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lawmakers who oversaw the state's economic development budget grew concerned Visit Florida funding would get caught in the cross-fire. "We don't want to be in a situation where Visit Florida could become a budget casualty," Gaetz said during Thursday's meeting Members asked about a draft version of Gaetz's plan, which has not yet been filed as formal legislation Another concern came from state Rep Jason Brodeur, a Sanford Republican whose Central Florida seat is in a three -county area heavily reliant on tourism, including Disney, one of the biggest players in state government. He said the region pumps out a Targe share of state tourism taxes, so he wants to make sure that, as part of any changes, the region would not lose revenue "I would be interested in working on a fairness concept since it seems an overwhelming burden would come from that three -county area," he said. Gaetz said that because Orlando's theme parks are such an attraction, tourism marketing from anywhere in the state will bring more people to Broeduer's region. "There is an algorithm somewhere at Universal or Disney showing that the brand of Florida has become so synonymous with the attractions in Central Florida," Gaetz said. "It's a win win " Along with sending tourism dollars to Visit Florida, Gaetz's proposal would also require that 40/ percent of local tourism tax dollars be spent on marketing local tourism. He said some local tourism development councils, which are set up to oversee the spending of tourism dollars, are using just one-third of their budgets on marketing, a big part of their mission The proposal also includes language requested by Larry Ashley, the sheriff of Gaetz's home county of Okaloosa. It would allow'counties the option to divert 10 percent of local tourism tax dollars to law enforcement, which under current law is not allowed. Gaetz said the money would be used to bolster police forces in towns that see a Targe influx of tourists "In the little town of Destin, there are about 50,000 people, but 4 or 5 million people stay there each year," Gaetz said of the beachside town in his district. The Florida Sheriffs Association has not yet taken a position on the bill "Normally, I would just say yes we support this bill, but our legislative committee has not reviewed this proposal," Matt Dunagan, the association's deputy executive director, wrote in an email "We will take a look in two weeks when we meet again " He said "this is an issue for -Sheriff Ashley," who did not return requests for comment. Gaetz said he has called the organization, but admitted during the committee hearing that he might need a cooling off period before starting talks with group about his plan. The association had high profile opposition this week to separate gun bills Gaetz is sponsoring "This was not the best week in my relationship with the Florida Sheriffs Association," he joked, getting laughter from the entire committee room. "So maybe next week will be better." 12 250