Broward County could increase their tourism tax by 1 penny Tuesday.
Officials are considering raising the tax, from 5 percent to 6 percent, in order to fund badly needed renovations at the Convention center. That tax, combined with the county’s 6 percent sales tax, means tourists would pay 12 percent tax on their lodging expenses.
Despite the increase, it still would be lower than the 13 percent total in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, which each have 7 percent sales taxes.
Broward County Comissioner Chip LaMarca says they need these funds are vital, as the proposed expansion would allow for larger conventions.
A private contractor is also looking at building a hotel at the convention center, something that the center has been lacking for years.
The increase, which could bring in an additional $12 million a year to Broward, will come up for a final vote Nov. 7. If approved, the change will take effect Jan. 1.