(L-R: FRLA 2025 Chairman of the Board Nick Sarra, FRLA Restaurateur of the Year Michael Quillen, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded Restaurateur of the Year to Mike Quillen, a longtime Sarasota restaurateur who oversees 15 Florida and North Carolina restaurants and bars as  President of Watershed Hospitality Concepts, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, and Cashiers Restaurant Holdings. With his win, Quillen was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held recently at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.

“Mike Quillen represents the very best of Florida’s hospitality industry – visionary leadership, deep community engagement, and an unwavering passion for excellence,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Mike’s legacy extends far beyond the success of his restaurants – it lives in the thousands of people he has mentored and the careers he has shaped. His dedication to training, empowering, and retaining great employees has set the standard for our entire industry, and his impact on Florida’s restaurant landscape has been extraordinary. We are proud to honor him as our 2025 Restaurateur of the Year and induct him into the FRLA Hall of Fame.”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to restaurant and lodging operators and suppliers from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for visionary leaders whose decades of service, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, an organization that has played such a pivotal role in shaping the direction of my career and any success I’ve achieved along the way,” said Mike Quillen, 2025 FRLA Restaurateur of the Year. “I share this recognition with the incredible team members that I’ve had the privilege to work alongside of over the years. Our shared dedication, passion to hospitality, and hard work have made this possible, and I’m grateful to share this award with them.”

Michael Quillen is President of three independent restaurant groups operating 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina, including Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, Cask & Ale, Pie on Main, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, and Micas Mountain Kitchen, to name a few. Since opening the flagship Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, Quillen has cultivated award-winning concepts with over 800 employees, low management turnover, and a hands-on leadership style that emphasizes hospitality, community engagement, and promoting from within.

Classically trained in corporate, franchise, and family-owned restaurants, Quillen blends business acumen, operational expertise, and a strong work ethic to create thriving, polished casual dining experiences. His leadership has earned multiple “Best Of” guest awards, the National Restaurant Association’s Florida Restaurant Neighbor Award five consecutive years, and the national Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2017. He personally received the Florida Cornerstone Humanitarian Award four years in a row. Quillen serves on the boards of FRLA, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Argus Foundation, Selby Gardens, Visit Sarasota County, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Charitable Foundation. A graduate of Leadership Florida, he studied History and Political Science at New College and attended State College of Florida on a tennis scholarship. He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters.

To learn more about Mike Quillen and his restaurant concepts, please watch the FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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 (L-R: FRLA 2025 Chairman of the Board Nick Sarra, FRLA Supplier of the Year Jordan Beckner, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

 TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded Supplier of the Year to Jordan Beckner, Founding Partner and President of Sales for FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions. With his win, Beckner was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held recently at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.

“Behind every great dining and lodging experience are suppliers who go above and beyond to support our industry’s success, and Jordan Beckner sets that high standard,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Under Jordan’s leadership, FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions has exemplified innovation, reliability, superior quality, and collaboration. Ever present and always engaged in our industry, Jordan’s dedication to supporting our operators and their guests makes him the perfect choice for our 2025 Supplier of the Year.”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to restaurant and lodging operators and suppliers from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for visionary leaders whose decades of service, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry.

“On behalf of FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions and my partner of 25 years, Paul Knapp, I am deeply honored to be recognized as the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Supplier of the Year,” said Jordan Beckner, 2025 FRLA Supplier of the Year. “First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Any success I’ve achieved — in business or in life — is because of His grace, guidance, and the strength He provides. I truly believe that through faith, hard work, and perseverance, all things are possible. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Carol Dover and her entire FRLA team. For nearly two decades, they have demonstrated unwavering leadership, built meaningful business relationships, and, most importantly, offered genuine friendship. It has been a privilege to work alongside such passionate advocates for Florida’s hospitality industry. To my incredible family — thank you for your constant love, encouragement, and understanding through every season of this journey. Your support gives me purpose and strength. And to our amazing employees — the heart and soul of FiberBuilt — this recognition belongs to you. Your dedication, craftsmanship, and pride in what we do every day are what make our company exceptional. I am truly humbled by this honor and grateful for the opportunity to serve such an inspiring industry. Together, we will continue to strengthen and support Florida’s hospitality community for many years to come.”

