WHAT IS VISIT SEBRING?
Visit Sebring serves as a destination marketing organization that works to generate overnight stays, increase tax revenues, stimulate economic growth, and strives to constantly enhance the image of Highlands County. Visit Sebring is also commonly referred to as the Tourist Development Council (TDC) of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners. Some of the functions of the Tourism Office include maintaining the tourism website VisitSebring.com, maintaining a database of tourism-related businesses, developing and maintaining strong relationships with tourism businesses in the community, lead fulfillment, participating in relevant associations and exhibitions at trade shows, travel expos, and conferences. Stated simply, the role of the Tourism Office is to promote and support tourism in Highlands County.
Visit Sebring Tourist Development Council (TDC)
WHAT IS THE TDC? The TDC was created pursuant to Highlands County Ordinance 17-18-13 and operates in accordance with Florida Statute 125.0104. The TDC administers funds collected from a tourist development tax on occupied transient lodging sales, i.e. hotels/motels, campgrounds, and other short-term lodging rentals. The funds are designated to promote Highlands County as a preferred visitor destination. The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners appoints the TDC members to four-year terms. The nine-member TDC is typically made up of one representative from the Board of County Commissioners, two municipal officials, 2-3 owners or operators of tourist accommodations (which are subject to the tax), and 2-3 members of the community who are not subject to the tax but have demonstrated an interest in tourism development. All applicants to serve on the Highlands County Tourist Development Council must be electors.
MEMBERS:
Commissioner Christopher Campbell – TDC Chair
Term Expires: 12/31/2024
Debra Worley / Town of Lake Placid
Term Expires: 06/20/2026
Josh Stewart / Sebring City Council
Term Expires: 05/02/2027
Christine Hatfield / Inn on the Lakes
Term Expires: 05/02/2027
Maritza Cristiansen / LaQuinta by Wyndham Sebring
Term Expires: 05/02/2025
Lydia Capote / Tru by Hilton & Residence Inn Sebring
Term Expires: 05/02/2027
Cynthia Garren / South Florida State College
Term Expires: 05/02/2027
Andy Kesling / Pinecrest Golf Club
Term Expires: 05/02/2027
Elizabeth Worley / Sebring International Raceway
Term Expires: 05/02/2025
CONTACT / STAFF:
Reagan Fultz, Tourism Development Coordinator
rfultz@highlandsfl.gov
(863) 402-6909
Casey Hartt, Lead Marketing Consultant
Casey@visitsebring.com
(863) 402-6909
Tourist Development Council Meeting Schedule 2024 Calendar Year
- January 25, 2024
- April 25, 2024
- August 8, 2024
- October 31, 2024
WHAT IS THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX?
The Tourist Development Tax (TDT) is a 4% tax on all transient accommodations in Sebring. You may also hear the TDT referred to as the Resort Tax, Bed Tax, Local Option Tourist Tax, Transient Rental Tax, etc. All of these terms refer to the 4% TDT tax, which is paid by tourists staying in the county for six (6) months or less.
DO I HAVE TO COLLECT THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX?
Your business is responsible for collecting and remitting this tax if you provide sleeping accommodations that are rented for six months or less (some exemptions apply), or if you have rentals longer than six months without a written lease.
Additional Information
For an overview of Tourist Development and the Tourist Development Tax in Sebring, use the Request-Info section.
Type-in Tourist Development in the “Comments/Questions” section and we would be happy to send that information to you.
Additional Resources
SHELLIE PHELPS PRESENTATION – KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR 2024 HIGHLANDS COUNTY TOURISM INSIGHTS & AWARDS LUNCHEON
Highlands County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) and Economic Impact Explained
Highlands County TDC Bylaws
Economic and Tourism Development Reports 2017 – 2018
2018 Highlands County Economic Impact of Tourism
2020 Tourism Insights Program (recording)
2020 Sports Tourism Assessment Report
TDC Strategic Plan: Years 2020 – 2023
2021 Tourism Awards Winners (recording)
TDC Marketing Plan & Budget 2022-2023
TDC Marketing Plan & Budget 2023-2024
TDC Marketing Plan & Budget 2024-2025
2023 Tourism & Recreation Facility Community Meeting 4.26.23 (recording)
2023 Sports Tourism and Recreation Facility Study
2023 Sports Facility Feasibility Study – Presentation at 10.26.23 TDC Meeting (recording)
2023 Sports Facility Feasibility Study Report
Tourist Development Council (TDC) Meetings and Info
Use the links below to download our Tourist Development Council (TDC) meeting minutes and Board Member application.
If you would like to obtain TDC Minutes from previous years, please contact the TDC office regarding a public records request.
Event Marketing Grants
The TDC offers event grants as they recognize events and meetings as a major contributor to the overall tourism economy. These reimbursable funds are designated to promote Sebring as a preferred visitor destination and incentivize heads in beds through event hosting. To review the guidelines and application, please see the link below.
Event Grant Program
