| MEMBER CONTENT |
Legislative/Regulatory Issues
The FAA watches several issues during each Legislative Session, and issues position statements on behalf of the Board of Directors each year to be used during our legislative activities. While we recognize that not every member will agree with the position statements, we believe that these statements represent the collective position of the Association membership. The Board and the Association take a holistic, statewide view on the issues, and take positions that they believe are in the best interests of a majority of our members and of Florida tourism at large.
We believe Tourism Development Taxes (Bed Taxes) must be
preserved for their original statutory purpose – to promote tourism and develop
visitor demand in the county where they are collected. These visitors also pay
nearly a quarter of all sales tax collected in the state. Expansion of uses
will reduce a destination’s ability to attract visitors to their county.
We support Governor DeSantis’
proposed budget for VISIT FLORIDA of
$110 million for 2024-25. VISIT FLORIDA continues to provide a strong ROI for
Florida taxpayers as its 12,000 tourism industry partners create jobs and
remains the foundation for Florida’s robust economy.
We oppose government mandates
requiring our members to accept cash payments.
The safety, security, and simplicity of non-cash transactions is a foundational
business decision established by business owners. Nearly 40% of FAA member attractions are
either partially or totally cashless.
FAA members include a variety of
zoos, aquariums and marine mammal facilities dedicated to the welfare of the
animals in their attractions and to the research, conservation, and protection
of wildlife. These facilities inspire millions of visitors each year through
their education programs to help protect the natural wonders of our planet. We
support our members in this commitment and oppose any legislation that would
restrict the responsible stewardship of animals
in human care.
Florida is recognized around the
world as a destination with bountiful water
resources. The balance of our ecosystems is fragile and the state
must act to protect and restore this precious resource to ensure the
availability of potable water in our aquifers and in lakes, rivers, springs,
swamps and beaches for recreational use. Blue-green algae bloom and red tide
both create disruption of our state’s economy.
The FAA supports our members
engaged in agritourism and
Legislative efforts to protect their businesses from the interference of local
governments.
We support fully funding grant programs for historic, natural, and cultural resources including attraction and museum related appropriations. We also support the continued preservation of Florida’s historic, natural, and cultural artifacts and sites to protect our state’s heritage.
Protecting Florida's Tourist Development Tax (Bed Tax)
- Destination Marketing - Empowering Florida's Growth.pdf (Destinations Florida Publication)
VISIT FLORIDA Re-authorization and Funding
The Florida Attractions Association protects our industry’s interests in the development of Legislative policy, monitor state agency rulemaking and regulatory oversight and delivers timely, relevant information to our members. Supported by our dedicated government consulting firm, Liberty Partners of Tallahassee and their team of lobbyists, the FAA strives to educate our state’s policy makers with vital information regarding our industry’s impact of Florida’s economy, employment, and contributions to the quality of life of our citizens. Our success is clear and demonstrates our united strength.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
- Direct communication with top leaders in Florida Government
- 18 Webinars to propagate actionable information
- Presented testimony before US Senate subcommittee
- Developed first attraction industry protocols for reopening
- Consultation with city and county leaders to assist with reopening protocol standards
- Disseminated information on state and federal grant and loan programs
VISIT FLORIDA
- Promoted the continuation of VISIT FLORIDA
- Secured consistent funding
- Extended the statutory sunset to 2028
Local Tourism Development (Bed) Taxes
- Defended the integrity of the local option bed tax
- Defeated attempts to use TDT revenue for general county needs
Family Entertainment Centers
- Relocated applicable statute from Gaming to new Chapter in statute “Family Amusement Games Act”
- Provided increased value of prizes in games of skill
Animals in Human Care
Defended attempts to limit responsible presentation of animals in human careParental Waivers
Fought for clarity and legally valid waiver language for minors participating in activities with an inherent risk
Lost or Abandoned Personal Property
Expansion of Gambling
Consistent adverse to expansion of gambling in the state of Florida including passage of Amendment 3 in 2018 establishing in the state Constitution that only Florida citizens, through ballot initiative, have the authority to expand gaming.
School Calendar
Advocated for a later school start date; ultimately provided for statewide uniformity with a defined “not before” date.
FDACS - Bureau of Fair Rides
Worked on various Rules processes to develop common sense rules to promote the safety of our guests and a pragmatic approach to enforcement. Issues including water slide staffing, go-kart staffing, inspections, adoption of ASTM standards, ride signage, and inspection fees are among the issues address by the FAA on behalf of our members.
As an Association of Florida's Finest Family Attractions, we...
Support the reauthorization and fully funding of VISIT FLORIDA.
Support the funding for a Public State Artifacts Facility and display by the Florida Department of State.
Oppose the expansion of the uses of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT)
Oppose changes in statutes that further restrict animals being in human care. (Elephants by FWC Rule)
Oppose the constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot in November 2020 that will increase Florida’s minimum wage. (2020 Constitutional Amendment)
Oppose overreaching changes to the statutes relating to the regulation of rides within attractions and amusement parks. (2020 bill that will be filed on behalf of the Bureau of Fair Rides)
Oppose the expansion of gambling including sports betting.
Support the continued funding of water quality improvements throughout Florida. (environment, recreation, drinking)
Support legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public lodging establishments and public food service establishments.
Support the reduction of sales tax on commercial leases.
Monitor legislation related to the use of Emotional Support Animals. (vs. Service Dogs/Horses vs. therapy animals vs. support animals)
Monitor the ASTM Committee F24 Standardization by rule at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Monitor legislation related to banning the use of plastic drinking straws.
Support the repeal of the isolated find program within the Division of Historical Resources.
Support allowing private business to decide whether to allow or ban vaping and whether to allow or ban firearms and weapons.
Oppose changes to statutes that will allow for the open-carry of firearms.
Parental Waivers (W/L)
Lost or abandoned personal property/Lost & Found Articles (W)
- CHAPTER 705 - LOST OR ABANDONED PROPERTY
- 705.17 Exceptions
- 705.185 Disposal of personal property lost or abandoned on the premises of certain facilities
School Calendar (L)
Family Entertainment Centers (W)
Expansion of Gambling (Legislation & Constitutional Amendment) (W)
Go-Kart Track Staffing (W)
Admission Ticket Resale (W)
Animals in Human Care
- IAAPA Responds to TripAdvisor
- Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums response to TripAdvisor
- AMMPA talking points
- American Association of Zoo Veterinarians - Reproduction of Non-Domestic Animals (Zoological Species) Under Professional Care
- American Veterinary Medical Association - Breeding - Transportation Bans
- The Value of Having Cetaceans in Human Care at Accredited Aquariums and Zoos
