FAQs

Who should be invited?

Invite the Legislative Delegation of your county and their staff. This includes all State Senators and Representatives whose districts are, in whole or part, in your county. You may also consider inviting candidates running for the Legislature in “open seats.” This means that no incumbent is seeking re-election, and a new legislator will be elected to the seat.

To view a list of candidates running for State Senator and State Representative, click here. If you are unsure which candidates to invite, please reach out to FAA, who will get in touch with our governmental affairs team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee for suggestions.

I sent invitation emails to our County’s Legislative Delegation and haven’t heard back. What should I do? 

You may send another reminder email and/or call their District Office and speak to their district staff. If you still do not hear back, please reach out to FAA, who will get in touch with our governmental affairs team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee. Not all Legislator’s schedules will be able to accommodate your tour. Every contact makes a difference for our industry. Be diligent, yet respectful.

Who should our legislators meet with at my attraction? 

A member of your senior leadership team should be the primary host of their visit. However, you should consider the involvement of one or more of your most dependable front-line staff to share insights on unique or specialized elements of your operation that will be of interest to your guests. 

May I give gifts?

The tour itself is considered educational and provides legislators with relevant information they need to make wise policy decisions for our state. You may also offer the legislator any literature that might be educational on your issue/attraction. Other than the tour itself, Florida law prohibits their acceptance of gifts or food and beverages by Legislators or their staff.

Can I group legislators together and provide a tour to more than one at a time?

Yes, you may, but be aware that their time back in their home districts is demanding. Please be flexible and accommodate them at a time convenient to their schedules.

What if a legislator doesn’t come, only their staff? How should their staff be handled?

The staff of legislators are critical influencers and should be given the same courtesy and respect as the legislator. Often, legislators will count on the knowledge and experience of their staff when making policy decisions. They are another set of eyes and ears for our elected legislators.

Are group photos and social media allowable?

Absolutely! Legislators use Twitter and Facebook a lot and appreciate the content you create on their visit that they can share on their feeds/pages. Complete Social Media resources for Florida Attractions District Days are available here.

Our attraction depends on our local TDC/CVB/VCB to leverage our marketing dollars.  Is the Florida Legislature making changes to how bed taxes can be spent?

Based on the 2024 Session, there is a high probability that the 2025 Florida Legislature will consider making changes to the uses of the Tourist Development Tax.  This could dilute you county's ability to compete bringing visitors to your county and your attraction.  When a tour with a Legislator is set, the FAA highly recommends you contact your county DMO and invite them to join your tour.  Your DMO's participation is a demonstration of the dependence tourism entities have on bed tax dollars being used to promote your county destination.  Here's an excellent publication by our partners at Destinations Florida. Destination Promotion: Empowering Florida's Growth 

What about local and federal issues?

You may discuss issues regarding your experience with local and federal government, as many legislators began their political careers in a city or county government office first. However, their most direct influence as a Florida legislator is the policy created at a state level.

What are the Priority Issues for the FAA in the 2025 Legislative Session?

Many of the FAA's Priority Issues are in response to bills filed by Legislators. Some issues are recurring. Our 2025 Session Priorities will be published following the last Interim Committee Week. You can review our 2024 Legislative Priorities.

When does the 2025 Legislative Session begin?

The 2025 Legislative Session begins on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The Florida Constitution dictates the Legislature meet for 60 days, meaning Sine Die (adjournment) is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025.

What is an Interim Committee Week?

The Florida Legislature meets for six weeks prior to Session for committees to hear presentations from staff, state agencies, and various associations. It also allows committees to consider bills that have been filed, giving members a running start on the work they will perform during Session.

Does the FAA track filed bills? 

Yes! The FAA tracks numerous bills that have a direct or indirect impact on Florida’s attractions industry. In a typical year, between 50 and 75 bills may be found on our dynamic Bill Tracker. The information on each bill listed is updated immediately as the Legislature acts. Relevant bills will become tracked after they're filed and identified as impactful.

If you have questions about which bills we’re tracking or have concern regarding a filed bill that isn’t on our Bill Tracker list, please contact lupfer@FloridaAttractions.org

May I discuss politics, election campaigns, political parties, their political opponents or make a campaign contribution to them?

If you are a 501(c)(3) or government-owned attraction, no. 

Legislators are always on the hunt for contributions to their political campaigns, but contributions are not required by you. They are visiting to assist their understanding of our industry and your business.

If you know them personally and/or wish to contribute, make a clear distinction between the educational tour portion of their visit and the campaign contribution which should occur as they are preparing to leave. Campaign contributions are public information and there are factors on how and when they are made and whether they’re personal or business contributions.

If you would like to contribute to our Florida Attractions Political Action Committee (FAPAC), please click this link. These contributions help support incumbent legislative candidates that have been supportive of our association’s issues, as well as new candidates that can be legislative champions for our industry.

If you need any assistance with this issue, please contact the FAA office and you’ll be put in touch with someone from our government relations team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee for clarification and assistance.

I am a 501(c)(3) (non-profit) or government-owned attraction. May I participate in Florida Attractions District Days?

Yes. Florida Attractions District Days is not a political event and therefore permissible and not compromising your tax-exempt status with the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue. As an educational advocacy program, Florida Attractions District Days is an opportunity for legislators to learn more about Florida’s attractions industry and your attraction. Their understanding of your business will assist them in developing sound policy. Please consult with legal counsel when in doubt.

Regarding tax-exempt organizations, the IRS states: “Organizations may, however, involve themselves in issues of public policy without the activity being considered as lobbying. For example, organizations may conduct educational meetings, prepare, and distribute educational materials, or otherwise consider public policy issues in an educational manner without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.”

Who is up for reelection in 2024?

20 Florida Senate seats (the odd numbered ones) and all 120 Florida House of Representatives seats are on the November 5, 2024 ballot. In addition, US Senator Rick Scott's seat is up for grabs in 2024 as well as all 28 of the US House of Representatives seats.

What about inviting candidates for the Florida Legislature?

Yes, inviting candidates that are running for the Legislature on an educational tour can help them understand your attraction and the value it brings. We advise inviting candidates that are running for an “open” seat, or incumbent legislators that are seeking re-election. The FAA lobbying team can assist you with determining the best candidate to invite. Please email office@libertypartnersfl.com.

2024 Florida Statewide Election Dates

August 20, 2024: Primary Election

November 5, 2024: General Election