GOV. SCOTT: FLORIDA SETS ANOTHER TOURISM RECORD

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors in the state’s history with 112.8 million visitors in 2016. This is the sixth consecutive record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 106.6 million in 2015 by 5.9 percent. Tourism jobs also hit a record high in 2016 of 1.4 million jobs, exceeding the previous record in 2015.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has once again welcomed a record number of tourists with 112.8 million visitors to the state in 2016. Visitors spent $109 billion and supported a record 1.4 million Florida jobs in 2016 – a testament to the vital importance of tourism to our growing economy.

“I have seen firsthand how tourism impacts our state. Since I have been in office, we have made important investments in VISIT FLORIDA and broken record after record of visitors, added more than a million new residents and seen Florida’s private sector create more than 1.25 million new jobs. Unfortunately, even with these incredible successes, politicians in the Florida House are trying to eliminate VISIT FLORIDA. I don’t understand how anyone can look at Florida’s booming tourism industry, and the more than 1.4 million jobs it supports, and vote to kill it. The legislation the Florida House is pushing puts more than 1.4 million jobs at risk and we cannot let that happen. We have to fight to continue investing in our tourism industry so we can keep breaking records and adding even more jobs.

“Over the past week, I have traveled the state meeting with small business owners, economic development leaders, tourism leaders, community members and hardworking Floridians who all had a clear message – Florida’s economy needs tourism. Last year, Florida was challenged like never before as we faced the Zika virus, two hurricanes and the terror attack at Pulse Nightclub. In the face of adversity, we continued in our mission to promote our great state and thanks to the hard work of VISIT FLORIDA, we continue to see record visitors to Florida.”

In 2015, every 85 tourists supported one job. Today, VISIT FLORIDA data shows that every 76 tourists support one job – proof that tourism continues to be a major and growing influence on job creation in Florida and that we must continue to invest in this vital part of our growing economy.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 98.0 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in 2016, reflecting a 7.3 percent increase over 2015. Estimates also show that 11.1 million overseas visitors and 3.7 million Canadians came to the Sunshine State last year. Total enplanements at 18 Florida airports during 2016 increased 4.3 percent over the previous year, with a record 83.7 million enplaned passengers. For 2016, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 2.0 percent and the number of rooms sold grew by 1.1 percent compared to 2015.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Six years of record-setting visitation would not be possible without a strong global marketing strategy focused on maximizing the economic impact of Florida tourism. To have achieved another tourism record in 2016 given all the challenges this state faced last year is an incredible testament to the cooperative relationship VISIT FLORIDA has with our more than 12,000 industry business partners around the state. Today’s announcement proves that sustained collective tourism marketing works and we have Governor Scott and our supporters in the Florida Legislature to thank for their unparalleled leadership over the past six years that has helped position our industry for this unprecedented success.”

For fourth quarter 2016, estimates show a record 27.6 million people visited the Sunshine State. This represents the largest fourth quarter visitation number Florida has ever seen and reflects an increase of 6.1 percent over the same period in 2015. VISIT FLORIDA also reports that an estimated 24.0 million domestic visitors, 3.0 million overseas visitors and 587,000 Canadians traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2016.

William D.Talbert III, CDME, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, said, “Given the hyper-competitive global tourism marketplace, the series of challenging events the state faced and the uncertain economies of some of Florida’s key international markets, I am extremely encouraged to see that the programs VISIT FLORIDA and our statewide marketing partners conducted have resulted in another record year for visitation which ultimately supports and generates jobs throughout the state. This success in the face of tough times means it’s more important than ever to invest in smart tourism marketing.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, go the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

Job Creators Network Partners with Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Today, the Job Creators Network (JCN) and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced a new partnership aimed at providing Employer-to-Employee (E2E) materials and resources to the trade association’s 10,000 members.

The FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Its mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s hospitality sector—which is the state’s number one industry and employs 1.4 million people. It safeguards the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy and support.

“The Florida hospitality industry is fortunate to support 1.4 million dedicated employees who are collectively committed to its overall success. Through FRLA’s unique partnership with JCN, our employers will have the opportunity to access materials to effectively communicate with their employees the impacts of government policies,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA.

“Florida has an $108.8 billion hospitality industry, and the FRLA plays a vital role in protecting it,” said Alfredo Ortiz, President and CEO of the Job Creators Network. “Its partnership with JCN can provide it with the materials necessary to protect the industry and its employees from bad government policy that could undermine it.”

JCN will partner with FRLA on policy issues that promote business growth and job creation. More specifically, FRLA will provide E2E educational materials to their members to facilitate a conversation between employers and employees about how government policies affect their workplaces and paychecks.

