July 10, 2025

After a lengthy legislative session which lasted 105 days - one of the longest in Florida history - the Florida Legislature officially adjourned sine die the 2025 Legislative Session on June 17, 2025. Then Governor DeSantis signed the General Appropriations Act (SB 2500), the annual tax package (HB 7031) and a series of related budget bills over the past few weeks.

In total, nearly 2,000 bills were filed this Session, with only 269 passing -including the late-Session budget bills.

In the end, CFHLA had an extremely successful Legislative Session as we successfully accomplished 7 of our 10 Legislative Priorities.

Thank you to all of our CFHLA members who took action throughout the legislative session and urged the Florida Legislature to not include either the Florida Senate or Florida House's proposals on TDT in the tax package. These proposals would have been devastating for our industry which supports more than 464,000 jobs in Central Florida, thousands of small businesses, and ultimately hurt the economic vitality of your community.

In addition to the exclusion of the TDT proposals in the tax package, here are some of the other BIG CFHLA WINS.

• The Senate and House agreed to fund VISIT FLORIDA once again at $80 million (same as FY 2024-2025 Budget). This is now two years in a row that VISIT FLORIDA has received the largest amount of appropriations in state history.
  
  
• The passage of the "No Pay, No Stay" bill (SB 606 by Senator Leek and Representative Johnson) which made the necessary changes to Florida Statutes, and provided more clarity to guests, law enforcement, and lodging establishments regarding the removal of disruptive, violent, law-breaking, and non-paying guests from their property.
  
  
• The passage of HB 897 by Representative Berfield and Senator McClain, which was ARDA’s top legislative priority and will be very beneficial for our Timeshare properties.
  
  
• The Sadowski Fund was fully funded to support affordable housing including $165.8 million for the State Housing Partnership Program (SHIP) and $221.2 million for the State Apartment Incentive Loan Program (SAIL).

Additionally, the Florida Legislature fulfilled their constitutional duty and approved the $115.1 billion budget for the 2025 - 2026 fiscal year that took effect on July 1, 2025.

The FY 2025 - 2026 budget will be nearly $3.5 billion less than the current year's spending plan and this is the first time since 2011 that the state budget has decreased year over year.

Here's some of the other big ticket items and budget highlights.

Lastly, the 2025 Tax Package introduced a range of tax relief measures and policy reforms including the elimination of the business rent tax starting Oct. 1, 2025, repealed the aviation fuel tax beginning Jan. 1, 2026 and made the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday permanent throughout the entire month of August each year.

On behalf of the Central Florida hospitality and tourism industry, we are once again grateful to the members of the Florida Legislature, our Hospitality and Tourism Partners, and our CFHLA Members who supported us throughout the Legislative Session. It is because of your collaboration and support that we were able to achieve these wins for the tourism and hospitality industry.

Here is a report that includes the complete outcome on each of our ten priorities - 2025 Florida Legislative Session Report - that were extremely important to the hospitality and tourism industry at both the state and local level.

CFHLA strongly opposed several bills this session, which would have made changes to the Tourist Development Tax (TDT).

The annual tax packages from both the House and Senate initially included provisions impacting the use of TDT revenues. Under the House’s more aggressive proposal, counties would no longer have a minimum threshold of TDT collections designated for tourism marketing and promotion. In addition,
the proposal would have allowed TDT revenues to be used to offset local property tax relief and would have completely dissolved all county Tourist Development Councils by the end of 2025.

Additionally, the Senate’s initial tax package included language that would modify guidelines for the use of TDT revenues on broader infrastructure projects. This would have opened an option for expanded uses to all counties that spend at least 40 percent, or up to $50 million annually (the new language) on tourism promotion. Such public infrastructure projects include transportation, sewer, waste systems, and water facilities.

These provisions were ultimately stripped from consideration thanks to significant advocacy and involvement from the tourism community in the final hours. The final tax package included a limited provision that allows “fiscally constrained” counties adjacent to the Gulf of America or the Atlantic
Ocean to use TDT revenues for public facilities. Furthermore, all counties adjacent to the Gulf of America or the Atlantic Ocean are permitted to use TDT revenues for beach lifeguards.

Lastly, several other TDT related bills were successfully defeated and died at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.

SB 1664 by Senator Trumbull
HB 1221 by Representative Miller

HB 6031 by Representative Eskamani

SB 1114 by Senator Guillermo Smith

SB 1116 by Senator Guillermo Smith

CFHLA OPPOSED

Clarifying Transient Occupancy (No Pay, No Stay) - PASSED

This session, CFHLA supported the passage of SB 606 by Senator Leek (HB 535 by Representative Johnson was the companion bill) which made the necessary changes to Florida Statutes, and provided more clarity to guests, law enforcement, and lodging establishments regarding the removal of disruptive, violent, law-breaking, and non-paying guests from their property.

In addition to the No Pay, No Stay language we proposed, the final bill included language that allows for our hotels to continue to charge an “operations charge” (new terminology for service charges) on all banquet, catering, or event services.

