2026 Legislative Session FAA Priority Issues

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Bills

SB 454 | SB 456 | SB 458

Status: Filed – Senate
FAA Position: ❌ OPPOSE

What do these bills do?

These bills would weaken or remove existing requirements that a significant portion of Tourist Development Tax revenues be used for tourism promotion and advertising, and/or expand allowable uses to non-tourism purposes.

Why does this matter to attractions?

Tourism marketing drives visitation. Reduced promotion means:

• Fewer visitors
• Fewer jobs
• Lower revenue for attractions and local businesses
• Long-term erosion of Florida’s competitive edge

What is the FAA asking for?

Protect TDT as a demand-generation tool, not a general revenue source.

Destination Marketing Organizations

SB 446 – Large-Scale County DMOs

Status: Filed – Senate
FAA Position: ⚠️ MONITOR / CONCERNS

What does this bill do?

Creates a new category of “large-scale county destination marketing organizations,” requiring:

• Registration with the Department of State
• A 1:1 private-to-public funding match to maintain operations

Why is this concerning?

• Could destabilize consistent tourism marketing funding
• Adds administrative and fundraising burdens
• Risks reducing marketing reach in major destination counties

What is the FAA watching?

How governance and funding changes may unintentionally weaken destination promotion.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Privacy

SB 482 – Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights

Status: Filed – Senate
FAA Position: ⚠️ MONITOR / SEEK CLARITY

What does this bill do?

Establishes consumer rights related to AI use, including:

• Transparency when interacting with AI
• Data privacy protections
• Parental consent requirements for minors
• Restrictions on certain AI-related government contracts

How could this affect attractions?

Potential impacts if definitions are broad:

• Guest chatbots and virtual assistants
• AI-powered guest services or accessibility tools
• Marketing, personalization, and analytics platforms
• Interactions involving minors

What is the FAA’s approach?

Support consumer trust and safety without unintentionally burdening legitimate guest-service and business technologies.

VISIT FLORIDA Funding

Governor’s FY 2026–27 Budget Recommendation

Funding Level: $80 Million
FAA Position: ✅ SUPPORT

Why is this funding important?

VISIT FLORIDA:

• Drives statewide visitation
• Supports local DMOs and attractions
• Amplifies Florida’s global tourism brand

What happens if funding is reduced?

• Less statewide promotion
• Greater pressure on local marketing budgets
• Reduced visitation growth over time

Insurance, Liability & Risk Environment

(Multiple bills anticipated / filed)

FAA Position: ⚠️ MONITOR & SUPPORT SMART REFORMS

Why does this matter?

Insurance affordability and liability exposure directly affect:

• Operating costs
• Capital investment
• Long-term sustainability for attractions

What is the FAA watching?

Bills that:

• Expand liability exposure
• Impact claims environments
• Affect commercial insurance markets

Animals in Human Care

FAA Position: ✅ SUPPORT

• Supports responsible animal care, conservation, and education
• Protects attractions from overly restrictive legislation

What is the FAA watching?

Bills that:

• Restrict responsible conservation, care and curation of animals

Cultural Grants

FAA Position: ✅ SUPPORT

Why is this important?

• Preserves funding for historic, cultural, and natural attractions grants through the Department of State

What is the FAA watching?

Budget Bills that:

• Provide adequate funding for the state’s grant programs

 2026 Legislative Session Bill Tracker

(updated 1/8/26)

Bills shown below are being monitored by the FAA and our lobby team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee during the 2026 Legislative Session. Information on a bill's status is updated in real time and can be accessed by clicking on the bill's link.  If you have any questions or need information on bills not listed, please contact Bill Lupfer 850-222-2885 or lupfer@floridaattractions.org