Orange County’s hotel tax generated $26 million in September — the most revenue ever collected during the month. But officials warn the big increases seen the last few months are starting to level out.

“After a strong, hot summer, TDT collections cooled off in September with the start of the fall season,” Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond said in a press release about September, which includes Labor Day and then many students around the country returning to school.

Acknowledging the record-breaking September, Diamond’s Office said the total amount of revenue for Fiscal Year 2024-25 reached nearly $385 million, marking the highest annual collections ever.

Orange County collects a 6% surcharge — also known as tourism development tax ( TDT ) — on hotel rooms and short-te

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