Pinellas County bed-tax collections hold above $8 million in January as hotel inventory returns

Eddie (market intelligence lead) reported to the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council on March 19 that TDT collections for January exceeded $8 million — the third consecutive January above that mark — and that hotel and vacation‑rental demand are continuing to recover following fall storms.

"For the third year in a row, we had TDT collections over 8,000,000 in January," Eddie said, calling it a record year though only modestly above 2023 levels.

Eddie said Clearwater and St. Petersburg showed particularly strong growth in January (Clearwater approximately +16% and St. Pete roughly +34% year over year) while some southern beach communities continued to show lower occupancy. He noted the county tracks miscellaneous collections that capture OTA/vacation‑rental activity and that difference from sampled inventory has narrowed to about 5.3%.

Staff also reviewed the inventory pipeline: roughly 1,400 hotel rooms have estimated reopening dates later this spring and through the summer; another 27 hotel projects across the county (about 3,200 rooms) are in planning, proposed or under construction in a longer pipeline. Eddie said survey data show a larger share of visitors arriving by personal vehicle in January, consistent with increased regional and day-trip travel.

Council members asked about FEMA or other temporary housing impacts on hotel occupancy. Brian Lowack reported, "As of last week, there are 1,000 rooms that are being occupied through the, TSA program," and staff noted that number should be tracked with lodging partners for planning accuracy. County staff said the 1,400 rooms slated to reopen are estimates and subject to change.

The presentation was informational; council members said they want continued monthly updates as hotels and vacation rentals return to service.