Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a three-year Tourist Development Tax Funding agreement with the Central Florida Zoological Society, Inc., in the amount of $350,000 per year for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029, for a total of $1,050,000 in funding allocation for marketing, advertising, maintenance, enhancements, repairs, and improvements. Countywide (Guilherme Cunha, Economic Development and Tourism Director)
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Division:
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Office of Economic Development and Tourism - Tourism
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Authorized By:
Gui Cunha, Director, Economic Development & Tourism
Contact/Phone Number:
Gui Cunha/407-665-2901
Background:
The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners has approved funding for the Central Florida Zoological Society, Inc. (“Central Florida Zoo”), for more than 20 years. The Central Florida Zoo is a Florida Not for Profit corporation organized under Chapter 617 of the Florida Statutes and was first established in 1923 as the Sanford Zoo.
As one of the most notable attractions in Seminole County, the Central Florida Zoo:
• Provides annual passes to approximately 7,000 households;
• Employs more than 100 staff members for guest services, animal care, education, facilities, horticulture, public safety, and administration;
• Cares for 350 individuals, representing 100 species of inverts, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; and
• Is home to a “Kaboom” playground special play area and hosts popular events including Brews Around the Zoo, the Zoo Boo-Bash, and the returning Asian Lantern Festival in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
The Central Florida Zoo presented its annual grant application at the April 16, 2026, Tourist Development Council meeting. The Central Florida Zoo requested $350,000 for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029. The Tourist Development Council recommended approval for funding up to a total maximum sum of $350,000 for FY2027, $350,000 for FY 2028, and $350,000 for FY 2029, for the annual funding allocations for marketing, advertising, maintenance, enhancements, repairs, and improvements.
INTENDED USE OF FUNDS
The intended use of the proposed funding will be for marketing efforts, including radio, television, print, and digital advertising, as well as accessibility, animal habitat, and facility improvements.
FUNDING HISTORY
FY 2025/26 $350,000
FY 2024/25 $350,000
FY2023/24 $340,000
FY2022/23 $325,000
FY2021/22 $300,000
FY2020/21 $300,000
FY2019/20 $390,500
FY2018/19 $355,000
FY2017/18 $325,000
FY2016/17 $325,000
FY2015/16 $225,000
FY2014/15 $225,000
FY2013/14 $225,000
FY2012/13 $225,000
FY2011/12 $225,000
FY2010/11 $225,000
FY2009/10 $225,000
FY2008/09 $300,000
FY2007/08 $300,000
FY2006/07 $300,000
FY2005/06 $270,000
FY2004/05 $270,000
FY2003/04 $270,000
The requested collective total amount of the Agreement is $1,050,000. Of the amount requested, $350,000, is currently budgeted in the FY 2027 Tourism Development budget for advertising, maintenance, enhancements, repairs, and improvements.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a three-year Tourist Development Tax Funding agreement with the Central Florida Zoological Society, Inc., in the amount of $350,000 per year for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029, for a total of $1,050,000 in funding allocation for marketing, advertising, maintenance, enhancements, repairs, and improvements.