TAXPAYERS NOT ON THE HOOK!

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Richard Payne

by City Commissioner Richard Payne……..

In the last few weeks leading up to the March 15th Referendum election I have been frequently asked whether the City taxpayers would be in any way responsible for payment of the bonds/mortgage should the City find that the rents from the residences at Peary Court are insufficient to repay the loan?

The answer to this question is an emphatic unequivocal No. I insisted that the referendum language be added to assure all citizens voting that the indebtedness will be paid back solely from the rents collected from Peary Court. What will be pledged to securre payment is the land, the buildings and the rents from the residents of that development. Nothing else can be legally pledged once those words are added to the referendums and the referendums pass.

Additionally, if after passage of the referendums the City is unable to borrow money at a low enough interest rate to be able to have the rents comfortably pay the indebtedness the transaction will be terminated and the City will walk away from the purchase for although the City would be authorized to purchase the property, the City would be under no obligation to do so if it found that the rents would not be sufficient.

If the City should default on the loan the bank would take over Peary Court which had been permanently deed restricted as workforce housing for eligible moderate income families at the time of the transfer of Peary Court to the City. The bank could continue to rent the properties to moderate income families or sell it to someone else who would have the same obligation to rent only to moderate income working families as defined by the City of Key West ordinances.

See you at the polls March 15!

Richard Payne

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22 thoughts on “TAXPAYERS NOT ON THE HOOK!”

  1. Judge/Commissioner Payne, I’m certainly not a lawyer, but you should once again review the specific wording of the referendum. As the referendum is (carefully) worded, the rental income will only be used to payoff the mortgage. There is no clarification on what monies can be used to pay all the ancillary Peary Court expenses like maintenance, staff, repairs. Those expenses MAY be paid from the city coffers. In other words, the referendum only requires that the MORTGAGE be paid from the rents derived from the property. The City of Key West could pay everything else.

    I’ve personally received confirmation from a Key West City Commissioner that my interpretation is correct.

    See a copy of the referendum at the link below:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6CIxVRXBk88NTBqVzZ1TGhyZ1E/view?usp=sharing

  2. It looks to me that” Colby” is correct, unfortunately for the purchase , and a lucky for the City if this illconceived referendum fails, so that we are NOT on the hook THEN.
    It sure looks risky and expensive to me and not affordable for the people I work with,. THAT’S for sure.
    Sadly , Commissioner Payne apparently also was mistaken regarding the Truman Harbor being returned to the City as well. I wish it could be, but The Key West Citizens editorial a few weeks ago pointed out that the Navy specifically said in their terms that they could take it back. So they did. That was NOT in the fine print, it was there for anyone to see who could read that document. No surprise there , and maybe there are just too many potential surprises in this Peary Court deal that have been missed as well. Hello, we haven’t even been given a chance to look at the fine print as to where the new market rates are going etc., etc., etc.,…

    1. Careful there: Not quite as simple as the Citizen editorial made it out to be and certainly not “Navy specifically said in their terms that they could take it back. So they did.” We’ve got a seasoned Judge on the one hand with a well-thought out legal analysis with specific citations – and a newspaper editorial board on the other – with an an opinion by an anonymous author and zero specific citations. Now, whether it’s a good idea for the City to head down that road with the Navy in any case – that’s an entirely different matter…

  3. A bank is not likely to offer a loan not backed by the city. Also you are playing with 10 million tax dollars that would get lost so at risk too. Still question if this is even a legal use of that tourist tax. Seems it is not being used in any way to help tourists. If we were talking true low income housing then maybe justifiable. Why not keep the money and build true low income rentals on property the city already owns.

  4. From your post above about the Citizen editorial:
    “– with an an opinion by an anonymous author and zero specific citations. ”

    Does that mean the Citizen is letting someone else write their editorials? Someone who doesn’t want the City to get the harbor back? Maybe someone associated with the base, perhaps? I’d like to believe Commissioner Payne but that editorial pooh- poohed his legal opinion and it sure makes me question who’s got the facts.
    So speaking of facts, which of their other editorials were also written “”anonymously” by someone with an agenda? I have to wonder because they recently wrote one on purchasing Peary Court saying ” it’s worth a try” when
    in two previous editorials they were very unsupportive saying there was not enough information (which of course there still isn’t) , and urging caution! That’s a big switch.
    Letters to the editor are not supposed to be ” editorials “. They are one person’s or group’s opinion , but one may wonder if this rule of basic journalism has been ignored. Anyway , I support Commissioner Payne and vote no on Peary Court.

    1. Anonymous in that we don’t know which member of the editorial board actually penned the letter. I guess all or most members would ultimately approve it through a vote, but typically one or two members are intensely clued into a single issue — on boards I’ve been on… Have no idea how this board works…

    1. JiminKeyWest, Thanks for the link to the statute. I think the most clear indicator of what can and what CAN NOT be done with the money is explained with the following sentence:

      (d) Any use of the local option tourist development tax revenues collected pursuant to this section for a purpose not expressly authorized by paragraph (3)(l) or paragraph (3)(n) or paragraph (a), paragraph (b), or paragraph (c) of this subsection is expressly prohibited.

      I don’t see anything in any of those paragraphs or even anywhere else in the statute about affordable housing.

      1. yes , exactly the point so yes just shot your duck out of the water.

        Did your city attorney even look into at the law ? Where do you find your staff ? Yard sale rejects ?

  6. No sane bank would ever loan a cent for the Peary Court purchase without the backing of the city. Read Commissioner Payne’s last paragraph in which he believes that if the city were to default on the loan then the lending bank would be obligated to rent out the units as work force housing. Banks are not in the affordable rental property management business, and if the city isn’t able to make a go of it and pay the bills,then how could another organization expect to step in and be profitable under the same workforce housing restrictions? The next owner would need to own Peary Court at a much lower cost basis, and that means the lending bank would lose a LOT of money in the fire sale.

    Next, once any property is deed restricted as workforce housing, it immediately loses about 50% of its equivalent free market value. Look at the Railway Condominiums that are located right behind the electric building on Caroline Street. Those are 2/2 units and are similarly deed restricted. The last unit to sell there had been on the market for over two years, and sold for $311.22 a sq. ft..

    I could go on and on about all the loopholes in the referendum wording that would allow the city to pay maintenance, staff, insurance and other day to day Peary Court costs, but just look in the referendums yourself. The only expense that is required to be paid from the rental income is the mortgage.

  7. As an investor I love foreclosed properties. If a bank gets this back the first thing they do is evict all tenants as that makes it marketable as new buyer will not want to deal with that mess and they dam sure want to see the walls, floors and everything to judge value. Have never seen them rent. Buyers do not want occupied property. So now you will have 157 families looking for a place to move to. NOW THAT WOULD BE A DISASTER.

    But unless I am reading wrong information as to where that 10 million is from then add the new problem as you can not use tourist tax money on housing.

