Special Edition II • January 27, 2026
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CFHLA Advocating at the State Capitol for Florida Tourism Day
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Last week, our CFHLA leaders and industry partners joined many other organizations and hospitality professionals from across the state for Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol.
During our time at the State Capitol, CFHLA representatives attended legislative briefings and met directly with more than two dozen Central Florida legislators to discuss CFHLA’s 2026 Legislative Priorities, as well as broader policy matters impacting the tourism and hospitality industry.
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These discussions focused on protecting the Tourist Development Tax, strengthening our hospitality workforce through additional funding for higher education and workforce training, supporting funding for VISIT FLORIDA, as well as transportation and infrastructure projects, and the development of workforce housing initiatives, all of which allow Florida’s hospitality sector to continue thriving and creating jobs for communities statewide.
Additionally, we shared the incredible value of tourism to Florida's economy, our team members and residents. This includes generating billions in economic impact and saving each of our Central Florida residents thousands in taxes annually.
Thank you to all of our Board leaders, members, and partners who joined us for this important annual advocacy trip.
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Florida's Tourism Industry Maintains Year-Over-Year Growth in Q3 2025 Over Record-Breaking 2024
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Florida’s tourism industry continued its upward momentum in Q3 2025, by welcoming an estimated 34.3 million visitors - up 0.3% from the same period in 2024, which was a record-breaking year. Domestic travelers made up the vast majority of visitors at 91.7% (31.5 million), while overseas visitation grew 3.2% year over year to 2.3 million, supported by strong gains from Latin America, including nearly 5% growth from Brazil. Canadian visitation totaled 507,000 travelers.
VISIT FLORIDA credits targeted international marketing and a focus on maintaining the state’s #1 domestic market share for the sustained growth. Increased airport enplanements, rising hotel rates, and expanding international demand reflect Florida’s continued investment in infrastructure, workforce, and quality of life - benefiting small businesses and reinforcing the state’s reputation as a safe, enjoyable, and unmatched destination for travelers worldwide.
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CFHLA Welcomes New Leaders to the City of Orlando
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Earlier this month, CFHLA was proud to attend the official swearing in ceremonies for the City of Orlando, after the elections were held last fall. During the oath of office ceremony on Monday, January 12, 2026, City Commissioners Tom Keen representing District 1, Roger Chapin representing District 3, and Shan Rose representing District 5 were all formally sworn in. The ceremony marked the start of their new terms for the Commissioners, each highlighted the importance of public service and collaboration as they pledged to work on behalf of Orlando’s residents and businesses.
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Additionally, we'd like to welcome Jason Revoldt as the City of Orlando’s 22nd Fire Chief, placing him in charge of the department’s daily operations and as chief advisor to the mayor on public safety. A 24-year veteran of the Orlando Fire Department, Chief Revoldt brings extensive leadership and operational experience, having most recently served as Interim Fire Chief, Life Safety Bureau Deputy Chief, and commander of the Arson & Bomb Squad.
Chief Revoldt also makes history as the first Orlando Fire Chief to also be a sworn law enforcement officer and is known for his work solving arson cases alongside his late K-9 partner, Nessie. Chief Revoldt has outlined a vision focused on growing with the city’s evolving emergency needs while preserving a family-oriented culture and the department’s long-standing tradition of excellence.
Congratulations again to Commissioners Keen, Chapin, and Rose, and to Chief Revoldt! We look forward to working with each of you to support Central Florida's hospitality industry!
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2026 Legislative Session Update - Week 2
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During week 2, legislators advanced bills on criminal justice funding, health care liability, insurance disputes, artificial intelligence, and transportation safety. While many measures cleared their first hurdles, debates over costs, enforcement, and long-term impacts are still developing. Overall, the week laid groundwork for larger budget fights and legal showdowns as the session moved deeper into policy negotiations.
Regarding CFHLA priorities, week 2 was relatively quiet. There has been no movement on TDT bills, though we are closely monitoring this language potentially appearing in other legislation that is moving, and only SB545/HB797 on Nonprofit corporations and HJR 203 on the Phased out Elimination of Non-school Property Taxes for Homesteads moved through committees in their respective chambers. CFHLA is monitoring these bills for any changes that would affect our industry.
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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.
