The Florida tourist industry has always endeavored to attract visitors year-round. Before World War II this was very difficult without air conditioning. Many hotels simply closed in May and reopened in November. After World War II, but especially since the opening of Walt Disney World and other theme parks nearby, the difference between peak and low tourist seasons has diminished.
Restaurant sales are one measure of the difference between the peak and low tourist seasons. Spring is typically the peak season throughout the peninsula, and summer the peak season along the coast of northwestern Florida. The latter area, colloquially known as the "Red Neck Riviera," draws many summer visitors from Alabama and Georgia. A distinct fall peak occurs only in Leon County, coinciding with the Florida A & M and Florida State universities' football schedules.
When restaurant sales are measured as a percentage grocery sales, the percentage is especially high in southwestern Florida and in the Orlando area. Though not a perfect index, this does give some indication of the degree of importance tourism has to these areas. Restaurant sales as a percentage of grocery sales are also particularly high in Alachua (Gainesville) and Leon (Tallahassee) counties because of large student populations.