    Bottom line is no bank will touch this mess. Same as with anyone buying a home , the bank not only wants the building but can also go after the borrower Yes the borrower can file bankruptcy.

    Think this out a bit. Put up the city owned property as collateral and build true affordable 800 sq ft 2 bed 1 bath units. They will rent easy and can pay off a loan faster.

    And as a bonus when you create cheaper housing Peary Court will have vacancies. Do I need tell you what happens next ? Yes , they lower the rent or lower the selling price.

    1. The 2015 Florida Statutes

      Title XXVIII
      NATURAL RESOURCES; CONSERVATION, RECLAMATION, AND USE
      Chapter 380
      LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT
      View Entire Chapter
      380.0666 Powers of land authority.—The land authority shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this act, including the following powers, which are in addition to all other powers granted by other provisions of this act:
      (1) To sue and be sued; to have a seal, to alter the same at pleasure, and to authorize the use of a facsimile thereof; and to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers of the land authority.
      (2) To undertake and carry out studies and analyses of county land planning needs within areas of critical state concern and ways of meeting those needs.
      (3) To acquire and dispose of real and personal property or any interest therein when such acquisition is necessary or appropriate to protect the natural environment, provide public access or public recreational facilities, preserve wildlife habitat areas, provide affordable housing to families whose income does not exceed 160 percent of the median family income for the area, or provide access to management of acquired lands; to acquire interests in land by means of land exchanges; to contribute tourist impact tax revenues received pursuant to s. 125.0108 to its most populous municipality or the housing authority of such municipality, at the request of the commission or council of such municipality, for the construction, redevelopment, or preservation of affordable housing in an area of critical state concern within such municipality; and to enter into all alternatives to the acquisition of fee interests in land, including, but not limited to, the acquisition of easements, development rights, life estates, leases, and leaseback arrangements. However, the land authority shall make such acquisition or contribution only if:
      (a) Such acquisition or contribution is consistent with land development regulations and local comprehensive plans adopted and approved pursuant to this chapter;
      (b) The property acquired is within an area designated as an area of critical state concern at the time of acquisition or is within an area that was designated as an area of critical state concern for at least 20 consecutive years prior to removal of the designation; and
      (c) The property to be acquired has not been selected for purchase through another local, regional, state, or federal public land acquisition program. Such restriction shall not apply if the land authority cooperates with the other public land acquisition programs which listed the lands for acquisition, to coordinate the acquisition and disposition of such lands. In such cases, the land authority may enter into contractual or other agreements to acquire lands jointly or for eventual resale to other public land acquisition programs.
      (4) To borrow money through the issuance of bonds for the purposes provided in this act, to provide for and secure the payment thereof, and to provide for the rights of the holders thereof.
      (5) To purchase bonds of the land authority out of any funds or moneys of the land authority available therefor and to hold, cancel, or resell such bonds.
      (6) To invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds, or any funds not required for immediate disbursement, in such investments as may be authorized for trust funds under s. 215.47, and in any authorized investments, if such investments are made on behalf of the land authority by the State Board of Administration or by another trustee appointed for that purpose.
      (7) To contract for and to accept gifts, grants, loans, or other aid from the United States Government or any person or corporation, including gifts of real property or any interest therein.
      (8) To insure and procure insurance against any loss in connection with any bonds of the land authority and the land authority’s operations, including without limitation:
      (a) The repayment of any loans to mortgage lenders or mortgage loans;
      (b) Any project;
      (c) Any bonds of the land authority;
      in such amounts and from such insurers, including the Federal Government, as it may deem necessary or desirable and to pay any premiums therefor.
      (9) To engage the services of private consultants on a contract basis for rendering professional and technical assistance and advice.
      (10) To make and execute agreements, contracts, and other instruments necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers and functions of the land authority under this act, including contracts with any person, firm, corporation, local government, or other entity; and all local governments established under the laws of the state are hereby authorized to enter into and do all things necessary to perform such contracts and otherwise cooperate with the land authority to facilitate the accomplishment of the purposes of this act.
      (11) To undertake any actions necessary to conduct a feasibility and design study for a solid waste management facility in an area of critical state concern and, if such project is feasible, to carry out such project.
      (12) To identify parcels of land within the area or areas of critical state concern that would be appropriate acquisitions by the state and recommend such acquisitions to the advisory council established pursuant to s. 259.035 or its successor.
      (13) To do any and all things necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of, and exercise the powers given and granted in, this act.
      History.—s. 1, ch. 86-170; s. 5, ch. 88-164; s. 3, ch. 88-376; s. 15, ch. 89-116; s. 10, ch. 92-288; s. 40, ch. 99-247; s. 4, ch. 2006-223; s. 38, ch. 2013-18; s. 31, ch. 2015-30; s. 63, ch. 2015-229.
      Copyright © 1995-2016 The Florida Legislature • Privacy Statement • Contact Us

