The Sarasota County tax collector's office collected almost $21.3 million in Tourist Development Tax money during its most recent fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30. That represents a new record high, and the total is more than $1.1 million higher than in the previous fiscal year. Collections increased every month during the fiscal year, except for declines recorded in December 2016, January 2017 and February 2017. The Tourist Development Tax, commonly known as the bed tax, is a 5 percent charge on revenue from rentals that last six months or less. The money is used to promote the region to potential tourists.