Jordan Beckner is the founding partner and President of Sales of FiberBuilt Umbrellas and Cushions. He graduated from Northwood University with his bachelor’s degree and earned an MBA from the South University in Savannah, Georgia. Since 2000, when he and Paul Knapp founded FiberBuilt Umbrellas, Inc., he has been an enthusiastically engaged member of the hospitality industry. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Educational Foundation, as a member of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s (FRLA) Marketing and Allied Member Council, on FRLA’s Educational Foundation Board, as a board member of the Culinary and Hospitality Academy at Forest Hill Community High School in Wellington, and as co-chair of the Suppliers’ Council of the American Resort Development Association. Jordan and his wife JoAnne have been married 36 years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. 

To learn more about Jordan Beckner and FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions, please watch the FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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~Hotelier, Restaurateur, and Supplier of the Year Icons Honored; Rare Lifetime Achievement Award Presented~

(L-R: Hotelier of the Year Heiko Dobrikow; Restaurateur of the Year Mike Quillen; Supplier of the Year Jordan Beckner; Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Dick Rivera)

DESTIN, FL – On Tuesday evening, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) honored its 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame Winners during an evening gala at the Henderson Beach Resort. The 2026 FRLA Board Executive Committee and 2026 Chairman of the Board, Greg Cook of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, were also sworn in at the event.

“It is a privilege to honor those whose lifelong dedication has defined excellence in Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “FRLA’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees have shaped and strengthened our industry through decades of leadership, vision, and innovation. With more than 140 years of combined service, their legacy of excellence continues to inspire and set the standard for future generations of hospitality professionals. Congratulations to our outstanding Hall of Fame winners!”

2025 FRLA Hall of Fame Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dick Rivera, Suncoast Hospitality Partners, Sarasota

Link to headshot

Dick Rivera is a distinguished leader of the restaurant industry with more than 50 years of experience driving growth and innovation.

He founded Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC, a Sarasota-based development and management company with ventures including Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. His affiliated company Rubicon Enterprises owns and/or operates 26 restaurants nationwide. Rivera began his career with Steak and Ale Restaurants of America and went on to hold senior executive roles with leading brands such as Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s, Inc., Applebee’s, and El Chico Corp.

His achievements have earned widespread recognition, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award, the “Restaurant Business Leadership Award,” the prestigious Silver Plate from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, and FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award. Rivera is deeply committed to service, serving on the boards of Golden Corral Corporation, Ringling College of Art and Design, and the Sarasota Orchestra. He is a past Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and Florida Citrus Sports Association and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University, an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University, and is a proud U.S. Army veteran.

Supplier of the Year: Jordan Beckner – FiberBuilt Umbrellas, Pompano Beach

Link to headshot

Jordan Beckner is the founding partner and President of Sales of FiberBuilt Umbrellas and Cushions. He graduated from Northwood University with his bachelor’s degree and earned an MBA from the South University in Savannah, Georgia.

Since 2000, when he and Paul Knapp founded FiberBuilt Umbrellas, Inc., he has been an enthusiastically engaged member of the hospitality industry. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation, as a member of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Marketing & Allied Member Council, on FRLA’s Educational Foundation Board, as a board member of the Culinary and Hospitality Academy at Forest Hill Community High School in Wellington, and as co-chair of the Suppliers’ Council of the American Resort Development Association.

Jordan and his wife JoAnne have been married 36 years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. 

Restaurateur of the Year: Mike Quillen – Watershed Hospitality Concepts, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, Micas Mountain Kitchen, Sarasota and North Carolina

Link to headshot

Michael Quillen is President of three independent restaurant groups operating 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina, including Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, Cask & Ale, Pie on Main, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, and Micas Mountain Kitchen. Since opening the flagship Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, Quillen has cultivated award-winning concepts with over 800 employees, low management turnover, and a hands-on leadership style that emphasizes hospitality, community engagement, and promoting from within.

Classically trained in corporate, franchise, and family-owned restaurants, Quillen blends business acumen, operational expertise, and a strong work ethic to create thriving, polished casual dining experiences. His leadership has earned multiple “Best Of” guest awards, the National Restaurant Association’s Florida Restaurant Neighbor Award five consecutive years, and the national Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2017. He personally received the Florida Cornerstone Humanitarian Award four years in a row.

Quillen serves on the boards of FRLA, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Selby Gardens, Visit Sarasota County, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Charitable Foundation. A graduate of Leadership Florida, he studied History and Political Science at New College and attended State College of Florida on a tennis scholarship. He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters.