      The 2015 Florida Statutes

      Title XI
      COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
      Chapter 125
      COUNTY GOVERNMENT
      View Entire Chapter
      125.0108 Areas of critical state concern; tourist impact tax.—
      (1)(a) Subject to the provisions of this section, any county creating a land authority pursuant to s. 380.0663(1) is authorized to levy by ordinance, in the area or areas within said county designated as an area of critical state concern pursuant to chapter 380, a tourist impact tax on the taxable privileges described in paragraph (b); however, if the area or areas of critical state concern are greater than 50 percent of the land area of the county, the tax may be levied throughout the entire county. Such tax shall not be effective unless and until land development regulations and a local comprehensive plan that meet the requirements of chapter 380 have become effective and such tax is approved by referendum as provided for in subsection (5).
      (b)1. It is declared to be the intent of the Legislature that every person who rents, leases, or lets for consideration any living quarters or accommodations in any hotel, apartment hotel, motel, resort motel, apartment, apartment motel, roominghouse, mobile home park, recreational vehicle park, condominium, or timeshare resort for a term of 6 months or less, unless such establishment is exempt from the tax imposed by s. 212.03, is exercising a taxable privilege on the proceeds therefrom under this section.
      2.a. Tax shall be due on the consideration paid for occupancy in the county pursuant to a regulated short-term product, as defined in s. 721.05, or occupancy in the county pursuant to a product that would be deemed a regulated short-term product if the agreement to purchase the short-term right were executed in this state. Such tax shall be collected on the last day of occupancy within the county unless such consideration is applied to the purchase of a timeshare estate. The occupancy of an accommodation of a timeshare resort pursuant to a timeshare plan, a multisite timeshare plan, or an exchange transaction in an exchange program, as defined in s. 721.05, by the owner of a timeshare interest or such owner’s guest, which guest is not paying monetary consideration to the owner or to a third party for the benefit of the owner, is not a privilege subject to taxation under this section. A membership or transaction fee paid by a timeshare owner that does not provide the timeshare owner with the right to occupy any specific timeshare unit but merely provides the timeshare owner with the opportunity to exchange a timeshare interest through an exchange program is a service charge and not subject to taxation under this section.
      b. Consideration paid for the purchase of a timeshare license in a timeshare plan, as defined in s. 721.05, is rent subject to taxation under this section.
      (c) The governing board of the county may, by passage of a resolution by four-fifths vote, repeal such tax.
      (d) The tourist impact tax shall be levied at the rate of 1 percent of each dollar and major fraction thereof of the total consideration charged for such taxable privilege. When receipt of consideration is by way of property other than money, the tax shall be levied and imposed on the fair market value of such nonmonetary consideration.
      (e) The tourist impact tax shall be in addition to any other tax imposed pursuant to chapter 212 and in addition to all other taxes and fees and the consideration for the taxable privilege.
      (f) The tourist impact tax shall be charged by the person receiving the consideration for the taxable privilege, and it shall be collected from the lessee, tenant, or customer at the time of payment of the consideration for such taxable privilege.
      (g) A county that has levied the tourist impact tax authorized by this section in an area or areas designated as an area of critical state concern for at least 20 consecutive years prior to removal of the designation may continue to levy the tourist impact tax in accordance with this section for 20 years following removal of the designation. After expiration of the 20-year period, a county may continue to levy the tourist impact tax authorized by this section if the county adopts an ordinance reauthorizing levy of the tax and the continued levy of the tax is approved by referendum as provided for in subsection (5).
      (2)(a) The person receiving the consideration for such taxable privilege and the person doing business within such area or areas of critical state concern or within the entire county, as applicable, shall receive, account for, and remit the tourist impact tax to the Department of Revenue at the time and in the manner provided for persons who collect and remit taxes under chapter 212. The same duties and privileges imposed by chapter 212 upon dealers in tangible property, respecting the collection and remission of tax; the making of returns; the keeping of books, records, and accounts; and compliance with the rules of the Department of Revenue in the administration of that chapter shall apply to and be binding upon all persons who are subject to the provisions of this section. However, the Department of Revenue may authorize a quarterly return and payment when the tax remitted by the dealer for the preceding quarter did not exceed $25.
      (b) The Department of Revenue shall keep records showing the amount of taxes collected, which records shall also include records disclosing the amount of taxes collected for and from each county in which the tax imposed and authorized by this section is applicable. These records shall be open for inspection during the regular office hours of the Department of Revenue, subject to the provisions of s. 213.053.
      (c) Collections received by the Department of Revenue from the tax, less costs of administration of this section, shall be paid and returned monthly to the county and the land authority in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3).
      (d) The Department of Revenue is authorized to employ persons and incur other expenses for which funds are appropriated by the Legislature.
      (e) The Department of Revenue is empowered to promulgate such rules and prescribe and publish such forms as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section. The department is authorized to establish audit procedures and to assess for delinquent taxes.
      (f) The estimated tax provisions contained in s. 212.11 do not apply to the administration of any tax levied under this section.
      (3) All tax revenues received pursuant to this section, less administrative costs, shall be distributed as follows:
      (a) Fifty percent shall be transferred to the land authority to be used in accordance with s. 380.0666 in the area of critical state concern for which the revenue is generated. An amount not to exceed 5 percent may be used for administration and other costs incident to the exercise of said powers.
      (b) Fifty percent shall be distributed to the governing body of the county where the revenue was generated. Such proceeds shall be used to offset the loss of ad valorem taxes due to acquisitions provided for by this act.
      (4)(a) Any person who is taxable hereunder who fails or refuses to charge and collect from the person paying for the taxable privilege the taxes herein provided, either by himself or herself or through agents or employees, is, in addition to being personally liable for the payment of the tax, guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
      (b) No person shall advertise or hold out to the public in any manner, directly or indirectly, that he or she will absorb all or any part of the tax; that he or she will relieve the person paying for the taxable privilege of the payment of all or any part of the tax; or that the tax will not be added to the consideration for the taxable privilege or that, when added, the tax or any part thereof will be refunded or refused, either directly or indirectly, by any method whatsoever. Any person who willfully violates any provision of this paragraph is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
      (c) The tax authorized to be levied by this section shall constitute a lien on the property of the business, lessee, customer, or tenant in the same manner as, and shall be collectible as are, liens authorized and imposed in ss. 713.67, 713.68, and 713.69.
      (5) The tourist impact tax authorized by this section shall take effect only upon express approval by a majority vote of those qualified electors in the area or areas of critical state concern in the county seeking to levy such tax, voting in a referendum to be held by the governing board of such county in conjunction with a general or special election, in accordance with the provisions of law relating to elections currently in force. However, if the area or areas of critical state concern are greater than 50 percent of the land area of the county and the tax is to be imposed throughout the entire county, the tax shall take effect only upon express approval of a majority of the qualified electors of the county voting in such a referendum.
      (6) The effective date of the levy and imposition of the tourist impact tax authorized under this section shall be the first day of the second month following approval of the ordinance by referendum or the first day of any subsequent month as may be specified in the ordinance. A certified copy of the ordinance shall include the time period and the effective date of the tax levy and shall be furnished by the county to the Department of Revenue within 10 days after passing an ordinance levying such tax and again within 10 days after approval by referendum of such tax. If applicable, the county levying the tax shall provide the Department of Revenue with a list of the businesses in the area of critical state concern where the tourist impact tax is levied by zip code or other means of identification. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 213.053, the Department of Revenue shall assist the county in compiling such list of businesses. The tourist impact tax, if not repealed sooner pursuant to paragraph (1)(c), shall be repealed 10 years after the date the area of critical state concern designation is removed.
      History.—s. 2, ch. 86-170; s. 4, ch. 87-280; s. 29, ch. 90-132; s. 231, ch. 91-224; s. 813, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 97-99; s. 21, ch. 2001-60; s. 13, ch. 2001-252; s. 1, ch. 2006-223; s. 2, ch. 2009-133; s. 32, ch. 2015-30.

  9. and a final thought on the mullet wrapper…remember the dredging vote of supra majority days? right thereafter the paper removed its ‘comment’ section under all its stories. I was told by their it dept it was for the purpose of enhancing the comment section and would be back better then ever????? anyone see it now??? anyone?
    yes better then ever for the pro-dredgers! one paper down on citizen opinion I would think. seems the citizewn opinion freaked the establishment sooooo much that the comments were removed in that we would be more isolated and maybe lean toward a different vote if so isolated. that’s my take and I’m stickin to it! bless the blue paper and naja and arnaud.

