of the Funding Policy defines beach areas as "eligible or ineligible" for funds.
The concept of eligibility is based on FDEP guidelines for cost share found in Section 62B-
36.007, F.A.C., Project Cost Sharing.
Section 5(b) of the Funding Policy, Ineligible Beach Areas, provides: "An area of
ineligible beach that is subject to high erosion, with the recommendation of the Coastal Advisory
Committee and determination by the Board of County Commissioners that it is in the public
interest, may have erosion control structures installed, with Category "A" funding."
Historically, the beach areas seeking such funds are areas that are accessible to the public
by water but are beach areas that have no public parking or public land access.
Question: Whether Collier County's Tourist Development Category "A" funding policy
which provides tourist development tax funding for erosion control structures for "ineligible
beaches" is a lawful expenditure of tourist development tax funds.
Issue II: Category "A" funds for inlet and pass maintenance including dredging for
beach renourishment
Collier County's Tourist Development Tax Ordinance No. 92 -60, as amended, provides
authorized uses of Category "A" funds which mirrors Section 125.0104(5)(a)(4), with one
exception. The County Ordinance provides that "pass and inlet maintenance" is an authorized
use of Category "A" funds. This language has been in the County Ordinance since it was first
adopted on August 18, 1992. The County has used tourist development tax funds to dredge
passes and inlets using the sand for beach renourishment and erosion control.
Question: Whether County Ordinance No. 92 -60, as amended, which provides for "pass
and inlet maintenance" using tourist development funds is consistent with and authorized by
Section 125.0104(5)(a)(4), when said dredging projects are used for beach renourishment and
erosion control.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. Should you have additional questions, or
require additional information, please contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Klatzkow
County Attorney
Attachments:
Collier County Ordinance No. 92 -60, as amended
Collier County Category "A" Funding Policy dated November 5, 2005
3299 East Tamiami Trail, Suite 800 - Naples Florida 34112-4902 - (239) 252-8400 - FAX: (239) 25-6300
Packet Page -851-
12/11/2012 Item 10. R.
Agenda Item No. 46F1
October 25, 2005
Page 3 of 7
Proposed Changes
9 -8 -05
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY "A" FUNDING POLICY
1. Use of TDC Cateeory "A "funds. "A" Teur-ist Develepment Tm Funds shall be used
asquisitien. To finance beach nark facilities or beach improvement, maintenance,
renourishment, restoration and erosion control, includine pass and inlet maintenance,
shoreline protection, enhancement, cleanup or restoration of inland lakes and rivers to
which there is public access, as these relate to the physical preservation of the beach ,
shoreline or inland lake or river. (Code of Ordinances. Division 3. Sec. 126 -83.)
2. Source of other funds. Federal or State funds are desirable and should be diligently pursued.
3. Mandatory annual budget allocation of funds and maintenance of reserves.
a. Catastrophe reserves shall be accumulated in the budget with $1M in 2004 plus
$0.5M per year thereafter (up to a maximum of $10M). In the event of a catastrophe
requiring the expenditure of all or part of these reserves, $0.5M will continue to be set
aside.
c. b. Major renourishment reserves shall be accumulated in the budget with $2M per
year after the cornpletion of the major renourishment project currently in planning
and permitting (as of ref -29A3 September 2005; projected to start setting
aside funds in FY 2406 2007).
d. c. Beach park facilities (including beach access property acquisition) shall be funded
at an m,eF age _ This ftinding alleeatien hall be adjusted annually in
an amount equal to V in one - third of the TDC Category "A"
revenues.
e. d. Remaining funds may be used for eligible grant applications as outlined in the
policy below.
4. Eligibility. Eligible beach areas qualify for Category "A" funding. An "eligible beach area"
4as- is:
and
a. A4 least ene publir. aseess point ffem a pubiie street Accessible to the public,
Packet Page -852-
Exhibit A
M WA
c. b. Major renourishment reserves shall be accumulated in the budget with $2M per
year after the cornpletion of the major renourishment project currently in planning
and permitting (as of ref -29A3 September 2005; projected to start setting
aside funds in FY 2406 2007).
d. c. Beach park facilities (including beach access property acquisition) shall be funded
at an m,eF age _ This ftinding alleeatien hall be adjusted annually in
an amount equal to V in one - third of the TDC Category "A"
revenues.
e. d. Remaining funds may be used for eligible grant applications as outlined in the
policy below.
