ORLANDO, Florida. – A preliminary audit by the Orange County Auditor’s Office has raised concerns about “significant issues” in Visit Orlando’s operating budget and accounting records, including a lack of information about the use of $6.3 million.
Fourth District Commissioner Mayra Uribe expressed frustration with the results, citing misuse of funds and a lack of transparency within the organization. She said her frustration was related to the misuse of funds and the lack of transparency.
Uribe also expressed concern that Visit Orlando, which manages a budget of more than $100 million annually, has gone too long without adequate oversight.
“This is a very experienced organization, so this is not the first time. We have not been at this for just a year. We have been at this for decades,” Uribe said.
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The audit revealed several important issues. According to the Office of the Auditor General, Visit Orlando had $35 million in an emergency reserve account, despite a contract stating that such a reserve was unnecessary.
In addition, the audit found that Visit Orlando failed to bill for large advertising expenses for services that would have reimbursed taxpayer dollars. Specifically, the audit found that the organization did not bill more than $600,000 in 2022 and $700,000 in 2023.
“It also shows a lot of waste and the fact that your bills are not being paid and you are not telling us what you are spending the money on,” Uribe said.
The partial audit also states that Visit Orlando lobbied without having the necessary approval from the county.
“I was in town for transportation and they were in Tallahassee for their own agency. So it’s not rocket science. It’s very simple. They just didn’t think they would be held to the same standard,” Uribe said.
Visit Orlando issued a statement in response to the audit, which included, “Our team is reviewing the matter and will be working with the Audit Office to clarify details as we are committed to being a good partner throughout the audit and beyond.”
It is unclear when a full audit report will be published.
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