The operations charge has also been added to Florida Statutes and it means an automatic fee or charge, other than a government-imposed tax, that a customer is required to pay in addition to the cost of the food and beverage purchased. The term includes, but is not limited to, service charges, automatic gratuities, credit card surcharges, and delivery fees.

The operations charge language will not take effect until July 1, 2026. However, the no pay, no stay language took effect on July 1, 2025.

Thank you to Senator Leek and Representative Johnson for your leadership on this important proposal and to the Governor for ultimately signing this bill into law.

CFHLA SUPPORTED

Timeshare Revisions - PASSED

This session, CFHLA also supported HB 897 by Rep. Berfield (SB 496 by Senator McClain was the companion bill) which sought to make timeshare-specific changes to the provisions passed in two condo/HOA bills passed during the 2024 Florida Legislative Session. This was ARDA’s top legislative priority this session.

This bill:

• Exempted community association managers (CAMs) and CAM firms from certain requirements relating to conflicts of interest if the CAM or CAM firm manages a timeshare plan and provides certain disclosures relating to a conflict of interest.
• Specified that timeshare management firms and licensed CAMs who are employed by a timeshare management firm are governed by certain provisions in the Vacation Plan and Timesharing Act.
• Required timeshare management firms and licensed CAMs that are employed by a timeshare management firm to discharge their duties in good faith, and exempts such firms and licensed CAMs from certain liability for monetary damages.
• Allowed the board of administration of a timeshare condominium to meet only once a year, but does not prohibit additional board meetings from being called.
• Required a timeshare management firm or an owners’ association who provides goods or services through a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the timeshare management firm, to disclose annually who is providing goods or services to the members of that owners’ association.  

Thank you to Senator McClain and Representative Berfield for your leadership on these important proposals and to the Governor for ultimately signing this bill into law.

CFHLA SUPPORTED

From the start of the 2025 Legislative Session, CFHLA supported the Governor's proposed budget, which included $80 million in annual funding for VISIT FLORIDA (same from FY 2024-2025).

In the end, the House and Senate agreed to allocate the full $80 million to support VISIT FLORIDA and this allocation reinforces the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to support VISIT FLORIDA’s tourism marketing efforts.

We are grateful to both the Florida House and Senate for recognizing the importance of Visit Florida to the state’s tourism industry and this will help ensure Florida continues to be on top of mind, as the leading vacation destination.

CFHLA SUPPORTED

Increased Funding for Transportation and Infrastructure Projects - PASSED

From the onset of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, CFHLA supported the increased funding of essential transportation and infrastructure projects across the Central Florida region (excluding using TDT funds).

In this year's budget, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Legislature prioritized the funding of transportation projects both through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Work Program and, more recently, through the Moving Florida Forward (MFF) Infrastructure Initiative. In total, the FDOT work program received $13.7 billion, which will be used for the construction and maintenance of Florida’s roads, bridges, rails, seaports and other public transportation systems that grow the state’s economy and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

This also includes "The Moving Florida Forward Plan" which is designed to accelerate the development and completion of important transportation infrastructure projects. In Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026, 80 lane miles will be resurfaced and another 54 lanes will be added. These excellerated projects will help resolve and address issues related to safety, congestion relief, quality of life, resiliency, and modernization in some of the state’s most traveled corridors. In so doing, the Legislature agreed to carry forward any unexpended dollars dedicated to MFF into this new fiscal year to ensure that any programmed projects continue receiving funding.

CFHLA SUPPORTED

Additional Education Funding for Hospitality/Culinary Programs at our Local Schools, Colleges, and Universities - PASSED

Throughout the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, CFHLA supported 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.

To date, Valencia College and Seminole State College are among the lowest per student funding institutions in the state. This is why CFHLA supported the Florida College System Council of Presidents allocation request of $200 million (using their formula) in new, recurring funds to 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).

In the end, the FY 2025 - 2026 budget provided a historic $15.9 billion in funding for the K-12 public school system. This will include the highest per student investment ever, providing $9,130 per student, an increase of $143 over last year.

Additionally, the FY 2025 - 2026 budget included $139.8 million for Valencia College (overall increase of $14 million from last year) and $57.6 million for Seminole State College of Florida (overall increase of $1.3 million from last year).

Furthermore, both colleges received the additional allocations that will be used to support college strategies and initiatives that align career education programs with statewide and regional workforce demands. This includes:

• Seminole State College of Florida: $833,004
• Valencia College: $1,922,195

Lastly, a bill died at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session that would create a new funding formula for the state college system and establishes a floor of funding per student in Florida.

HB 1307 by Representative Temple

CFHLA SUPPORTED

Workforce Housing - PASSED

From the onset of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, CFHLA supported the full funding of the Sadowski Fund, as the Central Florida community has a dire need for more reliable and affordable housing options. CFHLA remained steadfast in our support of fully funding our much needed workforce housing programs.

In the end, several items were addressed including legislation - SB 1730 sponsored by Senator Calatayud and HB 930 by Representative V. Lopez - which made modifications to the Live Local Act. This sweeping legislative package expanded additional affordable housing solutions and made several updates to the existing Live Local Act.

