Collier County Eyes 6¢ Tourist‑Development Tax to Finish Paradise Coast Sports Vision

Collier County commissioners are close to putting a pivotal referendum on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot — asking residents whether to raise the county’s tourist‑development tax (TDT) from 5¢ to 6¢. If approved, the extra penny would help finish the ambitious Paradise Coast Sports Complex and support broader tourism initiatives across the region.

🏗️ Why it matters
The Paradise Coast Sports Complex — located off Collier Boulevard near I‑75 — is envisioned as a multi‑sport destination. Opened in 2020, it currently features eight synthetic‑turf fields and a 3,500‑seat stadium. The second phase wrapped up in October 2023. However, the vision remains incomplete. Plans for phases four and five include adding 21 full-size rectangle and diamond fields, restroom facilities, and an indoor sports fieldhouse for volleyball, basketball, pickleball, and more.

Clearing cost overruns, supply‑chain delays, contracting issues and COVID‑related slowdowns have left the complex only partly built. County Chair Burt Saunders told commissioners, “we have what I believe to be a real gem of a park. It’s just not finished… The sixth penny will generate almost $10 million a year.”

💰 The dollars behind it
Collier’s current 5% (5¢ per dollar) bed tax brought in roughly $48.6 million in the 2023–24 fiscal year. The added penny is projected to produce about $9.7 million annually, generating much‑needed revenue not only for the complex, but also for beach renourishment, advertising, and tourism promotion.

🌞 Stretching peak season
Tourism Director Jay Tusa reports an average daily resort rate (ADR) of $485 during season (Jan–Mar), dropping to $272 in June–Aug. Room nights plunged from 274,000 to 195,000 during the summer. Boosting summer draw through events and tournaments hosted at the complex could smooth revenue across seasons.

✨ A national‑level facility in the making
Since Sports Facilities Cos. began managing the complex in 2021, operations turned profitable by 2022 — thanks in part to F&B sales and hotel referral commissions. The facility was recently voted a top soccer and lacrosse venue nationwide. Organizers of baseball/softball tournaments submitted letters of support to commissioners, signaling strong demand for continued build‑out.

🏡 Community concerns & transparency
Commissioner Rick LoCastro cautioned that voters may be reluctant, noting debates around cost overruns and the complex’s unfinished state. He emphasized the importance of clear messaging and oversight, advocating partnerships with the Greater Naples Chamber to educate voters.

⚖️ Tax structure & state law
Florida allows Collier — a high‑impact tourism county — to levy up to 6¢ in TDT. The first three pennies apply to debt, operations, promotion, beaches, etc.; the fourth supports professional‑sport facility debt; the fifth is for further tourism promotion. The sixth reinstates the uses of the first three pennies, including public facilities and tourism advertising.

✅ What’s next

This fall, county staff would finalize the ballot language in English and Spanish. If the May 27 ordinance passes, voters will weigh in on November 3, 2026. If approved, the 6¢ rate would kick in January 1, 2027.

Bottom line

Collier County’s plan to raise the tourist‑development tax by a penny is far more than a numbers game — it’s a strategic investment. Closing the funding gap for Paradise Coast Sports Complex could elevate Collier’s profile as a year‑round competitive sports destination, shore up off‑season tourism, boost local hotels and restaurants, and dovetail with beach and tourism initiatives countywide. Voter approval in 2026 could mean a community asset that blends recreation, tourism, and economic growth — all funded by those who visit, not those who live here.