  10. I read it and yes that section seems in conflict with the following.

    125.0104 Tourist development tax; procedure for levying; authorized uses; referendum; enforcement.—
    (1) SHORT TITLE.—This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Local Option Tourist Development Act.”
    (2) APPLICATION; DEFINITIONS.—
    (a) Application.—The provisions contained in chapter 212 apply to the administration of any tax levied pursuant to this section.
    (b) Definitions.—For purposes of this section:
    1. “Promotion” means marketing or advertising designed to increase tourist-related business activities.
    2. “Tourist” means a person who participates in trade or recreation activities outside the county of his or her permanent residence or who rents or leases transient accommodations as described in paragraph (3)(a).
    3. “Retained spring training franchise” means a spring training franchise that had a location in this state on or before December 31, 1998, and that has continuously remained at that location for at least the 10 years preceding that date.
    (3) TAXABLE PRIVILEGES; EXEMPTIONS; LEVY; RATE.—
    (a)1. It is declared to be the intent of the Legislature that every person who rents, leases, or lets for consideration any living quarters or accommodations in any hotel, apartment hotel, motel, resort motel, apartment, apartment motel, roominghouse, mobile home park, recreational vehicle park, condominium, or timeshare resort for a term of 6 months or less is exercising a privilege which is subject to taxation under this section, unless such person rents, leases, or lets for consideration any living quarters or accommodations which are exempt according to the provisions of chapter 212.
    2.a. Tax shall be due on the consideration paid for occupancy in the county pursuant to a regulated short-term product, as defined in s. 721.05, or occupancy in the county pursuant to a product that would be deemed a regulated short-term product if the agreement to purchase the short-term right were executed in this state. Such tax shall be collected on the last day of occupancy within the county unless such consideration is applied to the purchase of a timeshare estate. The occupancy of an accommodation of a timeshare resort pursuant to a timeshare plan, a multisite timeshare plan, or an exchange transaction in an exchange program, as defined in s. 721.05, by the owner of a timeshare interest or such owner’s guest, which guest is not paying monetary consideration to the owner or to a third party for the benefit of the owner, is not a privilege subject to taxation under this section. A membership or transaction fee paid by a timeshare owner that does not provide the timeshare owner with the right to occupy any specific timeshare unit but merely provides the timeshare owner with the opportunity to exchange a timeshare interest through an exchange program is a service charge and not subject to taxation under this section.
    b. Consideration paid for the purchase of a timeshare license in a timeshare plan, as defined in s. 721.05, is rent subject to taxation under this section.
    (b) Subject to the provisions of this section, any county in this state may levy and impose a tourist development tax on the exercise within its boundaries of the taxable privilege described in paragraph (a), except that there shall be no additional levy under this section in any cities or towns presently imposing a municipal resort tax as authorized under chapter 67-930, Laws of Florida, and this section shall not in any way affect the powers and existence of any tourist development authority created pursuant to chapter 67-930, Laws of Florida. No county authorized to levy a convention development tax pursuant to s. 212.0305, or to s. 8 of chapter 84-324, Laws of Florida, shall be allowed to levy more than the 2-percent tax authorized by this section. A county may elect to levy and impose the tourist development tax in a subcounty special district of the county. However, if a county so elects to levy and impose the tax on a subcounty special district basis, the district shall embrace all or a significant contiguous portion of the county, and the county shall assist the Department of Revenue in identifying the rental units subject to tax in the district.
    (c) The tourist development tax shall be levied, imposed, and set by the governing board of the county at a rate of 1 percent or 2 percent of each dollar and major fraction of each dollar of the total consideration charged for such lease or rental. When receipt of consideration is by way of property other than money, the tax shall be levied and imposed on the fair market value of such nonmonetary consideration.
    (d) In addition to any 1-percent or 2-percent tax imposed under paragraph (c), the governing board of the county may levy, impose, and set an additional 1 percent of each dollar above the tax rate set under paragraph (c) by the extraordinary vote of the governing board for the purposes set forth in subsection (5) or by referendum approval by the registered electors within the county or subcounty special district. No county shall levy, impose, and set the tax authorized under this paragraph unless the county has imposed the 1-percent or 2-percent tax authorized under paragraph (c) for a minimum of 3 years prior to the effective date of the levy and imposition of the tax authorized by this paragraph. Revenues raised by the additional tax authorized under this paragraph shall not be used for debt service on or refinancing of existing facilities as specified in subparagraph (5)(a)1. unless approved by a resolution adopted by an extraordinary majority of the total membership of the governing board of the county. If the 1-percent or 2-percent tax authorized in paragraph (c) is levied within a subcounty special taxing district, the additional tax authorized in this paragraph shall only be levied therein. The provisions of paragraphs (4)(a)-(d) shall not apply to the adoption of the additional tax authorized in this paragraph. The effective date of the levy and imposition of the tax authorized under this paragraph shall be the first day of the second month following approval of the ordinance by the governing board or the first day of any subsequent month as may be specified in the ordinance. A certified copy of such ordinance shall be furnished by the county to the Department of Revenue within 10 days after approval of such ordinance.
    (e) The tourist development tax shall be in addition to any other tax imposed pursuant to chapter 212 and in addition to all other taxes and fees and the consideration for the rental or lease.
    (f) The tourist development tax shall be charged by the person receiving the consideration for the lease or rental, and it shall be collected from the lessee, tenant, or customer at the time of payment of the consideration for such lease or rental.
    (g) The person receiving the consideration for such rental or lease shall receive, account for, and remit the tax to the Department of Revenue at the time and in the manner provided for persons who collect and remit taxes under s. 212.03. The same duties and privileges imposed by chapter 212 upon dealers in tangible property, respecting the collection and remission of tax; the making of returns; the keeping of books, records, and accounts; and compliance with the rules of the Department of Revenue in the administration of that chapter shall apply to and be binding upon all persons who are subject to the provisions of this section. However, the Department of Revenue may authorize a quarterly return and payment when the tax remitted by the dealer for the preceding quarter did not exceed $25.
    (h) The Department of Revenue shall keep records showing the amount of taxes collected, which records shall also include records disclosing the amount of taxes collected for and from each county in which the tax authorized by this section is applicable. These records shall be open for inspection during the regular office hours of the Department of Revenue, subject to the provisions of s. 213.053.
    (i) Collections received by the Department of Revenue from the tax, less costs of administration of this section, shall be paid and returned monthly to the county which imposed the tax, for use by the county in accordance with the provisions of this section. They shall be placed in the county tourist development trust fund of the respective county, which shall be established by each county as a condition precedent to receipt of such funds.
    (j) The Department of Revenue is authorized to employ persons and incur other expenses for which funds are appropriated by the Legislature.
    (k) The Department of Revenue shall promulgate such rules and shall prescribe and publish such forms as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section.
    (l) In addition to any other tax which is imposed pursuant to this section, a county may impose up to an additional 1-percent tax on the exercise of the privilege described in paragraph (a) by majority vote of the governing board of the county in order to:
    1. Pay the debt service on bonds issued to finance the construction, reconstruction, or renovation of a professional sports franchise facility, or the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or renovation of a retained spring training franchise facility, either publicly owned and operated, or publicly owned and operated by the owner of a professional sports franchise or other lessee with sufficient expertise or financial capability to operate such facility, and to pay the planning and design costs incurred prior to the issuance of such bonds.
    2. Pay the debt service on bonds issued to finance the construction, reconstruction, or renovation of a convention center, and to pay the planning and design costs incurred prior to the issuance of such bonds.
    3. Pay the operation and maintenance costs of a convention center for a period of up to 10 years. Only counties that have elected to levy the tax for the purposes authorized in subparagraph 2. may use the tax for the purposes enumerated in this subparagraph. Any county that elects to levy the tax for the purposes authorized in subparagraph 2. after July 1, 2000, may use the proceeds of the tax to pay the operation and maintenance costs of a convention center for the life of the bonds.