4. Eligibility. Eligible beach areas qualify for Category "A" funding. An "eligible beach area"
4as- is:
and
a. A4 least ene publir. aseess point ffem a pubiie street Accessible to the public,
Packet Page -852-
Exhibit A
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
Agenda Item No. 16F1
October 25, 2005
Page 4 of 7
b. No more than one -half mile from a up blic beach park facility, public access point,
hotel, or motel and if at
least 80% of a beach area is classified as eligible, otherwise ineligible gaps will be deemed
eligible.
a. CC14:gh use" is an eligible bearah area within ene half mile ef a hetel, f"etel, designm
b. "Lew use�' is an eligible beaeb aFea eutside the lifnits fer- high use, pr-evided thm if -St.
least 80,04 of a bearh area is eiassified as high use, low use gaps will be deemed high use.
s fiiadifig based en use.-
"A"
cc
»
ffleaflklg
inealudiRg maiRt
year-s, >
"A"
qt 0
5. Ineligible beach areas:
a Beach areas not meeting the criteria for eligibility of paragraph 4. above, are not
eligible for Category "A" funding. Renourisment or maintenance of these beach
areas are the responsibility of adiacent property owners.
b. An area of an ineligible beach that is subject to high erosion, with the
recommendation of the Coastal Advisory Committee and determination by the
Board of County Commissioners that it is in the public interest, may have erosion
control structures installed, with Category "A" funding.
--: 6. Inlet Sand Bypassng. The bypassing of sand across inlets may be funded by Tourist
Development Tax Category "A" funding provided the Inlet Management Plan recommends the
bypassing and the sand will be plaeed on an eligible beaeh. , the dredging of the pass or inlet is
recommended by the Coastal Advisory Committee, meets the inlet funding poliCV criteria
and is approved by the Board of County Commissioners as being in the public interest. No
TDC Category "A" funding will be approved for dredging non -beach compatible material except
when encountered during an approved realignment or modification to an existing
approved .pass /inlet dredging project and then only when recommended by the Coastal
Advisory Committee, Tourist Development Council and approved by the Board of County'
Exhibit A
Packet Page -853-
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
Agenda Item No. 16F1
October 25, 2005
Page 5 of 7
Commissioners as being in the aublic interest
& 7. Shore protection structures and project sponsorship. Projects, including construction and
maintenance of shore protection structures (groins, jetties, breakwaters, etc.), may be funded by
Category "A" funding for eligible beaches. However, `ownership' responsibilities must rest with
an entity other than "Tourist Development Taxes" — i.e. there must be a project sponsor (private
interests, taxing .districts, municipalities or County Departments other than those funded with
Tourist Development Taxes).
9: 8. Grant Application Review. The Coastal Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board will prepare and maintain a proposed prioritized annual spending plan for the
use of Tourist Development Tax Category "A" funds, with a ten year projection. The proposed
plans will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for their consideration and
approval, via the TDC. These submissions will coincide with the annual Collier County budget
cycle. The Coastal Advisory Committee will review all requests for Tourist Development Tax
Category "A" funds, with the exception of County maintained beach park facilities that will be
handled by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Both advisory boards will make
recommendations for approval, denial or modification to the BCC, via the TDC, consistent with
the BCC established policy for use of these funds.
Exhibit A
Packet Page -854-
12/11/2012 Item 10. R.
PART[-CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 3. - 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
DIVISION 3. - 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
Sec. 126 -81. - Purpose.
Sec. 126 -82. - Tourist development tax.
Sec. 126 -83. - Uses of tax revenues.
Sec. 126 -84. - Ballot question.
Sec. 126 -85. - Use of previously collected tax receipts.
Sec. 126 -86. - Tourist development council.
Sec. 126 -87. - Penalties for failure to collect.
Sec. 126 -88. - Penalties for misrepresentation.
Sec. 126 -89. - Liens authorized.
Sec. 126 -90. - Repeal by referendum.
Sec. 126 -91. - Local administration of the tax.
Secs. 126 -92 -126 -110. - Reserved.
Sec. 126 -81. - Purpose.
This division is adopted pursuant to the authority and requirements of F.S. § 125.0104 for the purpose
of levying and imposing the tourist development tax, subject to approval by voters at a referendum
election. It is further the intent of this division to provide for the use of the receipts of the tax imposed by
division 2 of this article as required by Laws of Fla. chs. 92 -175 and 92 -204.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 1)
Sec. 126 -82. - Tourist development tax.
