VISIT FLORIDA has released its estimated quarterly visitation numbers, reporting Q2 year-over-year growth from 34.2 to 34.4 million visitors. As many of our members know, overall visitation to Florida does not always translate into increased attendance at attractions. We appreciate VISIT FLORIDA’s transparency in providing supplemental insights, noting that lower visitor spending and shorter lengths of stay continue to create challenging conditions. It is encouraging to see VISIT FLORIDA recognize these trends as they consider appropriate marketing responses.

What If Your County’s TDC Was Dissolved and Bed Tax Dollars Were Redirected?

That’s exactly what nearly happened during the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.

HB 1221, introduced by the Florida House of Representatives and passed by a 65–42 vote, proposed sweeping changes to the way Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds are used. If enacted, the bill would have:

• Redirected 75% of TDT revenue to offset property taxes—effectively eliminating funding for tourism promotion, marketing, and tourism-related facilities.
• Dissolved every Tourist Development Council (TDC) in Florida by the end of 2025.
• Required a public referendum every eight years to continue levying the TDT for the sole purpose of a property tax discount.

Fortunately, the Florida Senate rejected this damaging proposal and protected the integrity of Florida’s tourism economy.

Now, as we look ahead to the 2026 Legislative Session—with interim committee weeks beginning October 6, 2025—this is the perfect time to engage with your State Representative.

• If your Representative voted NO on HB 1221, consider sending a note of thanks for supporting Florida’s tourism marketing efforts.
• If your Representative voted YES on HB 1221, now is a critical time to respectfully express your concerns and help them understand the value of investing in tourism.

[Click here to view the YEAS and NAYS for the HB 1221 floor vote]  (note Yea and Nay tabs)

[Find your State Representative here]

To make it easy, the FAA’s lobby team at Liberty Partners of Tallahassee has prepared two customizable letter templates:

• This one for thanking Representatives who voted NO on HB 1221
• This one for communicating with Representatives who voted YES

Please keep messages to those who voted “Yes” constructive and professional—we want to build support to protect TDT in the 2026 Session.

If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you receive a reply from your Representative, please forward it to me—it will help shape our strategy for the year ahead.

Thank you for taking action to protect Florida’s #1 economic engine—tourism!

Warm regards,

Bill

In less than a year, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—a monumental milestone in our nation’s history. Commemorations are being planned at both the federal and state levels for summer 2026.

In Florida, the Semiquincentennial Commission has been established to lead the planning and coordination of events across the Sunshine State. This is a unique opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and inspire—right in your own community.

Now is the perfect time to begin planning how your attraction will participate in honoring this historic moment. Whether through themed exhibits, special events, or educational programs, your contribution can help bring this celebration to life for your guests.

Visit the Florida 250 website and the official U.S. Semiquincentennial site for resources, inspiration, and updates on statewide and national initiatives.

Let’s make this celebration one to remember—for Florida, and for the nation.

Board Member Focus: 5 Questions - Christina Schwartzman, CEO, Sawgrass Recreation Park

1. How long have you been in the attractions industry?

I’ve been in the attractions industry for 18 years. While finishing my criminology degree at the University of Florida, I helped rebuild our family park after Hurricane Wilma. I planned to join the U.S. Marshal Academy, but while waiting, I fell in love with my dad’s vision. When the call came, I stayed. Best decision ever.

2. What is your favorite job you’ve had in the industry and why?

Over 18 years, I’ve worn many hats in our family business—sales, marketing, cleaning bathrooms, wrangling gators, and now CEO. My favorite roles are leading major capital projects and overseeing HR. Supporting our team and improving guest spaces is deeply rewarding. Sneaking away to witness a guest experiencing one of their bucket list moments? Priceless.

3. What is the most rewarding aspect of working in/for the attraction industry?

Attractions create pure magic. We’re not routine—we offer unforgettable moments. Whether it’s your toddler giggling at a splash pad, your child riding their first coaster, or holding your partner’s hand on a spring-fed float, time stands still. The memories we help create with loved ones are priceless—and truly worth more than gold.

4. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

Like many families post-pandemic, we’ve made joy and adventure a priority! On school breaks or a long weekend, we explore Florida’s hidden gems—and occasionally escape to the quiet mountains. I’m a proud mom, Girl Scout leader, PTA member, and yearbook designer. I also lead three companies and serve on several boards, including FAA, VISIT FLORIDA, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Marketing Committee, and the Jack and Jill Foundation. Life is full—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

5. Aside from Florida, what is your dream vacation destination and why?

We’re excited to one day explore Ireland and Scotland as a family. We love hiking, nature, and places rich in history—so these destinations are a perfect fit. With family roots in both countries, the trip will be especially meaningful. My husband and I even dream of retiring there after our time at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Global Leisure Management is an attractions management company that is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences, and achieving exceptional results. GLM’s corporate headquarters are in St. Louis, and the company was founded in 2023 by owner and CEO Mandy Sijbrandij, which was the very same year the company joined the Florida Attractions Association as a Supplier Associate member.  The company has very flexible service packages and for all levels, and types of needs and their talented team members are well equipped to custom create solutions for any type of attraction. 

GLM specializes in all aspects of attraction management including strategic planning, financial oversight, marketing, HR, guest services as well as maintenance and safety.  Under the Operations realm, they focus on all aspects of daily operations from staffing to policies and procedures, ticketing solutions, community engagement, and much more.  For Accounting, they can provide essential support for small tasks to comprehensive solutions including budgeting, financial reporting, tax compliance, and can tailor their services to fit attraction businesses of all sizes.  In the world of HR, GLM can assist with such areas as recruitment strategy, candidate interviewing, HR compliance, benefits management, as well as HR compliance training, and much more.

Dinosaur World, located in Plant City, Florida (between Tampa and Orlando) is certainly one of the FAA’s most unique attraction members.  The outdoor park blends history with adventure in a one-of-a-kind dinosaur experience that features well over 200 life-sized dinosaur sculptures that are located throughout the 22-acre park. 

There is so much to see and experience at Dinosaur World Florida from immersive activities such as Aunt Cera’s Fossil Dig where guests can sift through the soil to uncover ancient marine life fossils such as shark teeth, Mosasaurus teeth, ammonites, and crinoids to uncovering hidden treasures in Uncle Rex’s Gem Mine.  Their most recent exhibit is: Doom of the Dinosaurs, featuring 16 authentic life-sized casts of discovered dinosaur skeletons, authentic fossils, cast traces and including the full sized cast of T-Rex “Stan.”  There are so many interactive exhibits to delight and amaze children and the entire family, and one of the most popular spots is the Dino-themed playground that features slides and swings.  

Major holidays are always a very special time at Dinosaur World and the park is one of the more popular destinations in Central Florida for school field trips and birthday parties. Dinosaur World can also boast of its unique 5,000 square foot gift shop that offers so many prehistoric artifacts and toys and games.

While this great family friendly attraction is unique for Florida, and there are actually two additional Dinosaur World attraction locations in Cave City, Kentucky and Glen Rose, Texas.  If you are looking to explore in every sense of the word, be sure to visit Dinosaur World Florida for your next adventure.

The Florida Legislature adjourned Sine Die on June 16, 2025, after a contentious and extended session lasting 105 days. Tensions between House Speaker Danny Perez and Governor Ron DeSantis led to disputes over illegal immigration enforcement, tax cuts, and spending, delaying legislative progress. The Legislature failed to complete its only constitutional obligation—passing the state budget—within the regular 60-day session, prompting an extension through June 6 via House Concurrent Resolution 1631, limiting consideration to 16 key bills including the budget and tax package.

Although an initial budget agreement was reached on May 2, disagreements resurfaced after Governor DeSantis rejected the House’s proposed sales tax cuts, causing the plan to unravel. A second extension, House Concurrent Resolution 1635, prolonged the session to June 18 to avoid a government shutdown.

Contentious bills such as SB 110 (Rural Renaissance) and HB 7033 (which proposed eliminating Tourist Development Councils and overhauling local bed tax use) were excluded. However, the final tax package (HB 7031) allowed for expanded uses of Tourist Development Taxes in fiscally constrained coastal counties and lifeguard training.

Significant progress was made the week of June 9, culminating in the release of the budget conference report on June 13. The Legislature approved a $115.1 billion budget—$500 million less than the Governor’s proposal—on June 16, following the required 72-hour review period. The budget now awaits Governor DeSantis’ review and possible line-item vetoes. It includes $80 million for VISIT FLORIDA and $20.8 million for cultural and museum grants.

Click here to view the 2025 FAA Legislative Session Summary