The heads of the agencies that promote tourism in the Sunshine State are contacting Florida legislators with a dire warning about a plan to provide property tax relief throughout the state: The plan will backfire, costing thousands of jobs and millions in lost revenue.
The Florida House and Senate are considering versions of a bill that would redirect money from the state’s “bed” tax, aimed at moving such funds from tourism-promoting agencies toward providing some homeowner relief.
That money — paid largely by out-of-state tourists staying at hotels to visit Florida’s theme parks, beaches and historic sites — currently goes to organizations such as Visit Lauderdale in Broward County, Discover the Palm Beaches, and similar organizations in Tampa and Orlando…