(a) There is hereby levied, imposed and set a tourist development tax throughout the geographic area
of the county at a rate of two percent of each whole and major fraction of each dollar of the total
consideration charged every person who rents, leases or lets for consideration any living quarters or
accommodations in any hotel, apartment hotel, motel, resort motel, apartment, apartment motel,
roominghouse, mobile home park, recreational vehicle park, or condominium for a term of six months or
less, as provided in F.S. § 125.0104(3)(a), as amended, unless such person rents, leases, or lets for
consideration any living quarters or accommodations which are exempt according to the provisions of
F.S. ch. 212. When receipt of consideration is by way of property other than money, the tax shall be
levied and imposed on the fair market value of such nonmonetary consideration.
(b) The tourist development tax shall be in effect until repealed by the board or repealed by
referendum pursuant to section 126 -90 herein and shall be in addition to any other tax imposed
pursuant to F.S. ch. 212 and in addition to all other taxes, fees and the considerations for the rental or
lease.
(c) The tourist development tax shall be charged by the person receiving the consideration for the
lease or rental, and it shall be collected from the lessee, tenant, or customer at the time of payment for
the consideration for such lease or rental.
(d) Pursuant to F.S. ch. 212, the state department of revenue shall keep records showing the amount
of taxes collected, which shall also include records disclosing the amount of taxes collected for and
Page 1 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -855-
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
PART I - CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 3. - 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
from each county in which the tax authorized by this act is applicable. These records shall be open for
inspection during the regular office hours of the said department of revenue subject to the provisions of
F.S. § 213.053.
(e) Pursuant to F.S. § 125.0104(10), the county tax collector shall be responsible for the collection
and administration of the tax. Collections received by the tax collector shall be placed in the county
tourist development trust fund, which shall be established by resolution of the board of county
commissioners prior to receipt of any tax revenues collected pursuant to this division.
(f) Pursuant to F.S. § 125.0104(3)(d), the board of county commissioners by an extraordinary vote
hereby levies, sets and imposes an additional one percent tourist development tax (3rd percent) to be
collected in the same manner as the two percent tax collected pursuant to this article.
(g) Pursuant to F.S. § 125.0104(3()(1), the board of county commissioners by a majority vote hereby
levies, sets and imposes an additional one percent tourist development tax (4th percent) to be collected
in the same manner as the two percent tax collected pursuant to this article.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 2; Ord. No. 95-46, § 1, 9 -5 -95; Ord. No. 95 -56, § 1, 10- 24 -95; Ord. No. 2005 -43, § 1)
Sec. 126 -83. - Uses of tax revenues.
(a) The tax revenues received pursuant to this division shall be used to fund the county tourist
development plan, which is hereby amended as follows:
Tourist Development Plan
The two percent tourist development tax was levied throughout the county beginning the first day of the
second month following approval of this article by referendum. The tax district includes the entire
geographic area of Collier County, Florida. The anticipated revenue for a two percent tourist
development tax for all of Collier County over a 24 -month period was $7,000,000.00, less costs of
administration.
The additional one percent tourist development tax (3rd percent) was levied throughout the county
beginning the first day of January, 1996. A majority of the electors of the county voting in a straw
referendum election approved the continuation of the additional one percent tourist development tax
prior to June 30, 2000, therefore the additional one percent tourist development tax shall continue until
terminated by an amendment to this division. The tax district shall include the entire geographic area of
Collier County, Florida.
The additional tourist development tax (4th percent) shall be used to finance tourism promotion as
provided herein. The tax district shall include the entire geographic area of Collier County, Florida.
(1) The categories of use of the two percent, one percent (3rd percent) and additional one
percent (4th percent) tax revenues by specific project or special use are hereby listed in the order
of priority:
CATEGORY A To finance beach park facilities or beach improvement, maintenance,
renourishment, restoration and erosion control, including pass and inlet maintenance
shoreline protection, enhancement, cleanup or restoration of inland lakes and rivers to which
there is public access as these uses relate to the physical preservation of the beach,
shoreline or inland lake or river.
Page 2 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -856-
Page 3 of 9
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
PART I - CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 3.- 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
Percentage of Net Revenue
50 percent of the two percent tax and 100 percent of the one percent tax (3rd percent),
reduced by the amount required for Category D.
