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Special Edition V • February 16, 2026 |
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CFHLA Applauds Visit Orlando's Amended Agreement After Audit Finds No Wrongdoing |
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Last week, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) met to review the County Comptroller’s audit of Visit Orlando and consider an amendment to the County’s agreement with the organization. Thanks to the strong and unified voice of CFHLA and our tourism and hospitality leaders, the BCC voted 5 - 2 to approve the amended agreement. |
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Thank you to Mayor Demings and Commissioners Moore, Gomez Cordero, Wilson, and Scott for their support of the amended contract with our outstanding and proven community partner, Visit Orlando. |
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2026 Legislative Session Update - Week 5 |
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Last week, marked a pivotal shift in the 2026 Legislative Session as lawmakers officially entered budget season. During week 5, the House released its proposed $113.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026–27, launching negotiations with the Senate and setting the framework for weeks of debate. The proposal is more than $1 billion smaller than last year’s final budget and significantly below Gov. Ron DeSantis’ $117.4 billion recommendation.
The House spending plan directs nearly $30 billion to the Department of Education, with additional major allocations including $18 billion for transportation, $7.3 billion for criminal justice, and nearly $6 billion for general government. The Senate later unveiled its own $115 billion budget proposal - more than $1 billion higher than the House’s - while Senate President Albritton emphasized fiscal restraint, debt reduction, and long-term savings. Lawmakers must finalize a budget agreement by March 10 to satisfy the required 72-hour cooling-off period ahead of the scheduled March 13 adjournment. |
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Tourist Development Tax (TDT) |
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CFHLA strongly opposes modifying, increasing, or expanding the uses of the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenues. Any modifications of TDT will only serve to dilute the effectiveness of these dollars, which are statutorily established for the local promotion and marketing of tourism. Instead, CFHLA supports a local sales tax referendum that addresses our infrastructure and transportation needs.
Additionally, CFHLA opposes the dissolution of county Tourist Development Councils and using TDT revenues to offset local residential property tax relief.
SB 454 / HB 6007 by Senator Smith / Representative Eskamani – No action was taken in either the Senate or the House last week.
SB 456 by Senator Smith – No action was taken in the Senate last week.
SB 458 by Senator Smith – No action was taken in the Senate last week.
SB 976 by Senator Smith – No action was taken in the Senate last week.
CFHLA also opposes SB 446 related to Large-Scale County Destination Marketing Organizations by Senator Smith. All county DMOs are already governed by and report to each respective County Commission. Requiring that certain DMOs register with the Department of State would be redundant and unnecessary. Requiring a public-private match for every dollar spent by these organizations would also risk limiting the amount of funds that can be spent on marketing efforts that have a direct impact on tourism across the state. No action was taken in the Senate last week on this bill.
CFHLA OPPOSES |
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Open Carry Clarification |
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In September 2025, a court ruling paved the way for open carry of firearms in Florida. This ruling has led to questions about where it is acceptable to carry a firearm openly throughout the state, leading to clarifying statements having to be made by businesses and law enforcement officials.
CFHLA supports any efforts by the Legislature to update statutes to reflect the open carry ruling and clarify that private property owners, including hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and other privately owned venues, retain the right to prohibit weapons of any kind, including firearms, on their property.
To date, no bills have been filed.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Increased Funding for Transportation and Infrastructure Projects |
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CFHLA supports the increased funding of essential transportation and infrastructure projects across the Central Florida region (excluding using TDT funds). This includes the Moving Florida Forward Initiative and expanding our region's intermodal transportation system through projects including the Sunshine Corridor, connecting SunRail to MCO, and the tourism corridor.
Last week, the Senate budget proposal included $12.56 billion for the Transportation Work Program and the House's budget proposal included $11.61 billion for the Program. Their differences will be negotiated and resolved during the upcoming Budget Conference.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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VISIT FLORIDA Funding |
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CFHLA supports the full funding of VISIT FLORIDA at the Governor’s recommended funding level of $80 Million. Funding of VISIT FLORIDA ensures that our state continues to be top of mind as the leading vacation destination in the country. Additionally, CFHLA supports eliminating or extending VISIT FLORIDA’s sunset date to facilitate strategic planning and marketing for the near and long term.
CFHLA also opposes any efforts to replace VISIT FLORIDA funding from the state budget with county-level TDT revenues. Local TDT revenues are committed to vital projects and organizations that generate visitation - providing local economic development and job creation. Great news! Last week, the House and Senate both allocated $80 million for VISIT FLORIDA in their initial budget proposals. We will continue to keep the pressure on to keep this level of funding during the upcoming budget conference. CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Additional Education Funding for Hospitality/Culinary Programs at our Local Schools, Colleges, and Universities |
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CFHLA supports additional funding for our hospitality and culinary programs at our local high schools, as well as the increased per-student funding at Valencia College, Seminole State College, and the University of Central Florida. Currently, Valencia College and Seminole State College are among the lowest per student funding institutions in the state. This is why it is imperative that CFHLA supports the Governor’s proposed budget of $1.9 billion for the Florida College System, a $100 million in new, recurring funding (from FY 2025-2026), distributed through the formula agreed to by the Florida College System.
This additional funding will help recruit and retain the best faculty and invest in rapid credentialling workforce development programs that increase capacity within our region (including new and existing advanced accelerated programs).
Last week, the Senate budget proposed $1.75 billion ($90 Million in new recurring funding) and the House's budget proposal included $1.8 billion. The differences will be now negotiated and resolved during the upcoming Budget Conference.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Statewide Regulation of Vacation Rentals and Advertising Platforms |
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While vacation home rentals have long been available in Florida, the option to list available units online through advertising platforms has caused this lodging sector to explode by more than 50,000 units across the Central Florida region. Florida’s statutes need to be updated to ensure that all of Florida’s public lodging establishments provide safe and quality experiences for their guests and communities - without infringing on the rights of local governments or unduly burdening vacation rental owners and rental platforms.
