The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) has expressed approval for Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent signing of Senate Bill 606, aimed at protecting hotels from nonpaying guests. The bill signing took place at The Westin Sarasota, with business owners, legislators, and law enforcement present to emphasize the significance of property rights.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, stated, “The signing of Senate Bill 606 is a critical win for Florida’s hospitality industry. Our hotels must be able to focus on providing world-renowned experiences for our guests and not on lengthy, bureaucratic roadblocks to evict bad actor squatters. By clearly distinguishing between guests and tenants, this legislation protects our hoteliers from costly legal delays and ensures that rooms are available for paying customers. We applaud Governor DeSantis for recognizing the importance of this issue and once again standing with our industry to support common-sense reform.”
Gil Reyes, Regional General Manager of The Westin Sarasota and President of FRLA’s Suncoast Chapter, added during the event: “At its core, this bill brings much-needed clarity and modernization to how we define and manage lodging establishments in Florida. This clarity will help reduce confusion and ensure more consistent enforcement and understanding in the industry. The legislation is a win for Florida’s hospitality industry. Thank you, Governor DeSantis; your commitment to strengthening our state’s hospitality industry and ensuring clarity in our regulatory framework means a great deal to all of us.”
Before this legislative change, public lodging establishments had to follow the landlord/tenant eviction process when dealing with nonpaying guests—a process described as lengthy and financially burdensome while also preventing rooms from being available to paying customers.
Senate Bill 606 provides clear definitions for transient and non-transient occupancy, assisting operators in distinguishing between guests and tenants more effectively. Championed by Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) and Representative Chad Johnson (R-Chiefland), the bill received bipartisan support.
The FRLA is a key trade association representing over 10,000 members in Florida’s hospitality sector. It offers legislative advocacy along with regulatory compliance training through SafeStaff and RCS Training.