CATEGORY 8 To promote and advertise county tourism within the State of Florida,
nationally and internationally, which encourages tourism to Collier County and to fund
convention bureaus, tourist bureaus, tourist information centers and news bureaus as county
agencies. If tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue or event, the activity,
service, venue or event shall have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as
evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue or event to tourists.
Percentage of Net Revenue
23.236 percent of the two percent tax and 100 percent of the additional one percent tax (4th
percent)
CATEGORY C. To acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain,
operate or promote one or more county owned or operated museums or municipal owned
museums that are owned and operated by not for profit organizations and open to the public.
Percentage of Net Revenue
26.764 percent of the two percent tax. This amount may be amended upwardly or
downwardly prospectively from the date of the budget amendment approval, provided that
the amount of the aggregate allocation per fiscal year budget amendment does not exceed
26.764 percent of the two percent tax.
Sub - categories:
C(1): County owned or operated museums: 22.0 percent
C(2): Municipal owned museums and museums owned and operated by not for profit
organizations open to the public: 4.764 percent
CATEGORY D To acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain,
operate or promote one or more fishing piers which are publicly owned and operated.
Percentage of Net Revenue
Amount budgeted for this category by the board of county commissioners each fiscal year,
but not to exceed $200,000.00. This amount may be amended upwardly or downwardly
prospectively from the date of the budget amendment approval, provided that the amount of
the aggregate allocation per fiscal year does not exceed $200,000.00.
It is the intent of this division that the above uses shall be funded separately, but
simultaneously in the above percentages regardless of the actual amount of net revenues
collected.
It is the intent of this division that the above uses shall be funded separately, but
simultaneously in the above percentages regardless of the actual amount of net revenues
collected.
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -857-
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
PART I - CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 1-1992 TAX ORDINANCE
(2) The additional one percent tax revenues (3rd percent) collected pursuant to subsection
126 -82(f) shall be used to finance beach park facilities, beach improvement, maintenance,
renourishment, restoration and erosion control including pass and inlet maintenance shoreline
protection, enhancement, cleanup or restoration of inland lakes and rivers to which there is public
access as these uses relate to the physical preservation of the beach, shoreline or inland lake or
river.
(3) The additional one percent tax (4th percent) collected pursuant to section TWO (G) shall be
used entirely to finance tourism promotion including advertising, public relations, promotion,
research and fulfillment. The Disaster Recover Advertising Fund will continue to be financed from
the 23.236% of the 2% tax to maintain a maximum level of $1 million. At the end of each fiscal
year, any remaining funds in the 23.236% of the 2% tax after fulfillment of the above uses in the
23.236% of the 2% tax will be distributed to Category "B" (Marketing and Promotion). It is the
intent of the Board of County Commissioners to maintain this new level of tourism promotion
dollars in the future.
(4) Administrative costs.
a. Tourism promotion administrative costs shall not exceed 32% of the total amount
collected each fiscal year for Category "B" revenue.
b. Project Management, Indirect Overhead, and Program Administration in support of
Fund 195 (Beaches) and Fund 183 (Beach Park Facilities) shall not exceed 15% of Category
"A" revenues. These charges to be split 75% to Fund 195 (Beaches) and 25% to Fund 183
(Beach Park Facilities).
(5) The revenues to be derived from the tourist development tax may be pledged to secure and
liquidate revenue bonds in accordance with the provisions of F.S. § 125.0104. Such revenue
bonds and revenue refunding bonds may be authorized and issued in such principal amounts, with
such interest rates and maturity dates, and subject to such other terms, conditions and covenants
as the governing board of Collier County shall provide. This paragraph shall be full and complete
authority for accomplishing such purposes, but such authority shall be supplemental and
additional to, and not in derogation of, any powers now existing or later conferred under law.
(6) The event bonds are issued by Collier County for any of the purposes enumerated by the
Tourist Development Plan, the amount of tourist development tax receipts used to pay debt
service on such bonds may exceed the percentages provided for the purpose for which such
bonds were issued; provided, however, the maximum annual debt service on such bonds,
together with any other obligations of Collier County which were issued to finance improvements
for the same purpose and which are secured by the tourist development tax, must not exceed the
stated percentage of tourist development tax receipts provided in the Tourist Development Plan
for such purposes, as calculated as of the date of sale of such bonds. For purposes of performing
the calculations described in this paragraph, the amount of tourist development tax receipts shall
be assumed to be the amount provided as such in Collier County's immediately preceding annual
audit, plus, if the levy of such tax was imposed or increased subsequent to the beginning of the
period which was audited, an amount equal to the estimate by the County Manager of the moneys
the County would have received if the tax imposition or increase had been in effect during the
entire audit period. At or prior to the issuance of bonds the County Manager shall provide a
certificate as to the findings required in this paragraph, which certificate shall be conclusive as to
all matters provided herein.