Furthermore, CFHLA opposes reducing the 40 percent threshold and/or creating an annual dollar cap on local tourism promotion before counties would have the option to expand uses on broader infrastructure projects.
Lastly, CFHLA opposes the periodic readoption of the TDT through local voter referendum. Requiring the periodic readoption of the TDT through voter referendum would eliminate the ability of local governments to pledge these funds for bonding for any project that would exceed the period of readoption (typically 30 years). In addition to expending the additional dollars to pay for these referenda, local governments will spend time and resources every five years to promote re-adoption rather than concentrating their efforts on the work of tourism promotion.
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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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.
Within the Governor's proposed budget, $14.3 billion was recommended for the Florida Department of Transportation Work Program, which is used for the construction and maintenance of Florida’s roads, bridges, rails, seaports and other public transportation systems such as "The Moving Florida Forward Plan." This accelerated plan will resurface 80 lane miles and add 54 lanes set to be completed in 2026.
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CFHLA supports the Governor's proposed budget, which includes $80 million in annual funding for VISIT FLORIDA (same from FY 2025-2026). 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.
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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).
To date, no bills have been filed.
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.
HB 79/SB 658: Water Safety Requirements for the Rental of Residential Property, by Maggard/Burgess – SUPPORT
The House bill was approved by a vote of 17-0 during the the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee on Wednesday, January 14th. This bill is now in the House Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee and this is the second of three committee stops. No action was taken in the Senate last week. However, the Senate Regulated Industries is scheduled to hear the bill today in its first committee stop.
SB 608: Vacation Rentals, by Smith – SUPPORT
No action was taken in the Senate last week. However, the Senate Regulated Industries is scheduled to hear the bill today in its first committee stop.
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CFHLA supports the continued full funding for the Sadowski Fund, as the Central Florida community has a dire need for more reliable and affordable housing options.
CFHLA also urges the Legislature to continue encouraging and empowering local county and municipal governments to implement innovative approaches to affordable housing development (excluding using TDT funds).
SB 48/HB 313: Housing, by Gaetz/Nix – SUPPORT
The Senate bill was approved by a vote of 13 - 0 during the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development on Wednesday, January 14th. This bill will now be heard by the Senate Rules Committee today. No action was taken in the House last week.
HB 1389/SB 1548: Affordable Housing, by Redondo/Calatayud – SUPPORT
No action was taken in the House or Senate last week.
CFHLA SUPPORTS
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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/HJR 203: Phased Out Elimination of Non-school Property Taxes for Homesteads, by Miller – MONITOR
The House joint resolution was approved by a vote of 11 - 5 during the House Ways and Means Committee last Thursday, January 22nd. This bill is now ready for a vote by the full House.
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.
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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.
Interchange fees are being increased yet again, and more merchants are turning to surcharging as a means of absorbing this cost, which impacts consumers directly.
CFHLA supports prohibiting the collection of interchange on sales tax 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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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.
HB 465/SB 822: Community Association Management, by Nix/Gruters - SUPPORT
The House bill was approved by a vote of 16 - 0 during the House Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee on Tuesday, January 13th. This bill is now in the House Commerce Committee and this is the final committee stop. No action was taken in the Senate last week.
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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.
HB 943/SB 1028: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, by Redondo/Gruters – SUPPORT
The Senate bill was approved by a vote of 10 - 0 during the the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee last Tuesday, January 13th. This bill is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government and this is the second of three committee stops. No action was taken in the House last week.
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Other Issues/Bills CFHLA is Monitoring
- Tax Packages
- Regulation of Cash Businesses
- Condo Regulation
- Modernization of Alcohol Regulations
- Tort Reform
- Hotel Security and Safety
HB 179/SB 1278: Employment Eligibility, by Jacques/Martin – OPPOSE
SB 554/HB 797: Nonprofit Corporations, by Bernard/Tuck – MONITOR
HB 553/SB 936: Temporary Door Locking Devices, by Partington/McClain – MONITOR
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Schedule for Session Week 3 (January 26 - 30, 2026)
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Upcoming CFHLA PAC 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.
If you are interested in learning more about the CFHLA PAC/PC and/or the CFHLA Governmental Affairs Committee, please contact CFHLA Government Affairs Manager Zack Brodersen at zack.brodersen@cfhla.org.
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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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About CFHLA
6675 Westwood Blvd #210, Orlando, FL 32821
The mission of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service.
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