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County updates tourist‑development tax categories, clears way to fund lifeguards
Summary
The Board approved ordinance changes that reorganize tourist development tax spending categories (marketing; arts and culture; leisure and recreation; administration) and reflect a state change allowing lodging‑tax dollars to be used for lifeguard services.
Nassau County commissioners voted Jan. 26 to amend the county’s tourist development tax ordinance to dissolve an outdated spending category and create new, clearer buckets for future use.
County staff said the county’s tourism tax — established in 1988 and periodically updated — was refreshed to give officials greater flexibility. The revisions move tourism tax dollars into separate categories for marketing; arts and culture; leisure and recreation; and administration. Staff also noted a recent legislative change that permits a portion of tourism tax revenue to be used to fund lifeguard services.
“Again, this has worked through the tourism development council and with our partners. We’re all in agreement on this was a good refresh to have at this time as we continue to move forward with encouraging tourism through this county,” staff said during the presentation. Commissioner Martin moved to approve ordinance 2026‑019; the ordinance passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The reorganization clarifies allowable spending and explicitly accommodates lifeguard funding under the tourist‑development tax structure, which staff and local partners said could free up other revenues for municipal services.
What’s next: Staff will implement the ordinance revisions and coordinate with the Tourism Development Council and the county’s CVB on updated spending plans.