Page 4 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -858-
12/11/2012 Item 10. R.
PART I - CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 3. - 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
(7) The sum of $1,000,000.00 annually allocated for Category "A" - Beach Park Facilities Fund
183 shall be reallocated to Fund 184 to be used for destination marketing for a period of one year
from enactment of this amendment, at which time this provision will expire and be of no further
force or effect unless further extended by the Board of County Commissioners.
(8) The sum of $500,000.00 annually allocated for Catastrophe Reserves from County Fund 195
shall be reallocated to Fund 184 to be used for destination marketing for a period of one year from
enactment of this amendment, at which time this provision will expire and be of no further force or
effect unless further extended by the Board.
(9) Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) of the Two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) that
is annually allocated for Major Beach Renourishment Reserves from County Fund 195 shall be
reallocated to Fund 184 to be used for destination marketing for a period of one year from
enactment of this amendment, at which time this provision will expire and be of no further force or
effect unless further extended by the Board.
(10) The sum of $100,000.00 shall be reallocated from Fund 193 Municipal owned museums and
Museums owned and operated by not for profit organizations open to the public, to Fund 198
County owned or operated Museums to be used for a one -time payment pursuant to a Category C
(2) agreement with Marco Island Historical Society prior to the museum becoming a County
owned and operated C (1) museum. This provision will expire and be of no further force or effect
upon payment to Marco Island Historical Society.
(11) The above and foregoing tourist development plan may not be substantially amended except
by ordinance enacted by an affirmative vote of a majority plus one additional member of the Board
of County Commissioners.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 3; Ord. No. 95-46, § 2, 9 -5 -95; Ord. No. 95 -56, § 2, 10- 24 -95; Ord. No. 96 -54, § 1,
9- 10 -96; Ord. No. 97 -21, § 1, 5- 20 -97; Ord. No.98 -95, § 1; Ord. No. 98 -111, § 1; Ord. No. 99 -28, § 1,
4- 27 -99; Ord. No. 99 -50, § 1, 6- 22 -99; Ord. No. 99 -66, § 1, 9- 14 -99; Ord. No. 01 -31, § 1, 6- 12 -01; Ord.
No. 03 -10, § 1, 2- 25 -03; Ord. No. 2005 -18, § 1; Ord. No. 2005 -43, § 2; Ord. No. 2009 -58, § 1; Ord. No.
2010 -44, § 1; Ord. No. 2011 -02, § 1; Ord. No. 2012 -08, § 1)
Sec. 126 -84. - Ballot question.
Pursuant to F.S. § 125.0104, the board of county commissioners, by resolution, shall cause to be
placed on the ballot at the next regular or special election to be held in the county, the question of the
approval or disapproval of this ordinance, such question to be preceded by an explanatory statement or
title as set forth in such resolution, with such question to appear on the ballot substantially as follows:
FOR THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX
AGAINST THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 4)
Sec. 126 -85. - Use of previously collected tax receipts.
In accordance with Laws of Fla. chs. 92 -175 and 92 -204, the tourist tax revenues previously received
by the county pursuant to division 2 of this article shall be expended as follows:
(1) If the voters approve the imposition of the tourist tax at the referenda provided in section
Page 5 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -859-
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
PART I - CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 3. - 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
126 -84, 60 percent of the tax revenue previously received shall be expended to finance beach
improvement, maintenance, renourishment, restoration and erosion control, including pass and
inlet maintenance; and 40 percent shall be expended to promote and advertise the county tourism
within the state, nationally and internationally, which encourages tourism with an emphasis on
off - season visitors to the county.
(2) If the voters disapprove the imposition of the tourist tax at the referenda provided in section
126 -84, the revenue shall be expended for the uses provided in section 126 -62.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 5)
Sec. 126 -86. - Tourist development council.
