Lawrence Bellido, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona, shares how what began as a visit turned into a decision to call Orlando home thanks to its vibrant communities, thriving businesses, and the benefits tourism brings..
The Power of a Visit
For Lawrence Bellido, it all started with a visit. A family vacation to Florida turned into a life-changing decision when his father fell in love with the sunshine and vibrant energy of Orlando. “On our second trip, my dad had already made up his mind,” Lawrence recalls. “He said, ‘Kids, we’re going to get our stuff and we’re moving.’”
Today, Lawrence is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona. His journey from Panama City, Panama to Orlando is a testament to how tourism can spark opportunity — not just for visitors, but for those who choose to make Orlando their home.
Discover: Tourism Benefits You
Tourism Builds Careers and Communities
Lawrence’s first job in Orlando was at the Orange County Convention Center while attending college. “It was a great opportunity,” he says. “It paid for my schooling and taught me the importance of customer service — something that’s foundational in both hospitality and real estate.”
That’s the ripple effect of tourism: it creates jobs that build skills, which lead to careers and economic mobility. Those careers attract talent, strengthen neighborhoods, and fuel growth for local businesses. “I just went to the barbershop the other day and found out he opened a second location closer to my house,” Lawrence shares. “That’s tourism at work.”
Tourism also helps keep taxes lower for residents. As a realtor, Lawrence helps others make the same leap his family made years ago. “We’re fortunate in Orlando,” he says. “Because of tourism, we don’t have a state income tax. That’s a big draw for people relocating from places with higher taxes and fees.”
In Orange County alone, visitor spending offsets more than $10,000 per household in local taxes – meaning residents pay less because visitors contribute more. All of this makes Orlando even more attractive for families and businesses.
A City of Possibilities
Orlando’s appeal is as diverse as its neighborhoods — from the charm of Winter Garden’s Crooked Can Brewery to the boutiques and eateries of Winter Park’s Park Avenue. “You don’t have to stay in one area,” Lawrence says. “You can explore and enjoy the lifestyle that’s available all around you.”
And now, Orlando is more connected than ever. With more than 170 direct flights from Orlando International Airport, the opportunity to connect to cities around the world is significantly greater than other cities of similar size. And, starting February 2026, Orlando International Airport will launch Florida’s first direct passenger charter flights to Tokyo, Japan.
Looking Ahead
Lawrence’s story is one of growth, opportunity and community. “The demand is always high here,” he says. “It’s great to see people wanting to move to Orlando. As a Florida resident for more than 40 years, watching this city grow has been incredible. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
From a tourist to a leader in real estate, Lawrence’s journey reminds us that in Orlando, a visit is more than a trip – it's the spark that builds vibrant communities, thriving businesses, and a place people are proud to call home. That’s what makes Orlando unbelievably real.