Florida businesses posted record gross sales of nearly $80 billion for the month of September, the most recent month for which figures are available. This increase represents the first such monthly record since the “Great Recession” began. While increases were noted through most urban areas of the state, conspicuously lagging was SW Florida. According to the Herald Tribune, Sarasota and Manatee Counties reported some of their worst performances since June 2011 and February 2010 respectively.
Northwest Florida counties posted large gains in bed tax receipts for October. Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties reported collection increases of 14.7, 10.9 and 42.7 percent respectively. According to the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, Okaloosa had the best October ever. Bed taxes for Okaloosa County are primarily generated through hotel and condo short term rentals in Destin and Okaloosa Island.