FLORIDA’S LEADING BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS FILE SUIT AGAINST MIAMI BEACH’S MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Three leading Florida business organizations filed suit today against the City of Miami Beach regarding a recently passed city ordinance to raise the minimum wage to $10.31/hour starting January 1, 2018, and increase it $1.00/year until it reaches $13.31 in 2021. The Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida Chamber of Commerce filed the suit which states that the ordinance disregards a state statute which establishes the State of Florida will determine one consistent minimum wage for the entire state. This state statute allows for local government entities to adopt ordinances to exceed this wage for those working or contracting with the local government. The suit was filed by Charles Caulkins of the South Florida law firm Fisher Philips LLC.

“We don’t support any mandates in which local governments are dictating what private businesses should be paying their employees, as it should be up to each individual employer to determine what is fair and also helps their business remain competitive,” said FRF President/CEO Randy Miller. “This increase will certainly lead to lost jobs, as small businesses, which make up 80 percent of businesses in Florida, only have a finite amount of money to spend on salaries, and being forced to pay certain employees more, means cutting the salaries or jobs of others, or potentially closing the business altogether.”

“The Florida Chamber of Commerce is focused on creating good jobs and opportunity for everyone and, unfortunately, a patchwork of government wage regulations and mandates hurts job seekers, small businesses, and Florida,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

“This unconstitutional mandate sets a dangerous precedent, threatens the strength of Florida’s businesses and increases costs to consumers. This is a critical issue that must be addressed to protect all of Florida’s employers, including the $89.1 billion hospitality industry which employs 1.2 million dedicated workers in the Sunshine State. The government shouldn’t dictate the relationship between an employer and employee. If this ordinance is upheld it could have severe, unintended consequences for employers and employees across the Sunshine State, and across the nation,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Texas Federal Judge Blocks Overtime Rule

Yesterday, a federal judge in Texas granted an emergency injunction against the U.S. Department of Labor’s overtime rule previously set to take effect December 1, delaying implementation of a regulation that would extend overtime eligibility to an estimated 4.2 million workers.

As finalized by the DOL in May, the rule would double the salary threshold eligibility from the current $455 per week ($23,660 per year) to $913 per week ($47,476 per year) and automatically update the salary threshold every three years, based on wage growth over time. The Labor Department estimated the overtime rule would cost the nation’s businesses $295 million per year.

In his opinion, Judge Amos Mazzant said that in issuing the rule, the Labor Department “exceeds its delegated authority and ignores Congress’s intent by raising the minimum salary threshold such that it supplants the duties test.” Under the duties test, an employee is exempt from overtime pay if he or she earns wages in excess of the salary threshold and has duties that are administrative, executive or professional. Mazzant said that “if Congress intended the salary requirement to supplant the duties test, then Congress and not the Department, should make that change.”

Read the full opinion here.

2016 Unofficial General Election Results

With hundreds of thousands of newly registered Florida voters since the last presidential election, the 2016 election cycle was certainly one of the most unprecedented elections in the state’s history. All 67 Florida counties offered early voting from October 29 through November 5, 2016, with additional days of early voting being allowed at the discretion of each county Supervisor of Elections. As early voting came to a close, nearly half of Florida’s registered voters had already cast their ballots for the general election by November 6.

For the 2016 election, all of Florida’s 40 state Senate seats were up for re-election. Currently, the Republican-controlled state Senate has 26 Republican seats compared to 14 Democratic seats. Following the 2016 general election, Republicans have 25 seats and the Democrats hold 15 Senate seats

All 120 state House seats were also up for re-election. Currently, the Republican-controlled state House has 81 Republican seats compared to 39 Democratic seats. Following the 2016 general election, the Republicans retained their majority with 79 House seats with the Democrats gaining two seats for a total of 41 House seats.

Four constitutional amendments appeared on Florida’s November 8 statewide general election ballot with only one failing to gain the necessary 60 percent vote for passage. Amendment 1, the controversial solar-energy ballot initiative, fell short of the 60 percent voter approval it needed in the general election. The ballot initiative was one of the most expensive constitutional amendment campaigns in Florida history. As of this report, the amendment had received support of only about 51 percent of voters.

For a full list of Florida’s “unofficial” 2016 General Election results:

Florida Senate
Florida House of Representatives
Florida Constitutional Amendments

For a complete list of federal, state, and local election results click here.

What You Need To Know: Florida Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rates, Minimum Wage Increase and Federal Overtime Regulations

Workers’ Compensation Rate Finalized

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has issued a Final Order granting approval to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) for an overall combined statewide average rate increase of 14.5%. This rate increase applies to both new and renewal workers’ compensation insurance policies effective in Florida as of December 1, 2016.