    4. Promote and advertise tourism in the State of Florida and nationally and internationally; however, if tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue, or event, the activity, service, venue, or event shall have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue, or event to tourists.
    The provision of paragraph (b) which prohibits any county authorized to levy a convention development tax pursuant to s. 212.0305 from levying more than the 2-percent tax authorized by this section, and the provisions of paragraphs (4)(a)-(d), shall not apply to the additional tax authorized in this paragraph. The effective date of the levy and imposition of the tax authorized under this paragraph shall be the first day of the second month following approval of the ordinance by the governing board or the first day of any subsequent month as may be specified in the ordinance. A certified copy of such ordinance shall be furnished by the county to the Department of Revenue within 10 days after approval of such ordinance.
    (m)1. In addition to any other tax which is imposed pursuant to this section, a high tourism impact county may impose an additional 1-percent tax on the exercise of the privilege described in paragraph (a) by extraordinary vote of the governing board of the county. The tax revenues received pursuant to this paragraph shall be used for one or more of the authorized uses pursuant to subsection (5).
    2. A county is considered to be a high tourism impact county after the Department of Revenue has certified to such county that the sales subject to the tax levied pursuant to this section exceeded $600 million during the previous calendar year, or were at least 18 percent of the county’s total taxable sales under chapter 212 where the sales subject to the tax levied pursuant to this section were a minimum of $200 million, except that no county authorized to levy a convention development tax pursuant to s. 212.0305 shall be considered a high tourism impact county. Once a county qualifies as a high tourism impact county, it shall retain this designation for the period the tax is levied pursuant to this paragraph.
    3. The provisions of paragraphs (4)(a)-(d) shall not apply to the adoption of the additional tax authorized in this paragraph. The effective date of the levy and imposition of the tax authorized under this paragraph shall be the first day of the second month following approval of the ordinance by the governing board or the first day of any subsequent month as may be specified in the ordinance. A certified copy of such ordinance shall be furnished by the county to the Department of Revenue within 10 days after approval of such ordinance.
    (n) In addition to any other tax that is imposed under this section, a county that has imposed the tax under paragraph (l) may impose an additional tax that is no greater than 1 percent on the exercise of the privilege described in paragraph (a) by a majority plus one vote of the membership of the board of county commissioners in order to:
    1. Pay the debt service on bonds issued to finance:
    a. The construction, reconstruction, or renovation of a facility either publicly owned and operated, or publicly owned and operated by the owner of a professional sports franchise or other lessee with sufficient expertise or financial capability to operate such facility, and to pay the planning and design costs incurred prior to the issuance of such bonds for a new professional sports franchise as defined in s. 288.1162.
    b. The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or renovation of a facility either publicly owned and operated, or publicly owned and operated by the owner of a professional sports franchise or other lessee with sufficient expertise or financial capability to operate such facility, and to pay the planning and design costs incurred prior to the issuance of such bonds for a retained spring training franchise.
    2. Promote and advertise tourism in the State of Florida and nationally and internationally; however, if tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue, or event, the activity, service, venue, or event shall have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue, or event to tourists.
    A county that imposes the tax authorized in this paragraph may not expend any ad valorem tax revenues for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or renovation of a facility for which tax revenues are used pursuant to subparagraph 1. The provision of paragraph (b) which prohibits any county authorized to levy a convention development tax pursuant to s. 212.0305 from levying more than the 2-percent tax authorized by this section shall not apply to the additional tax authorized by this paragraph in counties which levy convention development taxes pursuant to s. 212.0305(4)(a). Subsection (4) does not apply to the adoption of the additional tax authorized in this paragraph. The effective date of the levy and imposition of the tax authorized under this paragraph is the first day of the second month following approval of the ordinance by the board of county commissioners or the first day of any subsequent month specified in the ordinance. A certified copy of such ordinance shall be furnished by the county to the Department of Revenue within 10 days after approval of the ordinance.
    (4) ORDINANCE LEVY TAX; PROCEDURE.—
    (a) The tourist development tax shall be levied and imposed pursuant to an ordinance containing the county tourist development plan prescribed under paragraph (c), enacted by the governing board of the county. The ordinance levying and imposing the tourist development tax shall not be effective unless the electors of the county or the electors in the subcounty special district in which the tax is to be levied approve the ordinance authorizing the levy and imposition of the tax, in accordance with subsection (6). The effective date of the levy and imposition of the tax shall be the first day of the second month following approval of the ordinance by referendum, as prescribed in subsection (6), or the first day of any subsequent month as may be specified in the ordinance. A certified copy of the ordinance shall be furnished by the county to the Department of Revenue within 10 days after approval of such ordinance. The governing authority of any county levying such tax shall notify the department, within 10 days after approval of the ordinance by referendum, of the time period during which the tax will be levied.
    (b) At least 60 days prior to the enactment of the ordinance levying the tax, the governing board of the county shall adopt a resolution establishing and appointing the members of the county tourist development council, as prescribed in paragraph (e), and indicating the intention of the county to consider the enactment of an ordinance levying and imposing the tourist development tax.
    (c) Prior to enactment of the ordinance levying and imposing the tax, the county tourist development council shall prepare and submit to the governing board of the county for its approval a plan for tourist development. The plan shall set forth the anticipated net tourist development tax revenue to be derived by the county for the 24 months following the levy of the tax; the tax district in which the tourist development tax is proposed; and a list, in the order of priority, of the proposed uses of the tax revenue by specific project or special use as the same are authorized under subsection (5). The plan shall include the approximate cost or expense allocation for each specific project or special use.
    (d) The governing board of the county shall adopt the county plan for tourist development as part of the ordinance levying the tax. After enactment of the ordinance levying and imposing the tax, the plan of tourist development may not be substantially amended except by ordinance enacted by an affirmative vote of a majority plus one additional member of the governing board.
    (e) The governing board of each county which levies and imposes a tourist development tax under this section shall appoint an advisory council to be known as the “ (name of county) Tourist Development Council.” The council shall be established by ordinance and composed of nine members who shall be appointed by the governing board. The chair of the governing board of the county or any other member of the governing board as designated by the chair shall serve on the council. Two members of the council shall be elected municipal officials, at least one of whom shall be from the most populous municipality in the county or subcounty special taxing district in which the tax is levied. Six members of the council shall be persons who are involved in the tourist industry and who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development, of which members, not less than three nor more than four shall be owners or operators of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the tax. All members of the council shall be electors of the county. The governing board of the county shall have the option of designating the chair of the council or allowing the council to elect a chair. The chair shall be appointed or elected annually and may be reelected or reappointed. The members of the council shall serve for staggered terms of 4 years. The terms of office of the original members shall be prescribed in the resolution required under paragraph (b). The council shall meet at least once each quarter and, from time to time, shall make recommendations to the county governing board for the effective operation of the special projects or for uses of the tourist development tax revenue and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by county ordinance or resolution. The council shall continuously review expenditures of revenues from the tourist development trust fund and shall receive, at least quarterly, expenditure reports from the county governing board or its designee. Expenditures which the council believes to be unauthorized shall be reported to the county governing board and the Department of Revenue. The governing board and the department shall review the findings of the council and take appropriate administrative or judicial action to ensure compliance with this section. The changes in the composition of the membership of the tourist development council mandated by chapter 86-4, Laws of Florida, and this act shall not cause the interruption of the current term of any person who is a member of a council on October 1, 1996.
