Visitors pumped nearly $148 million into Sarasota County's economy in June, pushing the county's "bed tax" collections past $4 million for the first time in that month's history.
The Tourist Development Tax brought in $4,377,279 in June, a 15.6% jump over the $3,786,756 collected in June 2025, according to reports from Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran's office. The data was last updated Aug. 3. The Sarasota News Leader first reported the milestone on Aug. 17.
A year ago, June collections actually dipped by about $24,000 compared to June 2024. That trend has flipped.
For the fiscal year through June, the county has collected $44.6 million in bed tax revenue, up 14.4% from $39 million through the same point last year. Three months remain before the fiscal year closes Sept. 30.
Where the money goes
The bed tax is a 6% levy on short-term rentals of 30 days or less. Under county ordinance, the revenue funds beach maintenance and renourishment, upkeep of two MLB spring training stadiums (Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, home of the Baltimore Orioles, and CoolToday Park in North Port, home of the Atlanta Braves) and tourism marketing through Visit Sarasota County, the county's tourism promotion organization.
Airbnb revenue jumps 42%
Airbnb hosts accounted for $7.76 million in bed tax revenue through June, a 42% increase over the $5.47 million collected through June 2025. Online platforms overall, including TripAdvisor and HomeAway, now represent 23.36% of total collections, up from 21.06% a year earlier.
Siesta Key takes the lead
In a geographic breakdown tracked by the Tax Collector's Office, Siesta Key has overtaken the City of Sarasota in bed tax collections. Through June, Siesta Key accounted for 24.32% of total revenue compared to the city's 22.45%.
Last fiscal year, the city led with 24.35% to Siesta Key's 22.35%. Siesta Key started that year with many rental units still damaged from the 2024 hurricane season and didn't catch up until late spring, ultimately losing the year's competition.
More visitors, higher rates
Research firm Downs & St. Germain, commissioned by Visit Sarasota County, counted 145,900 visitors in June, an 11.7% increase over 130,600 in June 2025. Those visitors spent $147.9 million directly in the county, up 6.7%.
The average lodging room rate climbed 6.3% to $304.78. Hotel occupancy rose to 70.5% from 68.3%, though overall lodging occupancy (including vacation rentals) dipped slightly to 61.6% from 62%.
Top visitor origin cities through June were New York City, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia, with the Midwest (31.5%) and Northeast (28.7%) sending the most tourists.
The next monthly report, covering July collections, will offer a fuller picture of whether the county is on pace to set an annual record before the fiscal year ends Sept. 30.