Pursuant to the provisions of F.S. § 125.0104, the board of county commissioners established by
chapter 2, article VIII, division 10 of this Code an advisory council which is known as the Collier County
Tourist Development Council. The council is composed of nine members, the original membership of
which have been appointed by the board of county commissioners by Resolution No. 92 -238. Chapter
2, article Vlll, division 10 of this Code also sets forth the terms and composition of membership and the
responsibilities and duties of the council.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 6)
Cross reference— Tourist development council, § 2 -986 et seq.
Sec. 126 -87. - Penalties for failure to collect.
Any person who is a dealer hereunder who fails or refuses to charge and collect from the person paying
any rental or lease the taxes herein provided, either by himself or through his agents or employees, is,
in addition to being personally liable for the payment of the tax, guilty of a misdemeanor of the first
degree, punishable as provided in F.S. § 775.082 or F.S. § 775.083.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 7)
Sec. 126 -88. - Penalties for misrepresentation.
No person shall advertise or hold out to the public in any manner, directly or indirectly, that he will
absorb all or any part of the tax, or that he will relieve the person paying the rental of the payment of all
or any part of the tax, or that the tax will not be added to the rental or lease consideration, or when
added, that it or any part thereof will be refunded or refused, either directly, or indirectly, by any method
whatsoever. Any person who willfully violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in F.S. § 775.082 or F.S. § 775.083.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 8)
Sec. 126 -89. - Liens authorized.
The tax hereby levied shall constitute a lien on the property of the lessee, customer or tenant in the
same manner as, and shall be collectible as are, liens authorized and imposed in F.S. §§ 713.67,
713.68 and 71 3.69.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 9)
Page 6 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -860-
12/11/2012 Item 10. R.
PARTI -CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 3.- 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
Sec. 126 -90. - Repeal by referendum.
Upon the filing of a petition signed by 15 percent, or more, of the electors of the county, the board of
county commissioners shall cause an election to be held for the repeal of the tax, which election shall
be subject only to any outstanding revenue bonds for which the tax has been pledged.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 10)
Sec. 126 -91. - Local administration of the tax.
(a) It is the intent of the county to provide for the collection and administration of the tax on a local
basis pursuant to F.S. § 125.0104(10) which provides for such election of local administration of the
tax. It is further the intent of the county to be exempted from those requirements of F.S. § 125.0104 that
the tax collected be remitted to the department of revenue before being returned to the county.
(b) The county assumes responsibility for auditing the records and accounts of dealers, and
assessing, collecting, and enforcing payment of delinquent tourist development taxes. The county
adopts any and all powers and authority granted to the state in F.S. § 125.0104 and F.S. ch. 212 to
determine the amount of the tax, penalties and interest to be paid by each dealer and to enforce
payment of such tax, penalties, and interests by, but not limited to, distress warrants, writ of
garnishments and criminal penalties as provided in F.S. ch. 212.
(c) Initial collection of the tax shall continue to be made in the same manner as the tax imposed under
F.S. ch. 212, part I (F.S. § 212.01 et seq.).
(d) The county tax collector shall be responsible for the collection and administration of the tax. The
person receiving the consideration for such rental or lease shall receive, account for, and remit the tax
to the county tax collector. The tax collector shall keep appropriate records of said funds. The same
duties and privileges imposed by F.S. ch. 212 upon dealers in tangible property, respecting the
collection and remission of tax, the making of returns, the keeping of books, records and accounts, the
payment of a dealer's credit in compliance with the rules of the department of revenue in the
administration of said chapter shall apply to and be binding upon all persons who are subject to the
provisions of this division; provided, however, the said county tax collector may authorize a quarterly
return and payment when the tax remitted by the person receiving the consideration for such rental or
lease for the preceding quarter did not exceed $100.00. Remittances of the tax and filing of the
appropriate return may be done semiannually or seasonally as follows:
(1) Facilities rented or leased which generate a total of $300.00 or less of tourist development
tax revenue during a six -month period may remit the tax semiannually. The remittance and return
filing date shall be between April 1 st and April 20th for the six -month rental or lease period ending
the preceding March 31st and the remittance and return filing date shall be between October 1st
and October 20th for the six -month rental or lease period ending September 30th of each year.
(2) The tourist development tax may be remitted seasonally for facilities that are rented or leased
only for a total period of three months or less annually. The remittance and return filing date shall
be between April 1 st and April 20th for the preceding rental or lease period ending March 31 st and
the remittance and return filing date shall be between October 1st and October 20th for the
preceding rental period ending September 30th of each year.
