Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Urges Senate to Protect Tourism Tax Revenues, Oppose SB 2008

Legislation Would Expand Tourist and Convention Development Tax Uses

MEDIA CONTACT

Ashley Chambers: achambers@frla.org

 

TALLAHASSEE – Yesterday, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) sent a letter to members of the Florida Senate Committee on Community Affairs strongly opposing Senate Bill 2008, which would expand the approved uses of Florida’s Tourist Development Taxes and Convention Development Taxes. The approved uses of those taxes were adopted by voter referendum for the purpose of promoting and marketing tourism in Florida.

“No industry in Florida has been hit harder than the tourism and hospitality industries,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “With an historic drop in visitors from 134 million to 86 million last year – the lowest in a decade – it is more important than ever to protect our tourism dollars and the stated mission of those dollars – to promote tourism so that we can bring back our guests and continue to rebuild.”

The opposition letter, linked here, was co-signed by the FRLA Executive Chairman Jim Shirley and Vice Chair Olivia Hoblit.

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