Subject:
Title
Approval, Re: Tourist Development Council FY 2026-2027 Marketing Support Program Funding, Criteria, Application and Event Income/Event Expense Worksheet
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Fiscal Impact:
FY 2026-2027: Program funding up to $740,000 for the Marketing Support Program. $240,000 to be utilized from the Marketing Fund (1441/293050) and $500,000 from the Cultural Fund (1446/293020).
Dept/Office:
Tourism Development Office
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners approve:
1. The Tourist Development Council FY 2026-2027 Marketing Support Program Funding, Criteria, Application and Event Income/Event Expense Worksheet with highlighted changes.
2. Total funding of the FY 2026-2027 Marketing Support Program up to $740,000.
3. That the Board make the legislative finding that the Tourist Development Tax funds are authorized for each grant pursuant to Section 125.0104(5)(a)3., Florida Statutes, and Section 102-119(3)a., (3) d., (5)a. and (6)a. of the Brevard County Code of Ordinances because each grant supports an activity or event which has, as one of its main purposes, the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the activity, service, venue or event to tourists outside Brevard County.
4. That the Board will provide allocations for $20,000 per Commission District for a total of $100,000 that is part of the total $740,000.
5. That the Tourism Development Office Director be authorized to negotiate and sign all necessary grant agreements and related documents upon County Attorney Office, Risk Management and Purchasing Services approval.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
These funds are put in place for projects approved by the Tourist Development Council and the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. The Marketing Support Program will provide support to sports, cultural events, and year-round programming.
For qualified events or year-round programming, the Marketing Support Program will provide:
• Out-of-county advertising and marketing by the Tourism Development Office
• Defray the cost of renting event venues or facilities operated by Brevard County
• Allocate funds for reimbursement of expenses from the event or year-round programming
Eligible cultural-related organizations may apply to the Marketing Support Program to seek support to enhance tourist-oriented events such as visual and performing arts including theater, concerts, recitals, opera, dance, art exhibitions, festivals, and other tourist related activities. The program is administrated by the Tourism Development Office. Reimbursements up to $45,000 are available for qualifying applicants, funding determined by measurement of out-of-county attendance by Tourism Development Office staff. Applicants awarded funds may choose how they would like to allocate funds.
Eligible sports-related organizations may apply to the Marketing Support Program to seek support to enhance athletic events on the Space Coast. Sports funding awards will be calculated at $15 per room night. Support may be reimbursement of expenses and/or defray costs of Brevard County sports facilities. This program is administered by the Tourist Development Office as part of the Marketing Support Program. Reimbursement of up to $25,000 is available to support events that benefit sports tourism on the Space Coast. Qualifying grants are also subject to partial reimbursement to the TDO from the Florida Sports Foundation. Applicants awarded funds may choose how they would like to allocate funds.
The Tourist Development Council, at its March 25, 2026, meeting, voted unanimously to approve the FY 2026-2027 Marketing Support Program Funding, Criteria, Application with the changes highlighted in the attachments and approval of the FY 2026-2027 Marketing Support Program budget of $740,000. Of the $740,000, $20,000 was allocated to each Commission District office for a total of $100,000 from the program total.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please return a memo of the Board’s action to the Tourism Development Office and the County Attorney’s Office.