(e) The county tax collector may promulgate rules, prescribe and publish the forms necessary to
effectuate this division.
Page 7 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -861-
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
PART I - CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE 111. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 1-1992 TAX ORDINANCE
(f) The county tax collector is hereby designated as the. local official for the county who shall perform
the enforcement and audit functions referenced in subsection (b) of this section which are associated
with the collection and remission of this tax, including, without limitation, the following:
(1) For the purpose of enforcing the collection of the tax levied by this division, the tax collector
is hereby specifically authorized and empowered to examine at all reasonable hours the books,
records, and other documents of all dealers, or other persons charged with the duty to report or
pay a tax under this division, in order to determine whether they are collecting the tax or otherwise
complying with this division. In the event said dealer refuses to permit such examination of its
books, records or other documents by the tax collector as aforesaid, it is guilty of a misdemeanor
of the second degree, punishable as provided in F.S. § 775.083. The tax collector shall have the
right to proceed in circuit court to seek a mandatory injunction or other appropriate remedy to
enforce its right against the offender, as granted by this section, to require an examination of the
books and records of such dealer.
(2) Each dealer, as defined by statute, shall secure, maintain, and keep for a period of three
years a complete record of rooms or other lodging, leased or rented by said dealer, together with
gross receipts from such sales, and other pertinent records and papers as may be required by the
tax collector for the reasonable administration of this division; and all such records which are
located or maintained in this state shall be open for inspection by the tax collector at all
reasonable hours at such dealer's place of business located in the county. Any dealer who
maintains such books and records at a point outside this county must make such books and
records available for inspection by the tax collector in the county. Any dealer subject to these
provisions of this division who violates these provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second
degree, punishable as provided in F.S. § 775.082 or F.S. § 775.083.
(3) The tax collector shall send written notification, at least 30 days prior to the date an auditor is
scheduled to begin an audit, informing the taxpayer of the audit. The tax collector is not required to
give 30 days prior notification of a forthcoming audit in any instance in which the taxpayer
requests an emergency audit. Such written notification shall contain:
a. The approximate date on which the auditor is scheduled to begin the audit.
b. A reminder that all of the records, receipts, invoices, and related documentation of the
taxpayer must be made available to the auditor.
C. Any other requests or suggestions the tax collector may deem necessary.
(4) In addition to criminal sanctions, the tax collector is empowered and it shall be his duty, when
any tax becomes delinquent or is otherwise in jeopardy under this division, to issue a warrant for
the full amount of the tax due or estimated to be due, with the interest, penalties, and cost of
collection, directed to all and singular the sheriffs of the state, and shall record the warrant in the
public records of the county, and thereupon the amount of the warrant shall become a lien on any
real or personal property of the taxpayer in the same manner as a recorded judgment. The tax
collector may issue a tax execution to enforce the collection of taxes imposed by this division and
deliver it to the sheriff. The sheriff shall thereupon proceed in the same manner as prescribed by
law for executions and shall be entitled to the same fees for his services in executing the warrant
to be collected. The tax collector may also have a writ of garnishment issued regarding any goods,
money, chattels, or effects of the delinquent dealer which are in the hands, possession, or control
of a third person based on an indebtedness owed to the delinquent dealer by the third person, to
Page 8 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -862-
12/11/2012 Item 10.R.
PARTI -CODE
Chapter 126 - TAXATION
ARTICLE III. - TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX (LODGING TAX)
DIVISION 3.- 1992 TAX ORDINANCE
enforce collection of the taxes in the manner provided by law. Upon payment of the execution,
warrant, judgment, or garnishment, the tax collector shall satisfy the lien of record within 30 days.
(g) The amount of administrative costs retained by the tax collector shall be negotiated annually, but
shall not exceed three percent of the tax collected herein. The remainder of the tax collected shall be
submitted to the county on a monthly basis. If the tax collector retains less than three percent of the tax
collected for administrative costs, the county may retain an amount up to three percent for
administrative costs provided the aggregate amount retained by the county and the tax collector does
not exceed three percent of the tax collected.
(Ord. No. 92 -60, § 11; Ord. No. 97 -21, § 2, 5- 20 -97)
Secs. 126 -92- 126 -110. - Reserved.
Page 9 of 9
Collier County, Florida, Code of Ordinances
Packet Page -863-