South Walton TDC
The South Walton TDC is funded exclusively through tourist occupancy tax or bed tax, which is collected from visitors on short term lodging rentals. The SWTDC currently collects 4.5 cents on every dollar. This revenue is used to market South Walton as a premier tourist destination.
Each of the pennies have a designation as to how they can be spent. The break down is the following:
1st and 2nd cents are to be spent for administrative, marketing and beach maintenance.
Administrative costs come out of the first two cents and the remaining funds are divided amongst marketing – to advertise South Walton, to promote tourism, for beach maintenance, to maintain the beach accesses and improve facilities within the boundaries of the 26 miles of coastline south of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
3rd cent is used for beach nourishment
To finance beach park facilities, beach improvement, maintenance, renourishment, restoration and erosion control of the beach.
4th cent is shared between Autumn Tides and New Product
Autumn Tides - develop and market the shoulder season to increase the fall and spring visitation.
New Product - funds the beach safety program, including but not limited to lifeguard services at all 8 regional accesses, Artist of the Year, Nature Based Certified Outfitters, Bayou Arts Center, sponsorship grants to events within the county to advertise and promote tourism and way finding signage.
5th ½ cent is for marketing towards Southwest Airlines
Committed to promoting the emerging markets that Southwest provides direct low-cost flights.