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