Florida also ranks as the third highest state for human trafficking cases in the United States. Each year, thousands are trafficked in the United States, and traffickers often rely on businesses to sustain their operations. Recently, traffickers have begun to utilize vacation home rentals for their criminal activity. With millions of visitors coming to our state each year, Florida’s hospitality industry must serve as a leader in the fight to combat human trafficking, and it is critical that our industry continues to raise awareness through education and training.
CS/HB 79 / CS/CS/SB 658: Water Safety Requirements for the Rental of Residential Property, by Maggard/Burgess – SUPPORT The Senate bill was approved by a vote of 8 – 0 during the Senate Community Affairs Committee last Tuesday, February 10th. This bill is now in the Rules Committee, its last stop before the Senate Floor. No action was taken in the House last week.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Workforce Housing |
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CFHLA supports the continued full funding for the Sadowski Fund, along with all affordable and workforce housing programs. This includes $72.9 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program and $170.8 million for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP), and $50 million for the fifth year of the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, which helps make homeownership more affordable for eligible frontline community workers and other Florida families.
Last week, the Senate and House both fully funded the Sadowksi Trust Fund in their initial budget proposals. However, the Senate budget proposal includes $220.8 million for SAIL and other state level affordable housing programs, $184.5 million for SHIP, and $100 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program. Alternatively, the House's budget proposal includes $70.8 million for SAIL and other state level affordable housing programs, $165.7 million for SHIP, and $50 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program. The differences will be negotiated and resolved during the upcoming Budget Conference.
No action was taken in the House last week.
The House bill was approved by a vote of 15 – 0 during the Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee last Wednesday, February 11th. This bill is now in the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee, its second of three stops. No action was taken in the Senate last week.
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Property Taxes |
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CFHLA supports ensuring that any property tax changes do not lead to an increase in commercial property taxes and that they provide fair treatment for all property owners.
CS/CS/HJR 203: Phased Out Elimination of Non-school Property Taxes for Homesteads, by Miller – MONITOR No action was taken in the House last week. However, this House joint resolution has passed its committee stops and is ready for a vote on the House Floor.
CS/CS/HJR 209: Property Insurance Relief Homestead Exemption Non-School Property Tax, by Busatta – MONITOR No action was taken in the House last week. However, this House joint resolution has passed its committee stops and is ready for a vote on the House Floor.
CS/CS/HJR 213: Modification of Limitations on Property Assessment Increases, by Griffits – MONITOR No action was taken in the House last week. However, this House joint resolution has passed its committee stops and is ready for a vote on the House Floor.
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Interchange Fees on Sales Tax |
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The cost of labor, goods, and equipment continues to rise, while margins continue to remain tight. Florida merchants pay over $288 million annually in interchange fees on the sales taxes and bed taxes they are required to collect. Credit card companies and banks should not be permitted to profit from merchants’ required performance of a public duty. Interchange fees should not be paid on sales taxes collected by Florida merchants.
CFHLA supports prohibiting the collection of interchange on sales tax, which will provide relief to businesses, which will in turn provide relief to consumers.
To date, no bills have been filed.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Timeshares |
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CFHLA also supports the American Resort Development Association’s legislative priority: Clarifying conflicts between Florida’s Timeshare Act, Chapter 721 F.S., and Florida’s Community Association Manager statutes, Chapter 468, Part VIII, F.S.
The House bill was approved by a vote of 21 - 3 during the House Commerce Committee last Tuesday, February 10th. The bill is now ready for a vote on the House floor. The Senate bill was also approved by a vote of 9 – 0 during the Senate Regulated Industries Committee last Tuesday, February 10th. The Senate bill is now in the Judiciary Committee, its second of three stops. CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Commercial Property Insurance Reform |
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The cost of insurance has increased significantly – not just for residents, but also for Florida businesses. The cost increases for commercial payers are often so large that it impacts customers, guests, and employees. As the Florida Legislature continues its work to make insurance more affordable for residential and individual customers, so too do commercial insureds need the attention of the Legislature so that Florida’s businesses can continue to thrive.
CFHLA supports any legislative efforts that are aimed at reducing the cost of commercial insurance in Florida.
The Senate bill was approved by a vote of 18 – 0 during the Fiscal Policy Committee last Thursday, February 12th. This bill is now ready for a full vote by the Senate on the floor. No action was taken in the House last week and remains in the House Commerce Committee.
CFHLA SUPPORTS |
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Other Issues/Bills CFHLA is Monitoring
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Schedule for Session Week 6 (February 16 - 20, 2026) |
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To view the Senate's schedule, CLICK HERE. To view the House's schedule, CLICK HERE. |
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Upcoming CFHLA PAC/PC Meeting |
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The next CFHLA PAC/PC Boards of Director Meeting will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Upcoming CFHLA Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting The next CFHLA Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
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Donate to the CFHLA PAC |
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CFHLA MEMBERS - Please consider making a small donation of $30 via the link below to the CFHLA PAC. This suggested donation was included on your annual dues invoice and all contributions help CFHLA expand its efforts to support Hospitality-Friendly candidates who are running for local and state offices throughout the 2026 election cycle. Throughout the 2025 Election Cycle, five (5) CFHLA PAC endorsed candidates were elected into office. This was an 83% success rate. |
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IN THE NEWS |
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CONNECT WITH CFHLA |
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WWW.CFHLA.ORG |
About CFHLA
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