Amelia Island CVB opposes Tallahassee bill threatening tourism funding

The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 28, 2025, featured a significant discussion on the impact of proposed legislation affecting local tourism funding. Maury Dugger, representing the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), addressed the board, emphasizing the critical role of tourism in the county's economy.

Dugger highlighted that tourism supports over 400 small businesses and constitutes one-third of the local economy, providing essential tax revenues for schools, roads, and public safety infrastructure. She noted that the CVB invests over a million dollars annually to maintain the area's beaches, which have received a 98% pristine rating from visitors. This investment is funded through the Tourist Development Tax (TDT), which is supported by local taxpayers and visitors.

However, Dugger expressed concern over a bill currently under consideration in Tallahassee that threatens to dissolve the Tourism Development Council (TDC) and mandates that 75% of TDT collections be redirected to property tax relief. While acknowledging the importance of tax relief, she warned that the proposed legislation would have detrimental effects on the local economy, potentially causing more harm than benefit.

Dugger urged the commissioners to contact their representatives in Tallahassee to voice opposition to the bill, providing them with information to facilitate this outreach. She concluded by reaffirming the CVB's commitment to the community and the importance of preserving the region's reputation as a premier tourist destination.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local tourism authorities and the potential consequences of state-level decisions on community resources and economic stability.