Lee County authorizes more than $4M in bed taxes for beach projects

Lee County officials have approved $4.4 million in bed tax funds for beach and shoreline projects. 

In total, the money, spent through in interlocal agreements, is designed to cover 11 projects, according to a statement.

The interlocal agreements are between Lee County and the Barrier Island Parks Society, Captiva Erosion Prevention District, the city of Cape Coral, the city of Sanibel, the town of Fort Myers Beach, and the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. Commissioners approved the funding with the adoption of the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget, and the agreements authorize the work and reimbursement of expenses.

The projects, county officials say, primarily allow for maintenance of beach park facilities including public accesses, boardwalks, restrooms and equipment.

Beach and shoreline project funding accounts for 26.4% of the proceeds from the Tourist Development Tax assessed on short-term lodging, such as hotels, resorts and vacation rentals. The agreements are part of more than $11.1 million in projects using Tourist Development Taxes, including a $4 million allocation to the Beach Renourishment Trust Fund for scheduled projects.