NCCI received this approval after submitting an amended rate filing to the Office on October 4, 2016, which met the stipulations of an Order issued on September 27, 2016.

For more information about the NCCI public hearing and rate filing, visit the Office’s “NCCI Public Rate Hearing” webpage. To view or download a copy of the NCCI rate filing, access the I-File Forms & Rates Filing Search System and enter File Log #16-12500 into the “Quick Search” function.

Florida’s Minimum Wage increases to $8.10 per hour

The 2017 Florida minimum wage is $8.10 per hour, effective January 1, 2017. Florida law requires the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to calculate a minimum wage rate each year based on the percentage increase in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in the South Region for the 12 month period prior to September 1, 2016. Click here for the “DEO Notice to Employees.”

Department of Labor Overtime Rule

In May 2016, DOL made drastic changes to the federal overtime regulations, which include more than doubling the salary threshold to be considered an exempt employee from $23,660 annually/$455 per week to $47,476 annually/$913 per week), resulting in greatly limited workplace flexibility and increased labor costs for restaurants across the country. Implementation begins December 1, 2016. This rule is too much, too soon.

Congress has proposed a common sense solution that will phase-in the salary threshold increase over five years. The “Overtime Reform and Review Act” would be extremely helpful as employers attempt to comply with the new regulation and absorb its impact. Act now and urge your legislators to co-sponsor S. 3464, the “Overtime Reform and Review Act.”

FRLA Honors First Responders and Celebrates Florida’s Hospitality Industry Stars at Awards Ceremony

(Orlando, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) honored local first responders who risked their lives to protect and serve during the Pulse tragedy, and recognized the restaurants, employees and guests statewide who supported Dine Out for Orlando United and raised more than $800,000 for the OneOrlando Fund. Speakers at the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Installation and Awards Gala included: Florida Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Chef Emeril Lagasse. State Senator Aaron Bean served as the emcee for the evening.

During the event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, FRLA celebrated the stars of Florida’s hospitality industry. FRLA announced its 2017 Executive Committee and unveiled its 2016 Hall of Fame along with other industry award winners. A live auction at the conclusion of the event raised $9,800 for the FRLA Educational Foundation.

Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer for Firehouse of America, LLC, was named FRLA’s 2017 Chairman of the Board. Fox will preside over the FRLA, one of the state’s largest trade associations, representing more than 10,000 members in the hospitality industry.

FRLA congratulates its newly elected executive board and Hall of Fame award winners.

2017 FRLA Executive Committee:
Don Fox	Chairman	Firehouse of America, LLC, Jacksonville
Kevin Speidel	Vice Chair	Hilton Worldwide, Fort Lauderdale
Chau Nguyen	Secretary-Treasurer	Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Orlando
Olivia Hoblit	Director 2016-17	Seaside Amelia Inn, Fernandina Beach
Alan Palmieri	Director 2017-18	Marlow’s Tavern, Orlando
Sheldon Suga	Director 2017-18	Hawk’s Cay Resort, Duck Key
Lino Maldonado	Immediate Past Chair	Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Fort Walton Beach

In addition, Hall of Fame Awards were given to individuals who have attained career distinctions of the highest level and were recognized for distinguished service to their industry, community, charitable organizations and family. The 2016 Hall of Fame is as follows:

2016 Restaurateur of the Year: Manuel “Manny” Garcia III, Davgar Restaurants Inc., Orlando The Garcia family has been steeped in the food and restaurant industry for many years. Beginning with his Burger King franchise, the successful restaurateur went on to introduce a number of new dining concepts to Central Florida including Pebbles Restaurants, Harvey’s Bistro and Manuel’s on the 28th Restaurant, and more recently in The Villages, City Fire American Oven & Bar and a tavern called Honest John’s Whiskey and Provisions. Garcia will once again break new ground with the mid-December grand opening of Wahlburgers, a casual burger restaurant founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg.

2016 Hotelier of the Year: Julian MacQueen, Innisfree Hotels, Pensacola Julian MacQueen’s hospitality career began five decades ago with a summer job as a busboy at a resort in Destin, Florida. He founded Innisfree Hotels in 1985, leaving a position as the Executive Vice President of Family Inns of America for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Since then, his company has grown from a single-property operation to one of the largest hotel companies in the southern United States, with more than 2,500 rooms owned and managed, 1,300 employees and revenues of $125 million.

