Surfside is one of only three municipalities in Miami-Dade County currently eligible by Florida State Law to impose a Resort Tax of four percent (4%) on accommodations and two percent (2%) on food and beverage sales as a source of revenue. Miami Beach and Bal Harbour are the other two municipalities with the same capability. This unique revenue generating opportunity is also defined in the Town’s Charter in Sec, 69-A. Resort Tax. The Tourist Resort Tax Fund is a special revenue fund within the Town of Surfside’s budget. This means that the funds, like all special revenue funds, are collected from specific sources and dedicated to specific allowable uses.

The Tourist Board Members, appointed by the Town’s Commission, oversee the legal and appropriate use of these funds through the Tourism Director and the operations of the Tourist Bureau. The Tourist Bureau is responsible for promoting the Town’s dining, shopping, lodging, recreation and beach to visitors nationally, internationally, and within the state of Florida. Attracting visitors from within the state as well as other US cities, in addition to many Latin America countries, Canada, United Kingdom, and Israel.

Surfside is proud to re-invest 66% of Resort Tax revenues back into the operation of the Community Center, which is fully funded by this money thus lessening the tax burden on residents. The other 34% goes to promote the Town as a tourist destination with the help of the Tourist Board.

The Town of Surfside’s Tourist Bureau leads the effort to promote, assist, partner and advise local businesses in an effort to create a sense of place that encourages retention, and economic development, while retaining and enhancing the characteristics that attract residents and visitors.