September 25, 2025

This week, the CFHLA Governmental Affairs Committee held its most recent meeting at the Orlando World Center Marriott (thank you Robert Bray, General Manager).

During the meeting, the committee hosted a panel of hospitality and tourism leaders, as we discussed a variety of important issues that may arise during the upcoming 2026 Florida Legislative Session.

These issues included the protection of the Tourist Development Tax, state and local transportation funding, affordable housing, property tax reform, open-carry, cooperative advertising agreements, and much more.

Thank you again to all of our tourism partners for sharing their insights including:

Chris Stewart

VP of State Government Affairs, American Resort Development Association (ARDA)

Samantha Padgett

VP of Government Relations and General Counsel, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA)

Melanie Becker

Vice President of Government Relations, Universal Orlando Resort

Jose Gonzalez

Director, Government & Industry Relations, Walt Disney World Company

As the committee prepares its recommendations for CFHLA’s 2026 Legislative Priorities, we want to hear from you about your thoughts and priorities. Please take a moment to fill out the survey using the link below.

On behalf of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association's PAC and PC, we would like to congratulate both of our endorsed candidates who were elected in their recent special general elections.

On September 2, 2025, voters in Orange County participated in Special Elections for the vacant seats in the Florida Senate, District 15 and the Florida House of Representatives, District 40.

LaVon Bracy Davis, former State Representative for District 40, was victorious in her special general election and will now serve as the new State Senator for District 15. Senator Bracy Davis will now represent parts of Orange County, including Apopka, Edgewood, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, and Rosemont.

Additionally, RaShon Young, former aide to State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis, won his special general election and will now serve as the State Representative for District 40. Representative Young will now represent parts of Orange County, including Lockhart, Ocoee, Orlando, Pine Hills, and Rosemont.

Both candidates were endorsed by the CFHLA PAC and PC in their primary and general special elections and we look forward to working with them, as we ensure that our region remains the best place to work, play, live and visit.

On election night, our CFHLA President/CEO Robert Agrusa, Government Affairs Manager Zack Brodersen, CFHLA Board Chair Chris Mueller, and CFHLA Board First Vice Chair Jon McGavin all had the opportunity to attend the election night watch party in support of both candidates.

On Monday, September 15, the CFHLA PAC and PC announced three endorsements for the upcoming elections to the Orlando City Council. The CFHLA PAC and PC endorsed incumbent Jim Gray for Commissioner, District 1; Roger Chapin for Commissioner, District 3; and incumbent Shaniqua “Shan” Rose for Commissioner, District 5.

“Commissioners Gray and Rose have been steadfast allies of the hospitality and tourism industry throughout their service on the Orlando City Council,” said Jay Leonard, Complex General Manager of the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs Resort Area and Chair of the CFHLA PAC and PC. "Additionally, Roger Chapin brings decades of experience within the public and private sector, leadership in serving our community, and fostering economic development. We are excited to endorse this strong group of pro-hospitality candidates during the 2025 election cycle, as we ensure that Central Florida remains the best place to work, play, live, and visit.”

CLICK HERE to read the entire annoucement.

The City of Orlando elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

As a reminder, the last day to request a Vote-By-Mail Ballot will be October 23rd and early voting will be held from October 27th - November 2nd.

If no candidate recieves more than 50%+1 vote, a run-off election will be held on December 9, 2025.

On September 10, a panel of appellate judges from Florida's First District Court of Appeal ruled that any restrictions on the open carry of firearms in the state are unconstitutional.

In response, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a guidance letter the following week to all state law enforcement agencies. In his statement, Uthmeier said the court's decision effectively permits individuals to openly carry firearms in public and that the ruling now stands as binding precedent.

“I’m issuing guidance to Florida’s prosecutors and law enforcement in light of the First District Court of Appeal ruling against the open-carry ban, creating a pathway to legalization long sought by Governor Ron DeSantis,” Uthmeier said. He further explained that, because no other appellate court has addressed the issue, the First District’s decision is binding on all Florida trial courts. “Prudence counsels that prosecutors and law enforcement personnel should likewise refrain from arresting or prosecuting law-abiding citizens carrying a firearm in a manner that is visible to others,” Uthmeier added.

While the ruling permits open carry in public spaces, private property owners and businesses retain the right to enforce their own restrictions. This includes hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and other privately owned venues, which may still prohibit weapons on their premises.

All major Florida theme parks including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando have policies strictly banning firearms, ammunition, knives, and other weapons. These policies will continue to apply across all properties, including theme parks, water parks, hotels, and shopping or dining areas.

Lastly, Orange County Sheriff John Mina issued a public reminder that individuals can still be trespassed for bringing firearms into prohibited areas such as theme parks, hotels, shopping centers, government buildings, college campuses, and airport terminals. Sheriff Mina emphasized the importance of understanding current state law and the distinctions between public rights and private property enforcement.

Florida reached a major milestone in 2024, further cementing its reputation as one of the world’s premier travel destinations.

According to the latest data, the Sunshine State welcomed a record-breaking 143 million visitors over the course of the year, surpassing all previous tourism figures. This includes the 75.3 million visitors who came to Central Florida in 2024.

This surge in tourism played a vital role in strengthening Florida’s economy. The influx of visitors supported more than 2.1 million jobs in the state’s hospitality and tourism sectors, from hotels and restaurants to attractions and transportation services. In total, tourism contributed a staggering $127.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2024 alone.

With $359 million in daily visitor spending, Florida maintained its leading position in the U.S. travel market, accounting for 15.5% of the total domestic market share - the highest of any state.

This achievement reflects Florida’s continued appeal to travelers from across the country and around the globe, thanks to its world-class attractions, year-round sunshine, diverse cultural offerings, and top-tier hospitality infrastructure.

To celebrate this achievement, VISIT FLORIDA released a new video highlighting more record-breaking tourism stats and showcasing what makes Florida such a magnet for visitors.

As Florida looks ahead, continued investment in infrastructure, sustainability, and marketing is expected to drive even greater success in the years to come - further reinforcing the state's status as a global tourism powerhouse.

Orange County

Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for July 2025 were $29,571,100. That is a 11.1% increase compared to July 2024. 

Osceola County

TDT collections received by Osceola County for July 2025 totaled $7.6M. That is a 3% increase compared to July 2024. 

Seminole County

TDT collections received by Seminole County for July 2025 was $525,356. That is flat (0% increase) compared to July 2024 ($523,408). Tourism Improvement District (TID) collections for July 2025 was at $269,405. 

Upcoming CFHLA PAC/PC Meeting

The next CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors Meeting will take place Tuesday, November 5, 2025 from 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. at the Hilton Orlando.

Upcoming Governmental Affairs Meeting

The next CFHLA Governmental Affairs meeting will be held on Wednesday, October, 22 2025, from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. 

DONATE to the CFHLA PAC

CFHLA MEMBERS - Please consider making a small donation of $50 via the link below to the CFHLA PAC/PC. All contributions help CFHLA expand its efforts to support Hospitality-Friendly candidates who are running for local and state offices in the future. Throughout the 2024 Election Cycle, 27 of 31 or 87% of the PAC endorsed candidates were elected into office.

Inn their corner: Hotel group backs Jim Gray, Roger Chapin and Shan Rose for Orlando races - Florida Politics 

No, you can’t bring guns to Disney World despite open carry ruling - Florida Politics

With Epic Universe open, Orange County's hotel tax revenue keeps breaking records - Florida Politics

Map quest: Orange County Commission torn on redistricting, split on which plan to select - Florida Politics

Blaise Ingoglia accuses Orange County of overtaxing residents by nearly $200M - Florida Politics