Hotelier of the Year: Heiko Dobrikow, Riverside Hotel & The Las Olas Company, Fort Lauderdale

Link to headshot

Heiko Dobrikow is a seasoned hotelier and business leader with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, property, and asset management. Known for transforming organizations through servant leadership, he excels in building high-performing teams, optimizing revenue, and fostering cultures of care and service excellence. Heiko currently serves as Executive Vice President of The Las Olas Company and General Manager of the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. His career includes leadership roles at premier resorts such as Marriott’s Bay Point Resort, Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, Casa Marina Resort, Mayfair Hotel & Spa, Radisson Deauville Beach Resort, and Hilton Palm Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Deeply engaged in his community, Heiko has chaired the Broward Workforce Development Board and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, led the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – Broward Chapter, and contributed to numerous civic, tourism, and charitable organizations. His leadership has been widely recognized, earning honors such as Florida Trend’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders, FAU’s South Florida Business Leader of the Year, and multiple awards celebrating his impact in tourism, business, and community service. Born in Germany, Heiko came to the U.S. at 17, earned a BA from the University of Kansas, and discovered his lifelong passion for hospitality. He enjoys traveling, motorcycling, boating, and family life with his wife Elenice and their parrots, Malibu and Sugar.

PDF of Press Release

Group Photo of Winners 

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks, and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Issues Statement in Support of Indian American Hoteliers

 TALLAHASSEE – Today, Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, released the following statement in response to Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin’s comments about Indian Americans in Florida.

“Recent comments targeting Indian Americans do not reflect the values of our industry or our state. Indian American hoteliers are not only part of Florida’s hospitality story – they are vital to its success, owning and operating nearly 65% of all Florida hotels. Their investment, hard work, and leadership support nearly 460,000 jobs and strengthen communities across our state. We stand united in celebrating their contributions and in rejecting division. Florida’s future is built on respect, opportunity, and shared prosperity.”  

– Carol Dover, President & CEO, FRLA

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state. 

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced Destiny Neves as its new Regional Director for Volusia County. With more than a decade of hands-on hospitality industry experience in sales, client relations, and event coordination, Neves brings both proven results and a deep passion for strengthening the regional hospitality community.

Neves most recently served as Sales Manager at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, where she exceeded multimillion-dollar revenue goals and built long-lasting partnerships across government, education, social, and corporate markets. She has also held leadership and support roles at several landmark properties in the Daytona Beach area, including The Plaza Resort and Spa, Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort, and the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center.

In addition, Neves has been a familiar face in the region’s hospitality community through her work with the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County, where she supported the Board of Directors and helped organize major member events.

“Destiny’s track record of leadership, relationship building, and results in Volusia County makes her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “Her insight into the needs of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and hospitality suppliers will be a tremendous benefit to our members and the local hospitality industry.”

In her new role, Neves will serve as a key advocate and resource for FRLA members, working to advance initiatives that promote growth, support workforce development, and strengthen the overall hospitality sector in Volusia County.

For more information about FRLA and membership opportunities with FRLA, please visit FRLA.org.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

Today, the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors confirmed Governor Ron DeSantis’ recommendation of Bryan Griffin as the next President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. Earlier in the day, the Governor’s Press Office shared the below press release. 

Governor Ron DeSantis Recommends Bryan Griffin as President and CEO of Visit Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis made his recommendation for the next VISIT Florida President and CEO to be Bryan Griffin.
 
Bryan currently serves as the Communications Director in the Executive Office of the Governor. In the new role, Bryan will oversee the organization’s mission to market the state of Florida to visitors nationally and internationally. Florida’s tourism industry leads the nation as people continue to choose to visit the Free State of Florida.
 
“Bryan has led the charge in communicating the message of the Free State of Florida for the past three years from my office,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am confident that he is the best candidate for this role, and that he will well-articulate the case for visitors from across the nation and the globe to visit Florida. He has been an invaluable member of our team in the Executive Office, and we will greatly miss his presence and service from the Capitol.”
 