    (5) AUTHORIZED USES OF REVENUE.—
    (a) All tax revenues received pursuant to this section by a county imposing the tourist development tax shall be used by that county for the following purposes only:
    1. To acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain, operate, or promote one or more:
    a. Publicly owned and operated convention centers, sports stadiums, sports arenas, coliseums, or auditoriums within the boundaries of the county or subcounty special taxing district in which the tax is levied; or
    b. Aquariums or museums that are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public, within the boundaries of the county or subcounty special taxing district in which the tax is levied;
    2. To promote zoological parks that are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public;
    3. To promote and advertise tourism in this state and nationally and internationally; however, if tax revenues are expended for an activity, service, venue, or event, the activity, service, venue, or event must have as one of its main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue, or event to tourists;
    4. To fund convention bureaus, tourist bureaus, tourist information centers, and news bureaus as county agencies or by contract with the chambers of commerce or similar associations in the county, which may include any indirect administrative costs for services performed by the county on behalf of the promotion agency; or
    5. To finance beach park facilities or beach improvement, maintenance, renourishment, restoration, and erosion control, including shoreline protection, enhancement, cleanup, or restoration of inland lakes and rivers to which there is public access as those uses relate to the physical preservation of the beach, shoreline, or inland lake or river. However, any funds identified by a county as the local matching source for beach renourishment, restoration, or erosion control projects included in the long-range budget plan of the state’s Beach Management Plan, pursuant to s. 161.091, or funds contractually obligated by a county in the financial plan for a federally authorized shore protection project may not be used or loaned for any other purpose. In counties of fewer than 100,000 population, up to 10 percent of the revenues from the tourist development tax may be used for beach park facilities.
    Subparagraphs 1. and 2. may be implemented through service contracts and leases with lessees that have sufficient expertise or financial capability to operate such facilities.
    (b) Tax revenues received pursuant to this section by a county of less than 750,000 population imposing a tourist development tax may only be used by that county for the following purposes in addition to those purposes allowed pursuant to paragraph (a): to acquire, construct, extend, enlarge, remodel, repair, improve, maintain, operate, or promote one or more zoological parks, fishing piers or nature centers which are publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by not-for-profit organizations and open to the public. All population figures relating to this subsection shall be based on the most recent population estimates prepared pursuant to the provisions of s. 186.901. These population estimates shall be those in effect on July 1 of each year.
    (c) The revenues to be derived from the tourist development tax may be pledged to secure and liquidate revenue bonds issued by the county for the purposes set forth in subparagraphs (a)1., 2., and 5. or for the purpose of refunding bonds previously issued for such purposes, or both; however, no more than 50 percent of the revenues from the tourist development tax may be pledged to secure and liquidate revenue bonds or revenue refunding bonds issued for the purposes set forth in subparagraph (a)5. Such revenue bonds and revenue refunding bonds may be authorized and issued in such principal amounts, with such interest rates and maturity dates, and subject to such other terms, conditions, and covenants as the governing board of the county shall provide. The Legislature intends that this paragraph be full and complete authority for accomplishing such purposes, but such authority is supplemental and additional to, and not in derogation of, any powers now existing or later conferred under law.
    (d) Any use of the local option tourist development tax revenues collected pursuant to this section for a purpose not expressly authorized by paragraph (3)(l) or paragraph (3)(n) or paragraph (a), paragraph (b), or paragraph (c) of this subsection is expressly prohibited.
    (6) REFERENDUM.—
    (a) No ordinance enacted by any county levying the tax authorized by paragraphs (3)(b) and (c) shall take effect until the ordinance levying and imposing the tax has been approved in a referendum election by a majority of the electors voting in such election in the county or by a majority of the electors voting in the subcounty special tax district affected by the tax.
    (b) The governing board of the county levying the tax shall arrange to place a question on the ballot at the next regular or special election to be held within the county, substantially as follows:
    FOR the Tourist Development Tax
    AGAINST the Tourist Development Tax.
    (c) If a majority of the electors voting on the question approve the levy, the ordinance shall be deemed to be in effect.
    (d) In any case where a referendum levying and imposing the tax has been approved pursuant to this section and 15 percent of the electors in the county or 15 percent of the electors in the subcounty special district in which the tax is levied file a petition with the board of county commissioners for a referendum to repeal the tax, the board of county commissioners shall cause an election to be held for the repeal of the tax which election shall be subject only to the outstanding bonds for which the tax has been pledged. However, the repeal of the tax shall not be effective with respect to any portion of taxes initially levied in November 1989, which has been pledged or is being used to support bonds under paragraph (3)(d) or paragraph (3)(l) until the retirement of those bonds.
    (7) AUTOMATIC EXPIRATION ON RETIREMENT OF BONDS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if the plan for tourist development approved by the governing board of the county, as amended pursuant to paragraph (4)(d), includes the acquisition, construction, extension, enlargement, remodeling, repair, or improvement of a publicly owned and operated convention center, sports stadium, sports arena, coliseum, or auditorium, or museum or aquarium that is publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by a not-for-profit organization, the county ordinance levying and imposing the tax automatically expires upon the later of:
    (a) The retirement of all bonds issued by the county for financing the acquisition, construction, extension, enlargement, remodeling, repair, or improvement of a publicly owned and operated convention center, sports stadium, sports arena, coliseum, or auditorium, or museum or aquarium that is publicly owned and operated or owned and operated by a not-for-profit organization; or
    (b) The expiration of any agreement by the county for the operation or maintenance, or both, of a publicly owned and operated convention center, sports stadium, sports arena, coliseum, auditorium, aquarium, or museum. However, this does not preclude that county from amending the ordinance extending the tax to the extent that the board of the county determines to be necessary to provide funds to operate, maintain, repair, or renew and replace a publicly owned and operated convention center, sports stadium, sports arena, coliseum, auditorium, aquarium, or museum or from enacting an ordinance that takes effect without referendum approval, unless the original referendum required ordinance expiration, pursuant to the provisions of this section reimposing a tourist development tax, upon or following the expiration of the previous ordinance.
    (8) PROHIBITED ACTS; ENFORCEMENT; PENALTIES.—
    (a) Any person who is taxable hereunder who fails or refuses to charge and collect from the person paying any rental or lease the taxes herein provided, either by himself or herself or through agents or employees, is, in addition to being personally liable for the payment of the tax, guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
    (b) No person shall advertise or hold out to the public in any manner, directly or indirectly, that he or she will absorb all or any part of the tax, that he or she will relieve the person paying the rental of the payment of all or any part of the tax, or that the tax will not be added to the rental or lease consideration or, when added, that it or any part thereof will be refunded or refused, either directly or indirectly, by any method whatsoever. Any person who willfully violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
    (c) The tax authorized to be levied by this section shall constitute a lien on the property of the lessee, customer, or tenant in the same manner as, and shall be collectible as are, liens authorized and imposed in ss. 713.67, 713.68, and 713.69.
    (9) COUNTY TOURISM PROMOTION AGENCIES.—In addition to any other powers and duties provided for agencies created for the purpose of tourism promotion by a county levying the tourist development tax, such agencies are authorized and empowered to:
    (a) Provide, arrange, and make expenditures for transportation, lodging, meals, and other reasonable and necessary items and services for such persons, as determined by the head of the agency, in connection with the performance of promotional and other duties of the agency. However, entertainment expenses shall be authorized only when meeting with travel writers, tour brokers, or other persons connected with the tourist industry. All travel and entertainment-related expenditures in excess of $10 made pursuant to this subsection shall be substantiated by paid bills therefor. Complete and detailed justification for all travel and entertainment-related expenditures made pursuant to this subsection shall be shown on the travel expense voucher or attached thereto. Transportation and other incidental expenses, other than those provided in s. 112.061, shall only be authorized for officers and employees of the agency, other authorized persons, travel writers, tour brokers, or other persons connected with the tourist industry when traveling pursuant to paragraph (c). All other transportation and incidental expenses pursuant to this subsection shall be as provided in s. 112.061. Operational or promotional advancements, as defined in s. 288.35(4), obtained pursuant to this subsection, shall not be commingled with any other funds.
    (b) Pay by advancement or reimbursement, or a combination thereof, the costs of per diem and incidental expenses of officers and employees of the agency and other authorized persons, for foreign travel at the current rates as specified in the federal publication “Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas).” The provisions of this paragraph shall apply for any officer or employee of the agency traveling in foreign countries for the purposes of promoting tourism and travel to the county, if such travel expenses are approved and certified by the agency head from whose funds the traveler is paid. As used in this paragraph, the term “authorized person” shall have the same meaning as provided in s. 112.061(2)(e). With the exception of provisions concerning rates of payment for per diem, the provisions of s. 112.061 are applicable to the travel described in this paragraph. As used in this paragraph, “foreign travel” means all travel outside the United States. Persons traveling in foreign countries pursuant to this subsection shall not be entitled to reimbursements or advancements pursuant to s. 112.061(6)(a)2.
    (c) Pay by advancement or reimbursement, or by a combination thereof, the actual reasonable and necessary costs of travel, meals, lodging, and incidental expenses of officers and employees of the agency and other authorized persons when meeting with travel writers, tour brokers, or other persons connected with the tourist industry, and while attending or traveling in connection with travel or trade shows. With the exception of provisions concerning rates of payment, the provisions of s. 112.061 are applicable to the travel described in this paragraph.
    (d) Undertake marketing research and advertising research studies and provide reservations services and convention and meetings booking services consistent with the authorized uses of revenue as set forth in subsection (5).
    1. Information given to a county tourism promotion agency which, if released, would reveal the identity of persons or entities who provide data or other information as a response to a sales promotion effort, an advertisement, or a research project or whose names, addresses, meeting or convention plan information or accommodations or other visitation needs become booking or reservation list data, is exempt from s. 119.07(1) and from s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.
    2. The following information, when held by a county tourism promotion agency, is exempt from s. 119.07(1) and from s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution:
    a. A trade secret, as defined in s. 812.081.
    b. Booking business records, as defined in s. 255.047.
    c. Trade secrets and commercial or financial information gathered from a person and privileged or confidential, as defined and interpreted under 5 U.S.C. s. 552(b)(4), or any amendments thereto.
    (e) Represent themselves to the public as convention and visitors bureaus, visitors bureaus, tourist development councils, vacation bureaus, or county tourism promotion agencies operating under any other name or names specifically designated by ordinance.
    (10) LOCAL ADMINISTRATION OF TAX.—
    (a) A county levying a tax under this section or s. 125.0108 may be exempted from the requirements of the respective section that:
    1. The tax collected be remitted to the Department of Revenue before being returned to the county; and
    2. The tax be administered according to chapter 212,
    if the county adopts an ordinance providing for the local collection and administration of the tax.
    (b) The ordinance shall include provision for, but need not be limited to:
    1. Initial collection of the tax to be made in the same manner as the tax imposed under chapter 212.
    2. Designation of the local official to whom the tax shall be remitted, and that official’s powers and duties with respect thereto. Tax revenues may be used only in accordance with the provisions of this section.
    3. Requirements respecting the keeping of appropriate books, records, and accounts by those responsible for collecting and administering the tax.
    4. Provision for payment of a dealer’s credit as required under chapter 212.
    5. A portion of the tax collected may be retained by the county for costs of administration, but such portion shall not exceed 3 percent of collections.
    (c) A county adopting an ordinance providing for the collection and administration of the tax on a local basis shall also adopt an ordinance electing either to assume all responsibility for auditing the records and accounts of dealers, and assessing, collecting, and enforcing payments of delinquent taxes, or to delegate such authority to the Department of Revenue. If the county elects to assume such responsibility, it shall be bound by all rules promulgated by the Department of Revenue pursuant to paragraph (3)(k), as well as those rules pertaining to the sales and use tax on transient rentals imposed by s. 212.03. The county may use any power granted in this section to the department to determine the amount of tax, penalties, and interest to be paid by each dealer and to enforce payment of such tax, penalties, and interest. The county may use a certified public accountant licensed in this state in the administration of its statutory duties and responsibilities. Such certified public accountants are bound by the same confidentiality requirements and subject to the same penalties as the county under s. 213.053. If the county delegates such authority to the department, the department shall distribute any collections so received, less costs of administration, to the county. The amount deducted for costs of administration by the department shall be used only for those costs which are solely and directly attributable to auditing, assessing, collecting, processing, and enforcing payments of delinquent taxes authorized in this section. If a county elects to delegate such authority to the department, the department shall audit only those businesses in the county that it audits pursuant to chapter 212.
    (11) INTEREST PAID ON DISTRIBUTIONS.—
    (a) Interest shall be paid on undistributed taxes collected and remitted to the Department of Revenue under this section. Such interest shall be included along with the tax proceeds distributed to the counties and shall be paid from moneys transferred from the General Revenue Fund. The department shall calculate the interest for net tax distributions using the average daily rate that was earned by the State Treasury for the preceding calendar quarter and paid to the General Revenue Fund. This rate shall be certified by the Chief Financial Officer to the department by the 20th day following the close of each quarter.
    (b) The interest applicable to taxes collected under this section shall be calculated by multiplying the tax amounts to be distributed times the daily rate times the number of days after the third working day following the date the tax is due and payable pursuant to s. 212.11 until the date the department issues a voucher to request the Chief Financial Officer to issue the payment warrant. The warrant shall be issued within 7 days after the request.
    (c) If an overdistribution of taxes is made by the department, interest shall be paid on the overpaid amount beginning on the date the warrant including the overpayment was issued until the third working day following the due date of the payment period from which the overpayment is being deducted. The interest on an overpayment shall be calculated using the average daily rate from the applicable calendar quarter and shall be deducted from moneys distributed to the county under this section.
    History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, ch. 77-209; s. 3, ch. 79-359; s. 72, ch. 79-400; s. 4, ch. 80-209; s. 2, ch. 80-222; s. 5, ch. 83-297; s. 1, ch. 83-321; s. 40, ch. 85-55; s. 1, ch. 86-4; s. 76, ch. 86-163; s. 61, ch. 87-6; s. 1, ch. 87-99; s. 35, ch. 87-101; s. 1, ch. 87-175; s. 5, ch. 87-280; s. 4, ch. 88-226; s. 6, ch. 88-243; s. 2, ch. 89-217; ss. 31, 66, ch. 89-356; s. 2, ch. 89-362; s. 1, ch. 90-107; s. 1, ch. 90-349; s. 81, ch. 91-45; s. 230, ch. 91-224; s. 3, ch. 92-175; s. 1, ch. 92-204; s. 32, ch. 92-320; s. 4, ch. 93-233; s. 1, ch. 94-275; s. 3, ch. 94-314; s. 37, ch. 94-338; s. 3, ch. 94-353; s. 1, ch. 95-133; s. 1434, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 95-304; s. 1, ch. 95-360; s. 1, ch. 95-416; ss. 44, 46, ch. 96-397; s. 43, ch. 96-406; s. 15, ch. 97-99; s. 1, ch. 98-106; s. 58, ch. 99-2; s. 1, ch. 99-287; ss. 6, 11, 14, ch. 2000-312; s. 11, ch. 2000-351; s. 14, ch. 2001-252; s. 10, ch. 2002-265; s. 1, ch. 2003-34; s. 1, ch. 2003-37; s. 2, ch. 2003-78; s. 145, ch. 2003-261; s. 1, ch. 2005-96; s. 1, ch. 2009-133; s. 1, ch. 2012-180; s. 1, ch. 2013-168.

