Orange County has launched a forensic examination of Visit Orlando, the region's tourism board, after surfacing concerns over questionable expenses and fiscal mismanagement. In the recently conducted audit, it was discovered that Visit Orlando misappropriated funds by spending tourism development tax dollars on items unrelated to tourism, such as March Madness skyboxes and a luxurious car allowance for its CEO. An investigation by the Orange County Comptroller's Office revealed that the agency misclassified some public revenues as private, allowing more lenient rules on spending, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando.
With a budget heavily reliant on the 6% lodging room night tax, Visit Orlando is entrusted with over $100 million per year to drive tourism in Orange County. However, the audit suggests the misuse of public dollars on extravagant expenses, including $20,600 for skyboxes at the 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament and $12,210 for a car allowance, according to ClickOrlando. Despite the lavish spending on events and executive perks, it remains unclear whether Visit Orlando will face repercussions or if individuals will be held personally accountable.
Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond has pointed out the contracting irregularities and the misclassification of funds. According to a ClickOrlando report, Diamond stated, "We think that contracts ought to be clear and people ought to follow them." He has called for Visit Orlando to reimburse at least $3.5 million to the tourism development tax fund. This call for fiscal responsibility comes at a time when more voices are advocating for a relaxation in restrictions on TDT spending to include services crucial to both tourists and residents, like public transit and affordable housing.