“I sincerely thank Governor DeSantis for the opportunity to step into this new role and lead the effort to communicate our state’s many nation-leading, desirable characteristics to the world. Tourism is a critical part of the Florida economy and instrumental to Florida’s continued low tax burden,” said Bryan Griffin . “I look forward to working closely with the board, our local partners, the tourism industry, and the VISIT staff to promote the shared values and unique features of the Free State of Florida, including our world-class amenities, unmatched natural and historical sites, and our commitment to public safety and order for all who visit. I hold tremendous respect for the state, regional, and local partnerships that embody VISIT Florida and will work hard to enhance and grow them.”

Bryan is from Tampa, Florida and has a long career in writing, communications, marketing, and advocacy. In addition to leading the communications shop for the Executive Office of the Governor, Bryan has also served as a national director for a prominent advocacy organization and has previously owned and managed a real estate company and a craft beverage tap room in Tampa.
 
“Bryan Griffin’s leadership experience, commitment to public service and deep understanding of Florida’s strengths make him well-positioned to lead VISIT FLORIDA into this next chapter,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “As Florida continues to break records in tourism, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world, Bryan’s strategic vision and drive will be essential in sustaining and expanding that momentum.”
 
“I’m proud to support Bryan Griffin in his new role leading VISIT FLORIDA,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and VISIT FLORIDA Board Executive Committee Member.  “Throughout his time with Governor DeSantis, Bryan has been a passionate advocate for Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry, and I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our organizations. In addition to his proven expertise in government, policy, advocacy, and communications, Bryan brings firsthand experience as a hospitality business owner – giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our industry faces. That real-world perspective makes him exceptionally well-suited to attract visitors and champion the growth of Florida’s tourism economy.”
   
VISIT FLORIDA is the state’s official destination marketing organization and drives tourism through a public-private partnership that matches public funding dollar-for-dollar. Partnering with thousands of businesses across the state, it serves in a leading role within Florida’s tourism ecosystem, protecting and promoting Florida’s $142 billion vacation brand through global marketing, public relations, and travel trade efforts. Additionally, VISIT FLORIDA provides critical statewide support after hurricanes and other crises, helps destinations attract conferences and conventions, and operates Florida’s official welcome centers. VISIT FLORIDA’s ROI delivers $3.3 in return to the state for every public dollar invested , making VISIT FLORIDA one of the best performing economic development programs in state history.

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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today praised Governor Ron DeSantis for signing Senate Bill 606 on Transient Occupancy to protect Florida hoteliers from squatting nonpaying guests. At The Westin Sarasota, Governor DeSantis was surrounded by business owners, legislators, and law enforcement to highlight the importance of property rights for a free society.

“The signing of Senate Bill 606 is a critical win for Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “Our hotels must be able to focus on providing world-renowned experiences for our guests and not on lengthy, bureaucratic roadblocks to evict bad actor squatters. By clearly distinguishing between guests and tenants, this legislation protects our hoteliers from costly legal delays and ensures that rooms are available for paying customers. We applaud Governor DeSantis for recognizing the importance of this issue and once again standing with our industry to support common-sense reform.”

During the bill signing, Gil Reyes, Regional General Manager of The Westin Sarasota and President of FRLA’s Suncoast Chapter, said, “At its core, this bill brings much-needed clarity and modernization to how we define and manage lodging establishments in Florida. This clarity will help reduce confusion and ensure more consistent enforcement and understanding in the industry. The legislation is a win for Florida’s hospitality industry. Thank you, Governor DeSantis, your commitment to strengthening our state’s hospitality industry and ensuring clarity in our regulatory framework means a great deal to all of us.”

Prior to the bill signing, public lodging establishments were forced to go through the landlord/tenant eviction process to remove guests who refused to pay their hotel bills or depart the hotel. A lengthy process, this has created a significant financial burden for the hotel while occupying rooms that could be sold to paying guests.

SB 606 clarifies the definitions of transient and non-transient occupancy and helps public lodging establishment operators and their guests better differentiate between a guest and a tenant. The legislation – SB 606 by Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) and HB 535 by Representative Chad Johnson (R-Chiefland) – was championed by FRLA and passed with bipartisan support.

Download the press release here. 

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through SafeStaff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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Governor DeSantis Signs FRLA Priority Bill to Stop Unauthorized Reservation Reselling

(L-R: Drew McLeod, Savour; Walt Dover; Carol Dover, FRLA; Governor Ron DeSantis; Ashley Chaney, Hayward House Bistro; Dave Reid, Tallahassee Restaurateur; Jesse Remiyac, Connors Steak & Seafood)

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for signing critical legislation that will protect restaurants from the growing problem of third-party reservation piracy.

