Florence’s High Tourist Tax Revenue

Florence had a revenue of €76.9 million from tourist tax in 2024, a dramatic increase from €45.5 million in 2022. These figures indicate that more and more tourists every year are wanting to experience the Renaissance city. But is this welcome? The newspaper Independent claims that the purpose of tourist tax is to tackle overcrowding, but it is unlikely for the small fee to deter any serious travel plans. Carpe Diem Tours, in contrast, claim that the tax is put towards promoting tourism – thus diametrically opposing the Independent’s ‘overcrowding’ claim. 

Tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno) was introduced to Florence in 2011. The rate gradually increased over time and has now remained steady since April 2023. Ranging from €4.50 to €8 per person per night, Florence’s tourist tax is is payable for up to 7 nights of continuous stay, after which, tourists are no longer required to pay. 

Depending on the type of accommodation, and its proximity to the city centre, the rate differs. A stay at 5-star hotel directly in the center, for example, will be taxed at a higher rate than a 3-star hotel on the outskirts of the city. While Airbnb and ‘B&B’ stays are capped at €5.50 per night as of August 2025. 

The City Council’s official narrative is that the revenue from tourist tax is used for the following purposes: to fund essential services such as refuse collection, preserve monuments, maintain public spaces, and finance infrastructure. It is difficult to find examples of exactly where the money has been spent, however. 

Centro Studi (using data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics; the Bank of Italy; and the Ministry of Economy and Finance) estimate that Florence has the highest tourist tax revenue in Italy, but where is this money being used? Are locals truly benefitting? It remains unclear for now exactly what the purpose of the tax is, but in the meantime, it is rumoured that Florence City Council is also considering introducing a day-trip fee, too – like the fee currently operating in Venice.