Additionally, the final tax package (HB 7031), sponsored by Representative Duggan, included expansions and the creation of related affordable housing.

Thank you to Senator Calatayud, Representative Duggan, and Representative Lopez for your leadership on these important proposals.

Furthermore, in this year’s budget, the Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) programs received full funding for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. SHIP is allocated $163.8 million, and SAIL is funded at $71.2 million. This funding is in addition to the nonrecurring $150 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for affordable housing projects.

Lastly, the following workforce housing bills died at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.

HB 247 by Representative Conerly

SB 184 by Senator Gaetz

HB 923 by Representative Lopez

SB 1594 by Senator McClain

HB 685 by Representative Alvarez

SB 1036 by Senator Rodriguez

CFHLA SUPPORTED

Commercial Property Insurance Reform - DIED

CFHLA supports any legislative efforts that are aimed at reducing the cost of commercial insurance in Florida.

Despite widespread concern over rising insurance premiums, any bills or proposals related to commercial property insurance reform died at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.

However, many members have stated they want this to be a priority next session. The Legislature did, however, agree to repeal the business rent tax, effective October 1, 2025.

CFHLA SUPPORTED

Statewide Regulation of Vacation Rentals and Advertising Platforms - DIED

CFHLA strongly supports requiring initiatives that ensure vacation home rentals on advertising platforms also practice the same safety standards as traditional lodging to protect visitors and their experience.

Ultimately, any bills or proposals related to statewide regulation of vacation rentals and advertising platforms died at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.

CFHLA SUPPORTED

Interchange Fees on Sales Tax (Eliminate Swipe Fees) -DIED

CFHLA supports prohibiting the collection of interchange on sales tax, which will provide relief to businesses, which will in turn provide relief to consumers.

Ultimately, any bills or proposals related to interchange fees on sales tax died at the conclusion of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.

CFHLA SUPPORTED

President Trump Signs "One Big Beautiful Bill" into Law

On July 4, President Trump signed H.R. 1, widely known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), into law. This legislation includes $2 trillion in federal spending cuts, $4.5 trillion in tax relief including relief for businesses and new deductions aimed at reducing income taxes on tip income and overtime pay.

In addition, the bill also reflects President Trump’s top priorities - extending the 2017 tax cuts and historic investments in border security, including investments in air traffic control and customs modernization. However, this came as a cost as there was a significant cut to Brand USA’s funding.

Here's a few highlights:

• $12.5 Billion to Modernize Air Traffic Control: A down payment to upgrade the National Airspace System (NAS)—including updates to air traffic control technology, physical infrastructure and workforce development. 
• $6.1 Billion to Reduce Wait Times and Improve Customs Staffing: Includes $4.1 billion to hire and train at least 5,000 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and $2 billion to retain existing staff—helping reduce processing delays and improve the international arrival experience.  
• $673 Million to Expand Biometric Screening at U.S. Ports of Entry: A critical step in strengthening border security and enabling future expansion of the Visa Waiver Program. 
• $1.6 Billion for Security and Operational Support for Major Events: Includes $625 million for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and $1 billion for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. 
• Tax Policy Wins for Nonprofits and Small Businesses: Protects and preserves the tax-exempt status of nonprofits, locks in tax breaks for small businesses and makes it easier for companies to invest and grow by extending key investment incentives.
• Brand USA’s funding was slashed by 80%. Federal matching funds were cut from $100 million to just $20 million annually in FY26 and FY27. This comes at the exact moment we should be ramping up global promotion around America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Visitor visa fees were significantly increased. A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee and an increase in the ESTA fee—from $21 to $40—make international travel to the U.S. more expensive for international travelers. These fees are not reinvested in the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already critiquing the welcome experience and high prices.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Regional Tourist Development Tax Update

Orange County

The Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for April 2025 were $33,124,300. That is a 9.3% increase compared to April 2024. 

The chart below shows monthly TDT collections since October 2022. 

Osceola County

Osceola County collected $8.2M in TDT for the month of April 2025, representing a 17% increase from April 2024.

Seminole County

Seminole County announced that the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collection for the month of March 2025 was $712,311, which represented a 3.2% increase from March 2024.

For the FY 2024 - 2025, Seminole County has now collected $4,112,766 Million in TDT which is 27.1% ahead of pace from the FY 2023 - 2024.

Upcoming CFHLA PAC/PC Meeting

The next CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors Meeting will take place next week, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. at the CFHLA office.

Upcoming Governmental Affairs Meeting

The next CFHLA Governmental Affairs meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at the Evermore Orlando Resort.

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.

Marriott Golf’s August Decker named CFHLA Executive of the Year - The Golf Wire

CFHLA's Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards Featured in Orlando Matters - FOX 35 Orlando (At the 7:00 mark)

CFHLA mentioned in 2025 State of County article - The Apopka Chief

AIF Poll: TDT Debate simmers, but voters strongly back status quo - Florida Politics

Gov. DeSantis vetoes $600 million in projects as he signs 2025-26 budget - Florida Politics