The hospitality industry made its voice heard at the House Appropriations Committee this past Tuesday, urging lawmakers to preserve VISIT FLORIDA. Although HB 7005 was amended to keep the state’s destination marketing arm, funding was drastically cut by 67%. FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover and several FRLA members attended to testify before the committee. Despite testimony overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, the committee voted 18-12 to pass the proposal and it’s headed to the House Floor. It is imperative the legislature protects tourism jobs and fully funds VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing efforts.

Hundreds of FRLA members and tourism industry partners traveled to Tallahassee to speak or stand in opposition to legislation in the Florida House that would kill Florida jobs by eliminating VISIT FLORIDA. The hospitality industry packed the House Career and Competition Subcommittee room to capacity, urging lawmakers to preserve the state’s tourism marketing corporation. Despite testimony overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, the committee voted 10-5 to pass the proposal. As the fight for Florida’s tourism industry continues, FRLA will keep you informed and engaged.

FRLA stands with the Floridians for Fair Business Practices to repeal Florida’s alcohol separation law. The coalition held a press conference on SB 106 and HB 81 with bill sponsors Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) & Rep. Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah) to support businesses remaining competitive and providing convenience to consumers. Learn more.

FRLA applauds the selection of Ken Lawson as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation. A native Floridian, Ken Lawson has served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) since he was appointed by Governor Scott in March 2011. Read more.

On December 14, FRLA joined Florida’s leading business organizations to file suit 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. Learn more.

This week FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover traveled to Central Florida to serve on the VISIT FLORIDA Strategic Planning Taskforce to discuss next steps of the VISIT FLORIDA 2020 Strategic Plan. Dover is also attending the International Society of Hotel Association Executives (ISHAE) Winter Summit in San Francisco to mingle with fellow hospitality executives from all over the nation. FRLA Director of Membership Dannette Lynch currently serves on the ISHAE Board of Directors.

FRLA 2017 Chairman Dox Fox took time to speak with South Florida FRLA members this Tuesday at the Miami-Dade Chairman’s Breakfast and Monroe Chairman’s Reception. A nationally-renowned speaker and restaurant veteran, Chairman Fox gave his Power of Branding presentation to a packed house, and installed the 2017 Officers and Board for both chapters.

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart joined local restaurant owners at Sergio’s this week to participate in a roundtable disccusion hosted by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA). Industry leaders discussed overtime regulations, the joint-employer standard, immigration reform and other government policies impacting their businesses.

In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA traveled to Florida’s northeast coast from Daytona Beach, up the Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches to Saint Augustine, meeting with local industry leaders and visiting local restaurants, hotels and attractions. We are extremely fortunate to be open for business and welcome visitors and residents alike to enjoy the Sunshine State. Thank you to everyone who assisted with relief and recovery efforts to keep Florida’s hospitality industry strong.

Get A Plan! FRLA encourages its members, residents and visitors to be prepared for a direct impact from Hurricane Matthew. Click here for several resources as it relates to hurricane preparation and disaster relief. How Can I Help? The Emergency Accommodations Modulehas been activated by VISIT FLORIDA to assist visitors with relocating as the storm approaches.