DeSantis signs bill implementing changes to Lee County Tourist Development Council

On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 4047 into law, implementing some key changes to the Lee County Tourist Development Council.

The most notable change is that the size of the council is growing from nine to 11 members. All members will be appointed by the Lee County Board of Commissioners.

Additionally, the number of elected municipal officials is growing from two to three. The three elected municipal officials will be chosen as follows:

1st seat: A representative from the most populous municipality in Lee County

2nd seat: A representative from the municipality that generated the highest tourist tax revenue in the most recent fiscal year. If it is the same as the most populous municipality, the seat will go to the municipality with the 2nd highest revenue.

3rd seat: A representative from any other municipality, who will serve a one-year term.

The final change will increase the number of members on the council involved in the tourism industry from six to seven. Of those seven, three to five must be owners or operators of hotels, motels, RV parks, or other tourist locations.

The changes are expected to take place on July 1, 2026.