2016 Supplier of the Year: Island Oasis Island Oasis has been a loyal FRLA allied member, exhibitor and sponsor for more than 15 years. They are one of the longest standing sponsors at our annual NRA/FRLA Bob Leonard Golf Classic, graciously serving their finest drink selections for our members to sample. Island Oasis also sponsors and participates at several chapter golf tournaments and events around the state. Tim Burks, National Accounts and Regional Sales Manager – Florida / Gulf Coast serves on the Allied Member Council and accepted this award on behalf of Island Oasis.

At the event, FRLA also announced annual award categories to recognize exceptional service throughout the state: Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year, Hotel Employee of the Year and Chef of the Year. Nominees and winners were chosen by a panel of independent industry judges.

Restaurant General Manager of the Year

Jim Garris, General Manager, Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City *WINNER

Clayton Green, General Manager, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Sandestin

Lindsey Smith, Senior Restaurant Manager, Orlando World Center Marriott

Hotel General Manager of the Year

Eduardo Fernandez, General Manager, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach *WINNER – TIE

Rey Martinez, Resort Manager, Hyatt Coconut Plantation Resort, Bonita Springs

Tom Williamson, General Manager, Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral *WINNER – TIE

Restaurant Employee of the Year

Lenny Jacobs, Kitchen Manager, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Sandestin

Stacey Landis, Bartender, Applebee’s, Venice *WINNER – TIE

Miranda Steele, Chef’s Office Coordinator, Orlando World Center Marriott *WINNER – TIE

Hotel Employee of the Year

Maria Colon, Executive Assistant, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

Santiago Navarro, Assistant Front Office Manager, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach *WINNER

Juan Rivera, Banquet Captain, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Chef of the Year

Geraldo Bayona, Corporate Chef, Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City *WINNER

Tuong (Hirano) Ly, District Head Chef, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Altamonte Springs

James Routhier, Executive Banquet Chef, Orlando World Center Marriott

FRLA Educational Foundation Student of the Year

Tyler Chaffin, The Academy of Culinary Arts at Belleview High School, Ocala

Jose Murillo, Inlet Grove Community High School, Riviera Beach

Sofia Slimak, Mainland High School, Daytona Beach *WINNER

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NIGHTCLUB & BAR CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW PARTNERS WITH FLORIDA RESTAURANT & LODGING ASSOCIATION

(Orlando, Fla.) — Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, a division of Questex, will support the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) during the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show taking place September 27-29, 2016 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

As part of the new partnership, Nightclub & Bar Show will sponsor the Opening Night Party and donate a Travel Package, including passes to the 2017 Nightclub & Bar Show, for auction at the FRLA Show on Sept. 28. All proceeds from the auction package will be donated to the FRLA Educational Foundation.

“Partnerships like this are extremely exciting, as they result in the top minds from the restaurant, foodservice, bar, and nightlife industries all coming together in one spot,” remarked Questex President and CEO, Kerry Gumas. “By bringing together such complementary industries, attendees and exhibitors have unlimited opportunity to take their business to the next level.”

“We’re proud to have the valuable support of the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show during this year’s Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show. This partnership will foster meaningful collaboration amongst the industry’s leading players, as well as inspire extraordinary innovations in Florida’s restaurant, lodging and foodservice industries,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Florida’s already sterling reputation for unparalleled service and hospitality continues to exceed the expectations of our visitors and residents.”

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, themed Exceeding Culinary Expectations: Master the Emerging Trends, brings in over 8,000 industry professionals for three days of educational programs with topics ranging from menus to management, and more. For more information, please visit: www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com.

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About Nightclub & Bar Media Group
Nightclub & Bar Media Group, a division of Boston, MA based Questex LLC, is the go-to resource for the on-premise professional. Mirroring the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the beverage industry, Nightclub & Bar has been providing the specific tools bar professionals, owners and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry for over 30 years. Nightclub & Bar Media Group produces the Nightclub & Bar Show (www.ncbshow.com), VIBE Conference (vibeconference.com), Nightclub & Bar Top Rated Lists (www.nightclub.com/category/ncb/scene/top-rated), Nightclub & Bar Awards, and produces daily content on www.nightclub.com.

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $89.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.2 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, September 27-29, 2016 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

2016 Primary Election “Unofficial” Results

Click here for the 2016 Primary Election “Unofficial” Results.

Florida had slightly more than 13.37 million registered voters for the August 30th primary – 4.69 million registered Democrats compared to 4.43 million registered Republicans. No party affiliation voters totaled about 2.91 million. For Florida’s primary, all 40 Senate seats and all 120 House seats are up for re-election.

