Budget Alert: How a New Florida Bill Could Impact Disney World Hotels
What Could This Mean for Your Vacation?
It’s a scene Florida’s leaders likely didn’t anticipate: sun-soaked beaches half-empty, resort rooms sitting vacant, and some of the world’s most iconic destinations—like Walt Disney World Resort—scrambling to bring back the crowds to its hotels.
Yet, that chilling image may not be as far off as it seems.
Behind the scenes, a quiet but powerful legislative move could send shockwaves through Florida’s $100 billion tourism economy.
Could your next Disney vacation end up costing more—or worse, become a different experience altogether?
A Radical Redirection of Florida’s Hotels: Will Disney World Vacations Feel the Effects?
At the heart of this brewing storm is House Bill 1221, a proposal introduced by Rep. Monique Miller (R-Palm Bay). If passed, the bill would strip away the primary use of Florida’s Tourism Development Tax (TDT)—the extra fees tacked onto hotel stays—and reroute those funds toward lowering local property taxes instead of marketing and maintaining Florida’s attractions.
In Miller’s view, the move is about survival for Florida residents. “People are losing their homes,” she said, emphasizing that giving counties more freedom to abolish underperforming local taxes and offering tax refunds could make Florida more affordable.
But not everyone sees this plan as a lifeline.
Why Business Leaders Are Sounding the Alarm
Industry experts warn that the bill could devastate Florida’s tourism-dependent economy. Charlie Justice, CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, compared the move to “gutting the engine” that keeps Florida running.
In places like Pinellas County—home to famous Gulf Coast beaches—15 million visitors generated $100 million in hotel tax revenue last year alone. That money isn’t just sitting in a vault; it’s actively reinvested into beach restoration projects, local attractions, and aggressive marketing campaigns that keep Florida competitive against destinations like California and the Caribbean.
“Without that funding, how do we remind travelers after hurricanes that we’re still open for business?” Justice asked. “The visitors don’t just magically show up.”
And when tourists don’t show up, the ripple effects are massive: business closures, job losses, and crumbling infrastructure.
The Hidden Impact on Disney World and Its Guests
So, how does this bill connect to your dream Disney vacation?
While Disney operates its own powerhouse marketing machine, the wider Orlando area relies heavily on tourism development funds to maintain appeal and infrastructure—think freshly paved roads, improved transportation options, and marketing that brings conventions and massive events (like cheer competitions or runDisney races) to town.
If surrounding counties lose their ability to invest in tourism promotion and infrastructure, fewer events and smaller crowds could follow. That might sound like good news to travelers wanting lighter crowds—but it also means higher hotel prices, fewer deals, and less reinvestment into tourist experiences.
Moreover, if counties shift the financial burden from tourists to residents—as critics fear—it could create a gap Disney and other theme parks might have to fill with increased costs passed down to guests.
In short: this bill could make Disney World vacations more expensive and potentially less vibrant.
A Divisive Debate: Relief vs. Risk
Proponents like Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Pete Beach) argue that locals are desperate for relief from skyrocketing property taxes and that prioritizing Floridians over tourists is long overdue.
“I can tell you the residents in my district are going to love this bill above any bill that we pass this year,” Chaney said.
However, others, like Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada, argue the math simply doesn’t add up. Hillsborough County, for instance, would only see about $20 in property tax relief per household. In exchange, the county risks losing $9.4 billion in tourist spending and over 61,000 tourism-supported jobs.
“You’re risking the golden goose for a handful of pennies,” Corrada warned. “It’s simply not worth it.”
What Happens Next to the Disney World Hotels?
House Bill 1221 has passed its first major hurdle, clearing the House State Affairs Committee despite fierce opposition from tourism groups, business owners, and environmental advocates.
The bill must now survive votes in both the Florida House and Senate before reaching Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk. The legislative session wraps up in May—meaning the clock is ticking for both sides to rally support or stop the bill in its tracks.
One thing is certain: Florida’s tourism landscape could look dramatically different in the coming years—and for Disney fans planning their next magical vacation, keeping an eye on this bill might be more important than ever.