    1. This is the section from the code that you site that needs to be read carefully. The other sections that allow it to be used for affordable housing are specifically mentioned:

      (10) LOCAL ADMINISTRATION OF TAX.—
      (a) A county levying a tax under this section or s. 125.0108 may be exempted from the requirements of the respective section that:
      1. The tax collected be remitted to the Department of Revenue before being returned to the county; and
      2. The tax be administered according to chapter 212,
      if the county adopts an ordinance providing for the local collection and administration of the tax.
      (b) The ordinance shall include provision for, but need not be limited to:
      1. Initial collection of the tax to be made in the same manner as the tax imposed under chapter 212.
      2. Designation of the local official to whom the tax shall be remitted, and that official’s powers and duties with respect thereto. Tax revenues may be used only in accordance with the provisions of this section.
      3. Requirements respecting the keeping of appropriate books, records, and accounts by those responsible for collecting and administering the tax.
      4. Provision for payment of a dealer’s credit as required under chapter 212.
      5. A portion of the tax collected may be retained by the county for costs of administration, but such portion shall not exceed 3 percent of collections.
      (c) A county adopting an ordinance providing for the collection and administration of the tax on a local basis shall also adopt an ordinance electing either to assume all responsibility for auditing the records and accounts of dealers, and assessing, collecting, and enforcing payments of delinquent taxes, or to delegate such authority to the Department of Revenue. If the county elects to assume such responsibility, it shall be bound by all rules promulgated by the Department of Revenue pursuant to paragraph (3)(k), as well as those rules pertaining to the sales and use tax on transient rentals imposed by s. 212.03. The county may use any power granted in this section to the department to determine the amount of tax, penalties, and interest to be paid by each dealer and to enforce payment of such tax, penalties, and interest. The county may use a certified public accountant licensed in this state in the administration of its statutory duties and responsibilities. Such certified public accountants are bound by the same confidentiality requirements and subject to the same penalties as the county under s. 213.053. If the county delegates such authority to the department, the department shall distribute any collections so received, less costs of administration, to the county. The amount deducted for costs of administration by the department shall be used only for those costs which are solely and directly attributable to auditing, assessing, collecting, processing, and enforcing payments of delinquent taxes authorized in this section. If a county elects to delegate such authority to the department, the department shall audit only those businesses in the county that it audits pursuant to chapter 212.

  11. Even if legal it sticks the tax payers with repairs ,maintenance,management, taxes and insurance. Also based on 100% occupancy and that often does not happen because between tenants you likely will be doing cleanup , repairs and market time.

    It does not create anything that already is not there. Matter of fact seems they been over charging on rent if part of it was required to be at the affordable rent rate.

    Just maybe they hope to wash them self from that potential issue.

    Only good part is I am not one of your tax payers as we will not be buying in this shaky economy. Will be waiting for next fall and it is coming soon. That is when we buy.

  12. OK, thanks I missed that part but why in the H did they bother to write it then say it can exempt itself. Seems like double talk.

    It does say COUNTY not CITY so does that change anything ? Is this 10 m City of KW or Monroe county money ?

    To me this is a wrong use.of tourist money. On average as a tourist we spend $15 a day on this tourist tax. Do not see why our money should be paying for housing of anyone. Can see it being used for almost any costs tourist create such as the un normal amount of officers needed because of high volume of tourists, cleaning up beaches or even roads that had to widened.

    1. The City asks the Land Authority for the money [both the County and Key West are “areas of critical state concern”:

      “to contribute tourist impact tax revenues received pursuant to s. 125.0108 to its most populous municipality or the housing authority of such municipality, at the request of the commission or council of such municipality, for the construction, redevelopment, or preservation of affordable housing in an area of critical state concern within such municipality; and to enter into all alternatives to the acquisition of fee interests in land, including, but not limited to, the acquisition of easements, development rights, life estates, leases, and leaseback arrangements.”

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