Only one constitutional amendment appeared on Florida’s August 30th statewide primary ballot, but it is credited with helping drive up voter participation in the
election. The passage of Amendment 4 extends a residential renewable-energy tax break to commercial and industrial properties in hopes of boosting solar
development by incentivizing solar companies and Florida businesses to take advantage of tax credit. Amendment 4 was supported by the Florida Chamber of Commerce
and an array of other organizations, including the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Florida Association of Realtors, the Florida Retail Federation,
the Nature Conservancy, several Florida newspapers, including the Tampa Bay Times and the Tallahassee Democrat, and the group backing the amendment – Floridians for Solar Choice. All voters, regardless of party affiliation, were able to vote on Amendment 4 which required the support of at least 60 percent of voters to secure passage. The Florida Legislature must now pass a law to implement the new amendment in order to add it to Florida’s Constitution. Amendment 4 appeared on the Primary ballot at the direction of the state’s utility companies that didn’t want it to be confused with a separate, utility-backed solar amendment, known as Amendment 1, which will be on Florida’s November 8th General Election ballot.

Election results will be officially certified by Florida’s Department of State, Division of Elecions on Thursday, September 8th by 9:00 am (ninth day after the primary election).

42 people have already earned their seat in the Florida Legislature when they were unopposed at the end of the qualifying period, June 24, 2016:

Senators
SD 02 – George Gainer – REP
SD 04 – Aaron Bean – REP
SD 05 – Rob Bradley – REP
SD 06 – Audrey Gibson – DEM
SD 09 – David Simmons – REP
SD 10 – Wilton Simpson – REP
SD 20 – Tom Lee – REP
SD 21 – Bill Galvano – REP
SD 26 – Denise Grimsley – REP
SD 32 – Lauren Book – DEM
SD 33 – Perry Thurston – DEM
SD 35 – Oscar Braynon – DEM

Representatives
HD 007 – Halsey Beshears – REP
HD 017 – Cyndi Stevenson – REP
HD 020 – Clovis Watson – DEM
HD 032 – Larry Metz – REP
HD 033 – Don Hahnfeldt – REP
HD 034 – Ralph Massullo – REP
HD 037 – Richard Corcoran – REP
HD 038 – Danny Burgess – REP
HD 044 – Eric Eisnaugle – REP
HD 055 – Cary Pigman – REP
HD 057 – Jake Raburn – REP
HD 062 – Janet Cruz – DEM
HD 064 – James Grant – REP
HD 071 – Jim Boyd – REP
HD 075 – Michael Grant – REP
HD 077 – Dane Eagle – REP
HD 078 – Heather Fitzenhagen – REP
HD 081 – Joseph Abruzzo – DEM
HD 084 – Larry Lee – DEM
HD 089 – Bill Hager – REP
HD 094 – Bobby DuBose – DEM
HD 096 – Kristin Jacobs – DEM
HD 097 – Jared Moskowitz – DEM
HD 098 – Katie Edwards – DEM
HD 099 – Evan Jenne – DEM
HD 100 – Joe Geller – DEM
HD 101 – Shev Jones – DEM
HD 102 – Sharon Pritchett – DEM
HD 109 – Cynthia Stafford – DEM
HD 117 – Kionne McGhee – DEM

Gov. Scott: Florida Hits All-Time Record High for Tourism

MYERS, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott announced Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming the highest amount of visitors of any six months in the state’s history with 57.4 million visitors. This record amount represents a 4.3 percent increase over the year. In the second quarter of 2016, 27.3 million visitors came to the state, an increase of 3.1 percent over the year. The average number of direct travel-related jobs in quarter two of 2016 was also a record high, with 1,255,200 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 4.3 percent over the year.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record breaking success and welcomed the most visitors in Florida’s history over the first six months of the year. It’s exciting that we are starting the first half of 2016 off with back to back record quarters which puts us on pace to reach our goal of 115 million tourists this year and $100 billion in visitor spending by 2020. In Florida, the health and safety of our visitors is a top priority and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to the Sunshine State this year.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that 23.6 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the second quarter of 2016, which is a 4.6 percent increase over the same period last year.

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA said “The Florida tourism industry has a tremendous amount of momentum because every month we have millions of new visitors who are experiencing the best tourism product on earth and returning home to share their Florida memories with friends and family.”

Tourism and recreation taxable sales for Florida increased 6.1 percent year over year for January through April 2016 (last reported month). For quarter two of 2016, the average daily room rate (ADR) rose 1.4 percent and the demand in rooms sold grew 1.1 percent.

William D. Talbert, III, CDME, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors said “The success of Florida tourism is directly attributable to the strong alignment between VISIT FLORIDA and our tourism industry partners, and their continued investment in strengthening the state’s incredible tourism product.”

To view additional Florida visitor data, please go to the Research page on VISIT FLORIDA’s media website.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.