UPDATE: In a surprising move, Visit Orlando has secured a renewed contract worth $100 million annually from Orange County, despite a recent audit that revealed questionable spending practices. The board voted 5-2 in favor of this decision during a meeting on February 10, 2026, generating immediate reactions from local officials.
This contract guarantees continued significant funding for the tourism-promotion agency, ensuring it can keep attracting millions of visitors to Central Florida. The board’s decision comes just hours after commissioners received an amended contract via email at 11:13 p.m. Monday, raising concerns about the transparency of the last-minute changes.
Commissioners Mayra Uribe and Kelly Martinez Semrad, who opposed the contract, expressed frustration over insufficient time to review the terms thoroughly. They highlighted the need for clearer accountability regarding the $11 million previously designated as private funds, which will now be subject to stricter regulations.
Phil Diamond, the county’s Comptroller, assured the board that the new agreement addresses the audit findings, emphasizing that taxpayers deserve transparency on how funds are spent. “Eleven million dollars is a lot of money,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of scrutinizing expenditures.
The amended contract stipulates that Visit Orlando will continue to receive 30 cents of every dollar collected from the Tourist Development Tax (TDT). Additionally, it explicitly prohibits the agency from lobbying without prior consent from the county commission, a move aimed at enhancing accountability.
Following the vote, Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, expressed optimism about the renewed partnership. “We have now clarified our agreement and are happy to be aligned with the county,” she stated, reflecting the agency’s commitment to driving tourism in the area.
Supporters of Visit Orlando, including industry leaders and board members, praised the agency for its role in attracting 75.3 million visitors to the region in 2024, reinforcing Central Florida’s position as the nation’s top tourist destination. The TDT generated a historic $389.9 million in revenue last year, underscoring the financial importance of tourism to the local economy.
During public comments, Maria Triscari, CEO of the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the agency’s strategic marketing efforts that have positioned Central Florida as a premier destination. “Visit Orlando’s market investment is not merely promotional; it’s foundational to the prosperity of Central Florida,” she noted.
As this situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how Visit Orlando implements the new regulations and addresses the concerns raised by the audit. The county’s commitment to transparency will be crucial in maintaining public trust as they navigate this significant funding agreement.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
