The Value of Tourism in the Florida Keys & Key West
Visitors Fuel Our Economy
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s (TDC) mission is to manage Monroe County’s tourism marketing efforts to assure long-term economic stability resulting from visitor-related revenues. The TDC pledges to benefit residents and visitors by utilizing those financial contributions to improve the Florida Keys’ environmental and community resources. The tourism council also prioritizes enhancing residents’ quality of life and minimizing their property taxes by safeguarding the health of the county’s primary industry.
TDC’s Role in the Community
- Champion tourism as the Keys’ top economic driver, fueling jobs, small businesses and local tax revenue.
- Strengthen community connections through industry and resident engagement.
- Lead responsible travel efforts to protect the Keys’ environment, cultural heritage and quality of life.
- Support local stakeholders by sharing their stories and offerings through our channels.
- Drive strategic marketing efforts to consistently attract visitors year-round.
Tourism Impact
- Nearly 19,700 jobs directly supported by visitor spending, plus 5,700 supported by secondary spending
- More than 1 in 4 local jobs, or 26% of county jobs
- $1.12 billion in wages, benefits and proprietor income, up 3.1%
Visitor Spending & Tax Revenue
- $3.6 billion in visitor spending
- $312 million in direct travel-related tax revenue, plus $97 million in secondary state and local tax impacts, for $409 million total
- Tax revenue up 48% since 2019
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Approximately $11,900 in state and local tax revenue per household, including an estimated $1,253 in property-tax savings
Source: Dean Runyan Associates, 2025 Economic Impact Report (direct impacts: 2025; secondary multipliers: 2023).
Where Visitor Tax Revenue Goes
- $180 million in local taxes paid by visitors
- $61.2 million in tourist tax contributions to tourism promotions, event funding and conservation
- $43.1 million in sales tax contributions to local services and infrastructure
Local Investments Supported by Visitor Tax Revenue, Five-Year Trend
- $34.7 million for tourism-related attractions
- $14.7 million for beaches and beach facilities
- $11.3 million for community events
- $7.6 million for cultural events and the arts
- $5.2 million for coral restoration and the marine sanctuary
- $15 million for fishing and diving events