 The legislation – SB 940 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) and HB 543 by Representative Vanessa Oliver (R-Punta Gorda) – was championed by FRLA and passed with bipartisan support to combat a deceptive and growing practice that has caused widespread harm to both consumers and hospitality businesses in Florida and across the nation.

 “Black-market reservation platforms are hijacking the dining experience in Florida,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “These unauthorized actors add no value – they simply inflate costs, damage reputations, and leave restaurants with empty tables, unpaid servers, and frustrated guests. We are proud to have worked with Senator McClain and Representative Oliver to get this bill passed, and we are grateful to Governor DeSantis for his prompt attention to sign the bill and put a stop to this predatory practice, protecting Florida restaurants, servers, and customers.”

 “We’re thrilled to see this important legislation signed into law by the governor in Florida,” said Pablo Rivero, CEO of Resy and Tock, SVP of American Express Global Dining. “It’s a critical step in stopping the exploitative practices that hurt these small businesses and their customers and keeping reservations where they belong—with restaurants and real guests.” 

“The signing of the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act into Florida law is a major win for restaurants and the broader hospitality industry,” said Debby Soo, CEO of Open Table. “With such slim profit margins, restaurants need every safeguard possible to protect their business operations and financial stability — the very areas most impacted by reservation piracy. We’re optimistic that other states will recognize the importance of this legislation and take similar action.”

Across the country, tech-savvy scalpers and unauthorized third-party platforms have been using bots to grab reservations at in-demand restaurants, then reselling them online or via social media – often at steep prices. This practice has led to customer frustration as legitimate guests are blocked from making direct reservations or are being duped into paying for something that should be free. It has also increased no-shows when reservations go unsold but are never canceled, costing restaurants critical revenue and depriving servers of expected tips. Further, these practices have caused significant brand damage and operational chaos as restaurants are left to manage angry guests and reputational fallout from a process entirely outside their control.

 “In recent years, black-market reservations have become an increasing challenge for restaurant operators and customers in destination dining cities around the country,” said Mike Whatley, Vice President of State Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the National Restaurant Association. “Black-market reservations create confusion for customers, make dining out more expensive, and cause operational chaos for operators. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s advocacy on behalf of their members resulted in this important law, which will give restaurant operators back control over their own reservations.”

The new law, which takes effect July 1, 2025, makes it illegal to sell restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s explicit consent, ensuring that restaurants have full control over how and where their reservations are booked. Violations, defined as each day for each reservation for each establishment, will result in penalties of $1,000 a day for each violation.

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About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through SafeStaff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Latest data confirms that Florida set a new all-time annual record in 2024 with 143 million visitors—an increase of 1.7% over the previous record set in 2023. This historic growth includes 130.65 million domestic travelers, 8.94 million overseas visitors, and 3.41 million Canadian tourists. And, in 2024, the State of Florida collected billions in sales tax revenue from these tourists.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis also announced that Florida welcomed 41.2 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, reinforcing the Free State of Florida’s position as the nation’s top travel destination and a global tourism powerhouse.

“Florida’s tourism industry leads the nation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These results are proof that our freedom-first policies work—and that Florida remains the best place to visit, work, and raise a family.”

Key Highlights from Q1 2025:

• 41.2 million total visitors, maintaining Florida’s national tourism leadership.
• 91.9% domestic visitation, with 37.9 million domestic travelers, up 0.2% from Q1 2024.
• 2.1 million overseas visitors and 1.2 million Canadian visitors, making up 5.1% and 3.0% of total visitation, respectively.
• Domestic non-resident travelers: 35.8% arrived by air, 64.2% by non-air travel.
• 29.4 million total enplanements at Florida’s 19 major airports. Airports with the highest growth included Punta Gorda (+23.6%), St. Petersburg–Clearwater (+7.7%), and Daytona Beach (+7.4%).
• Hotel performance: +2.4% increase in rooms sold, Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose to $227.22 (+2.2%), and occupancy reached 75.7% (+1.6%).

Florida’s consistent growth in tourism not only reflects the state’s broad appeal but also fuels economic strength, supporting jobs, businesses, and communities across the state. With continued investment and strategic promotion, Florida is positioned for even greater success as the most visited destination in the United States.