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September Deadlines:
September 18
- HTM Fall Survey Closes
- Mini Grant Application Closes
HTM/Foodsafety Curriculum & Fall Survey
The FRLAEF will distribute free HTM and ServSafe curriculum to Florida HTM schools during the 2025-2026 school year. In order to receive free HTM and Foodsafety curriculum, teachers should complete the Fall HTM Survey. Once you have completed the survey, we will send you a link to request free HTM curriculum and ServSafe materials!
TAKE THE FALL SURVEY NOW!
Deadline to complete survey is Friday, September 18, 2026.
Mini Grants
The FRLAEF is offering $125,000 in Mini Grant funding to HTM and ProStart schools this year. To assist in your planning, this averages to about $1000 per school.
There are two prerequisites for grant funding: 1) you must currently teach the HTM curriculum, and 2) you must complete the HTM Fall Survey.
The FRLAEF Board of Directors prefers to fund items that will make your classroom self-sustaining or equipment that will be used frequently throughout the year. The board WILL NOT APPROVE electronics to include printers, computers, iPads, and digital cameras. They also do not typically approve field trips, curriculum (to include ServSafe and SafeStaff) and transportation. Please include a good explanation of how the item will be used in the classroom as this is your justification for the purchase. If you are new to Mini Grants, please let us know what questions you have!
The application deadline is Friday, September 18, 2026.
APPLY FOR A MINI GRANT NOW!
GRANT AWARD NOTIFICATION: The FRLAEF Board will meet in October to determine awards.
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show takes place October 25-27, 2026 in Orlando.
HTM INSTRUCTORS
HTM teachers may use the following complimentary code to register for the Show. Complimentary code: ANDREAVIP
Go Here and click on “Start Non-Member Registration”
HTM STUDENTS
Up to 10 HTM students may attend the Show. However, there is a $30 fee per student and the following rules apply.
- Students may register at the rate of $30 per person.
- Each group of 5 students must be accompanied by a faculty member or chaperone (21+), and the group must remain with their chaperone at all times. Any students found unaccompanied on the show floor will be escorted back to the lobby and will have their badge voided with no refund. No more than 10 students will be permitted per school.
- If maximum student allotment is reached, student registration will be closed.
- Discount codes are not valid on Student Admission registrations and students will be required to show their ID to get their name badges.
To register your students, click the link above and enter the code STUDENT26
EDUCATION AT THE SHOW Forty-plus hours of education is included with your Show badge! Take advantage of the free education classes once you are at the Show. The schedule has not been set, but check for updates on THIS PAGE to plan your time at the Show to full advantage.
Florida HTM Competition
UPDATE – Due to DECA, the 23rd Annual HTM Competition will take place March 3-4, 2027, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. Tentatively the Knowledge Bowl Competition will begin at 1 PM on Wednesday, March 3. There will be a short break after the Knowledge Bowl which will be followed by the Night Audit and Hospitality Project Preparation. Thursday teams will compete in Food & Beverage Case Study, Guest Services Case Study and Hospitality Project Presentation. The Awards Dinner will be held Thursday night after all competitions are complete. For schools participating in the HTM Competition and DECA, please let us know so we can schedule your competition times to conclude earlier on Thursday. The FRLAEF will cover hotel cost for Wednesday and Thursday, since the awards will end later on Thursday night. The FRLAEF will also cover most meals.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 2, 2026
APPLICANTS NOTIFIED STATUS: October 9, 2026
APPLY TO COMPETE HERE!
Fresh from Florida
Mango season has arrived! Known for their rich flavor and vibrant color, Florida mangos make it easy to add a touch of tropical sunshine to your late summer and early fall menus. Slice them fresh, blend them into smoothies, or toss them into bright dishes like our Florida Mango Popsicles, or if you are looking for something a little more substantial, try our Island Grilled Florida Pork Tenderloin with Green Mango Chow Chow. Whichever way you mango, their tropical sweetness makes meals feel lighter, happier, and perfect for warm days.
When it comes time to choose your mango, go by feel, not color. Give the mango a gentle squeeze. A ripe mango should have a similar feel to a ripe peach or avocado and often carries a sweet aroma near the stem. Don’t rely on color alone. Mangos come in many varieties, and their skin can be red, green, or yellow even when perfectly ripe. Look for smooth, plump fruit without wrinkles or soft spots.
Unripe mangos should be kept at room temperature. They’ll continue to soften over several days. Once they’re ripe, move them to the refrigerator to help maintain their sweetness and texture. For best flavor and freshness, enjoy sliced mango within a few days.
Whether you’re mixing up a chilled mango drink or giving your seafood a tropical twist, Florida mangos make every dish a little brighter. Be sure to tag FreshFromFlorida when you share your mango-inspired creations and keep the inspiration going with Florida mango recipes or Florida seafood ideas. Find it all at FreshFromFlorida.com.
HTM FaceBook Group
Join the Florida HTM FB page to share resources, ask questions, etc. CLICK HERE and then request to be added.
Hospitality Industry Internships
The Hospitality Industry Internship (HII) provides the opportunity for Florida HTM instructors to work in a 
foodservice/lodging establishment for at least 40 hours. Once the required paperwork has been processed, the participant will receive a personal check for $800.
To qualify for an HII, the instructor must teach the HTM curriculum during the 2026-2027 school year. If you are already employed at a restaurant or hotel, you MAY NOT use that site for your internship. The restaurant/hotel must be a new work experience for you, not somewhere you have worked before or used as an HII internship location.
The applicant must secure a position at a foodservice or lodging facility where a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on experience is guaranteed. The host location may pay the recipient but is not required to do so.
The FRLAEF will award 9 HII’s this school year on a first-come, first-served basis. So apply NOW! Work experience may begin once the applicant receives an award notification from the FRLAEF.
APPLY NOW!
Scholarships
The FRLAEF will award at least $65,000 in scholarships during the 2026-2027 school year. Each scholarship awarded will be in the amount of $2,000 and will be a one-time, non-
renewable scholarship.
To be eligible for this scholarship the applicant must:
- Be enrolled in a ProStart program in a Florida secondary school
- Be a graduating senior who will begin post-secondary education in 2026
- Be entering a culinary or hospitality post-secondary program
- Return a copy of their OFFICIAL high school transcript to FRLAEF by application deadline
APPLICATION TIMELINE The FRLAEF Scholarship application will become available in January NewsBites. The application deadline is April 10, 2026.
The 6th annual HTM Summer Training will take place during July of 2027. It is anticipated the training will be held in Orlando, but more details will follow as they are finalized. 
PROGRAM COST
The FRLAEF will cover the cost of all Florida HTM instructors who have purchased and are using the Hospitality & Tourism Management curriculum during the 2027-2028 school year. Attendees will be responsible for their travel and some meals.
REGISTRATION
Online registration will begin March NewsBites.