Tourist Development Council | Gulf County, FL
Gulf County

Tourist Development Council

The GCTDC manages the 5% tax paid by overnight visitors and reinvests it into the parks, beaches, and public services Gulf County residents rely on every day.

Our work

What we do

Tourism Marketing

Promoting Gulf County as a destination.

Event Marketing

Promoting festivals that draw visitors and residents alike.

Welcome Center

First stop for visitors arriving in the county.

Parks & Recreation

Maintaining parks, launches, and beach access.

Beach Restoration

Nourishment and coastal structure projects.

Destination Management

One clear, consistent brand for Gulf County.

Film Commission

Bringing film and media productions to the county.

Partner Programs & Admin

Supporting local partners and daily operations.

Parks & Recreation

What we maintain

The Parks & Recreation team keeps Gulf County's public parks, boat launches, and beach access points clean, safe, and open year-round — funded entirely by Tourist Development Tax dollars.

24parks
~20boat launches
20beach access
30 miof beaches
40+restrooms
Tourism's true impact

Statistics & Projects

 
$53M+
taxes generated
2,800+
jobs supported
$86M
in local wages
$259M
total visitor spending

Parks & beach projects

Mobility mat installations
Lake Alice, TL James & Honeyville Park improvements
WindMark Beach boardwalk repairs
Tree trimming along the tourist corridor
St. Joseph Peninsula nourishment & coastal structures
Mobility mat installations & beach raking
Veterans Memorial Park playground equipment
Honeyville, TL James, Gaskin & Donnie Wayne Brake Park improvements
Concrete boat ramp at Lower Landing
Turtle nesting season support (May 1–Oct 31)

Tourism dollars also fund New Year's Eve & July 4th fireworks in Wewahitchka and Port St. Joe, flags at Veterans Memorial Park, and public safety services impacted by seasonal tourism. 

Frequently asked questions

Who pays the Tourist Development Tax?

Those staying overnight in hotels, vacation rentals, and other lodging establishments pay it — residents don't.

Is this tax unique to Gulf County?

No — 62 of Florida's 67 counties collect a version of this tax from overnight guests.

I live in North Gulf County — how does this benefit me? 

Contact Us

Welcome Center(850) 229-7800
Address150 Captain Fred's Place, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Instagram@gulfcountyfl