FRLA General Counsel Samantha Padgett breaks down the most important action of Week 7 of the 2019 Legislative Session. We’re almost to the finish line, and FRLA’s Government Relations team expect the next two weeks to be exciting. For a full list of bills we’re tracking, click here.

This week, two bills regarding short-term rentals were up for discussion, and testimony in the House was impassioned. HB 987 was on the agenda in the Commerce Committee and passed after representatives heard from lodging industry professionals. SB 824 by Diaz was temporarily postponed in the Industry, Innovation and Technology Committee, but that committee is not currently slated to meet again.

On Wednesday, the Florida Senate passed SB 2500, their budget, and sent it to the House. Yesterday, the House passed their budget bill, HB 5001, so negotiations between the two chambers will soon begin. Of note: the Senate’s budget allocates $50 million for VISIT FLORIDA funding, which is more than the House allocation of $19 million for the state’s marketing arm. FRLA supports Gov. DeSantis’ recommendation to set aside $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA, and we are continuing to track this issue closely.

Week 4 of the 2019 Legislative Session was busy. Samantha Padgett, General Counsel for FRLA, breaks down the most important bills moving in Florida’s Capitol this week for the hospitality industry. Find a full list of bills the Government Relations team is tracking in the 2019 Legislative Session here.

Last Wednesday, we celebrated Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol, and Rep. Mel Ponder gave an impassioned speech about the importance of tourism to our state. This week, we have talked extensively with House leadership about the importance of VISIT FLORIDA funding, and we thank them for taking the time to listen. Florida truly is a state of hospitality.

FRLA’s General Counsel, Samantha Padgett, provides an update of the most important activity in the Capitol this week. Her breakdown includes discussion of the predictive scheduling bill, an update on human trafficking from the Senate, and a recap of Florida Tourism Day 2019. Keep track of all bills with potential impact on the hospitality industry here.

The 2019 Legislative Session opened on Tuesday, and Governor DeSantis gave his State of the State address. Among other topics ranging from the Supreme Court to education, Gov. DeSantis also discussed the importance of water quality and the environment. He is focused on long-term solutions, and we look forward to working with him to ensure the Florida is beautiful for all who live, work, and play here.

FRLA’s Capital Corner – Week 7: Listen to the latest updates about potential legislative impacts to our industry by tuning into Week 7 of FRLA’s Capital Corner, featuring FRLA General Counsel Samantha Padgett. This recap includes an update on short-term rentals and other legislative issues. Watch the video.

FRLA’s Capital Corner – Week 7: Listen to the latest updates about potential legislative impacts to our industry by tuning into Week 7 of FRLA’s Capital Corner, featuring FRLA General Counsel Samantha Padgett. This recap includes an update on short-term rentals and other legislative issues. Watch the video.

FRLA’s Capital Corner – Week 6: Listen to the latest updates about potential legislative impacts to our industry by tuning into Week 6 of FRLA’s Capital Corner. This recap includes an update on the tourist development tax and other legislative issues. Watch the video.