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Deadlines this month:
October 2
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HTM Competition Application
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!
Mini Grants
The FRLAEF Board will meet in October to award Mini Grants based on your applications. Laura Rumer will email you concerning your application no later than October 26. If you were awarded your request, her email will include instructions on how to purchase your item(s). If your item(s) were not approved but the board set aside funds, her will email include details on how to purchase other items you need.
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.
Fresh from Florida – Florida Peanuts – Tiny but packed with fun and Flavor!
Florida peanuts are IN SEASON! Known for trusted flavor and quality, Florida peanuts deliver the simple goodness families have enjoyed for generations. Grown under the Florida sunshine, peanuts are naturally packed with protein — more than any other nut — with seven grams per serving. They’re also full of vitamins, minerals and heart‑healthy plant‑based fats, making them a nutritious, delicious and affordable choice for families.
Did you know that about 75% of Florida’s peanut crop becomes peanut butter? Spread it thick on toast or make a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and it’s an easy way to add good nutrition to your day. A PB&J made with Florida peanut butter provides 15 grams of protein, 13 grams of plant-based unsaturated fat and 5 grams of fiber in one comforting, budget-friendly meal.
This month, we are celebrating peanut season with fun, flavorful ways to enjoy Florida peanuts, including our Florida Peanut Popcorn Balls and Florida Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars (No Bake) recipes. From sweet treats to school-day snacks, these dishes show just how simply and satifsying Florida peanuts can make every meal.
When you choose Florida-grown peanuts and peanut butter, you are choosing wholesome, flavorful food that is grown close to home. Share your peanut-inspired creations and tag @FreshFromFlorida. Find more inspiration for recipes and ideas 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, 2027.
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.