Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association News

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association endorses Jimmy Patronis for Congress

Today, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) officially endorsed Jimmy Patronis, Florida's Chief Financial Officer, for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 1st Congressional District.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association honors top industry leaders at annual gala

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) recently held its annual gala at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Florida.

Deadline extended for disaster unemployment assistance applications after Hurricane Milton

Florida Commerce has announced an extension for the deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those affected by Hurricane Milton.

Florida reports record-breaking tourism spending with significant economic impact

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Florida achieved record-breaking tourism numbers in 2023.

Donalds' bipartisan FISHES Act passes House with strong support

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bill H.R. 5103, known as "The Bipartisan Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act (FISHES) Act," through a voice vote.

Florida hospitality leader Harris Rosen remembered by FRLA

Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) released a statement regarding the passing of Harris Rosen, a prominent hotelier in Central Florida.

Rock The Country announces lineup for Ocala stop on nationwide tour

Rock The Country, a prominent two-day music festival, will return to Ocala, Florida on May 9-10, 2025.

FEMA offers hotel sheltering aid for Floridians displaced by hurricanes

FEMA has activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for residents in 52 Florida counties and members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians affected by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton.

State partners with hotels for reduced costs amid Hurricane Milton

Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and FloridaCommerce have collaborated with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) to waive no-pet policies at lodging establishments in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. This initiative is directed by Governor DeSantis to ensure that Floridians in evacuation zones can bring their pets along as they seek shelter.

DeSantis expands state of emergency as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order to expand the state of emergency in Florida, as Tropical Storm Milton approaches. The decision, outlined in Executive Order 24-215, increases the number of counties under a state of emergency from 35 to 51.

FloridaCommerce launches emergency bridge loan program for Hurricane Helene relief

FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, providing $15 million to aid businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is open to small business owners in various counties across Florida, including sole proprietors. These areas encompass Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry and Hernando among others.

Florida DBPR issues order to aid Hurricane Helene recovery

On September 29, 2024, under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) filed Emergency Order 2024-08 to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and remove barriers for businesses affected by the storm.

Florida activates survey for business damage after Hurricane Helene

Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.

Governor DeSantis expands state emergency to more counties ahead of Hurricane Helene

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209, amending a previous order to expand the state of emergency in Florida to 61 counties ahead of Hurricane Helene.

Carol Dover inducted into VISIT FLORIDA Tourism Hall of Fame

Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame during the Chairman’s Dinner at the annual VISIT FLORIDA Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tampa. The induction recognizes individuals "whose vision, creativity, and drive have had a positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination."

Disaster unemployment assistance announced for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Debby

Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby and who are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association endorses Tom Leek for Senate

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has endorsed Representative Tom Leek, a Republican from Ormond Beach, for the Florida Senate District 7 seat. Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, stated, "On behalf of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida’s premier hospitality and tourism industry, I am proud to endorse Representative Tom Leek for Florida’s open seat in Senate District 7." She highlighted Leek's leadership in promoting business-friendly policies and his role in advancing the state's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

IRS offers extended deadlines for hurricane victims

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby. Affected taxpayers now have until February 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

Governor DeSantis activates emergency bridge loan for businesses hit by Hurricane Debby

Governor DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Debby. Interested applicants can apply now through September...

Florida activates survey to assess hurricane damage impact on businesses

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Debby. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Debby. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Debby recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.