Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism
Mission: The mission of the Tourism Development Department (TDD) is to make time spent here, whether visiting living or working, more valuable to all. Fitting, because many residents today began as a tourist! Okaloosa County is a destination rich in family-friendly experiences. Whether visiting the winding rivers flowing through north county tree lines, parks and recreational points of interest or spending a few days at the white sandy beaches reflecting upon the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, the TDD promises to get kids outside... on the water to give their adventurous side room to grow!
Why is tourism important for Okaloosa county?
Tourism impacts the local economy in many ways; by creating jobs, contributing to sales tax, infrastructure surtax, contributing to small business revenue, and in our countywide tourist development district, they also fund tourism-related amenities, activities, environmental improvements, protection, restoration and preservation.
Local residents play an important part in making tourists feel welcome through advocacy and hospitality. What actions make you more comfortable when traveling? An authentic local recommendation - Tips on the best time of day to travel - Maybe just a smile.
Organization: Led by Tourism Director Jennifer Adams, a team of experienced and qualified staff performs the Tourist Development Council (TDC) mission. The TDC serves as an advisory council to the Board of County Commissioners. Click HERE to view the Upcoming TDC Meeting Agenda
The Tourist Development Department is required to promote the area and meet the following objectives below:
- Promote tourism sales and increase overall visitation through marketing and advertising of our beautiful area to strategic travel markets, generating a maximum return on investment for the local economy. Visit destinfwb.com to learn about our destination
- Operation of Visitor Welcome + Adventure Centers, Convention Center, Fairgrounds + Events Center, Baker Arena and the Film Commission
- Beach safety and funding of the Beach Safety Life Saving Program (funding of beach lifeguards) Click HERE for important tips on beach safety and the beach flag warning system.
- Special event funding
- Research and evaluation of the success of all programs and the local economy
- Protection and improvements to the natural environment through funding of the artificial reef program, public beach access parks, beach trash removal, beach restoration improvements, Sea Turtle Conservation and much more. Click HERE to learn about ecotourism and our Natural Resources team.”
- Ensure compliance with state statutes and local ordinances as required*
More About the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Brand
*The TDD is solely funded by the lodging tax paid by visitors staying overnight in short-term rentals in Okaloosa County. The original tourism district collected a 5% Tourist Tax from overnight guests and included the cities of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Mary Esther and Cinco Bayou. Eligible voters approved in 2021, the County to expand to a county-wide tourism development district. The previously created "sub-district" will collect and remit 6%. The remainder of Okaloosa County (expanded in 2021) "Expansion Area" will collect and remit at the rate of 5%. Short-term overnight rentals include hotels, motels, resort motels, apartments, apartment motels, rooming houses, mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, condominiums, condominium hotels, timeshare resorts, residential dwellings or campgrounds for a term of 6 months or less. The Florida Statute 125.104 permits the Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County to levy Tourist Development Tax (TDT), and Chapter 20 Article II, Sections 71-78 of the Okaloosa County Ordinances created the Tourist Development Council, established the initial tax rate collection, and identified the special taxing districts with Okaloosa.
