Legislative Updates, Alerts and Reports

Periodically throughout the year - especially during Florida Legislative Session - members receive important communications from the FAA regarding issues involving the tourism industry. Please remember that if you receive a LEGISLATIVE ALERT, timing is critical and minutes matter - read it and take immediate action on behalf of the FAA.

2024 Bill Tracker

Legislative Update is a summary of recent activity in the Florida State Legislature.

LEGISLATIVE ALERT is an immediate call to action on behalf of the tourism industry.

Legislative Report is information provided by Liberty Partners of Tallahassee on important industry issues.

Latest Updates, Alerts and Reports

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  • March 08, 2024 9:27 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    With the close of the 2024 Legislative Session and many bills still awaiting action from the Governor, I want to share how the FAA made out this session…

    VISIT FLORIDA will receive $80 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This is the same as last year and $30 million more than 2022-23.

    Many bills were filled that would expand the way TDT (bed tax) funds may be used by counties. All of these bills failed to pass except a provision for funds in Monroe County (the Keys) could be used for attainable housing projects for hospitality workers. BUT…we anticipate the Tourist Development Tax issue will be an issue the 2025 Florida Legislature will tackle, and it is imperative our members begin reaching out to their Legislators (and candidates) now to share how the TDT works for attractions and why expanded uses could come at a peril to tourism businesses in your county.

    A bill that would require our members (and most Florida businesses) to accept cash payment failed to pass. In a survey of our FAA attraction members, 25% are now operating cashless and another 15% partially cashless. Requiring businesses to accept cash payments is a free-market decision and we believe the government should not be forcing this type of mandate on the private sector.

    There were no bills filed that would attempt to restrict our members from exhibiting animals of any type. Responsible and ethical exhibits of animals in professional human care are fundamental to educate and inspire guests to the wonder of nature.

    If you have any questions about these or other issues affecting our industry, please don't hesitate contacting me.  Thank you for your advocacy and participation in this year's Legislative Session!

    Moving forward,

    Bill


  • January 09, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.


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