As the 2026 Primary Election nears, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) Political Action Committee (PAC) has announced its endorsements for several important races across the Central Florida region.

 

To ensure a thoughtful and informed endorsement process, the CFHLA PAC invited more than 70 candidates to complete a comprehensive candidate questionnaire and participate in an interview with members of the PAC leadership.

 

In the end, the CFHLA PAC has chosen to support this bi-partisan slate of 32 candidates, which included several running for the Florida Legislature, Judicial court, constitutional offices, county commissions, and the school board in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.

 

Each of these pro-hospitality candidates demonstrates a strong understanding of - and commitment to - the continued success of the Central Florida hospitality and tourism industry. We also believe each candidate will be a champion for policy solutions that not only support our industry and its workforce, but the continued vitality of our state and local community. We strongly encourage our members to stand with each of these candidates who will fight to keep Central Florida the best place to work, play, live and visit. 

Check out our press releases and full list of endorsements on our website below:

• Bi-Partisan Endorsements of State Legislative Candidates 

• Local School Board Endorsements in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties 

• Orange and Osceola County Commission Endorsements
  
  

• Orange County Clerk of Courts and Judicial Endorsements

• Complete List of 2026 CFHLA PAC Endorsements 

The CFHLA PAC remains committed to supporting candidates - regardless of political affiliation - who recognize the hospitality industry's vital role as one of Central Florida's leading economic engines.

 

The Association encourages all members to review the endorsed candidates, stay informed on issues impacting hospitality, and participate in the upcoming elections. Together, our industry can help advance a stronger future for Central Florida's hospitality and tourism industry.

 

As a reminder, the 2024 Primary Elections will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and to register to vote, check your registration status, or request a ballot by mail, please visit your local supervisor of elections website below.

CLICK HERE to visit the Lake County Supervisor of Elections website.

CLICK HERE to visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website. CLICK HERE to visit the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections website. CLICK HERE to visit the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections website.

The Orange County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) Task Force officially launched its work on July 21, holding its organizational meeting to establish the framework for evaluating proposals seeking future Tourist Development Tax funding. CFHLA will be participating in the Task Force, with current ARC Board Chair, Jacqueline Bozzuto of Lowndes, serving as our representative on the panel.

 

The Task Force will consider 24 total projects including proposed expansions at the Orange County Convention Center, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Citrus Sports, cultural and heritage tourism projects, ecotourism initiatives, and sports initiatives in Orange County.

 

Recently, CFHLA leaders had the opportunity to meet with Florida Congressman Mike Haridopolos to discuss key federal issues impacting Central Florida's hospitality and tourism industry. The productive conversation focused on the industry's continued economic importance, workforce challenges, international travel and visa processing, transportation infrastructure, and other federal policies that influence the region's ability to remain one of the world's premier travel destinations. CFHLA emphasized the critical role that hotels and small businesses play in supporting Florida's economy and creating thousands of local jobs.

 

The meeting also provided an opportunity for CFHLA to strengthen its partnership with Congressman Haridopolos who now represents Orange, Brevard, and Indian River Counties.

 

As federal policymakers continue to consider legislation affecting travel, tourism, and the business community, CFHLA remains committed to advocating on behalf of its members and working with elected officials at every level of government to promote policies that support economic growth, enhance the visitor experience, and maintain Central Florida's position as the nation's leading tourism destination. Thank you Congressman Haridopolos for your time!

CFHLA continues to monitor the Florida Department of Transportation's Moving I-4 Forward program, a transformative infrastructure investment designed to improve mobility along one of the region's most heavily traveled corridors. The project will add two express lanes in each direction along I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Center Drive in Orange County while enhancing safety, improving traffic flow, and increasing connectivity for residents, visitors, employees, and businesses that rely on the interstate every day.

 

According to FDOT's July update, design and construction activities continue to advance across multiple segments of the corridor, with public outreach and community engagement remaining an important part of the process. As construction progresses, motorists should expect periodic lane closures and temporary traffic pattern changes. CFHLA encourages members to stay informed of project updates and share relevant information with employees and guests who may be traveling throughout the region. CLICK HERE to learn more about upcoming construction activities. 

Central Florida Candidate Fundraisers

Throughout the Summer, CFHLA has been participating in several political Hob Nobs hosted by various Chambers of Commerce across Central Florida, including the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Seminole County Chamber, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. These forums brought together candidates seeking local office and members of the business community, providing an excellent opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their priorities and vision for the future of Central Florida.

CFHLA values these community events as an important part of its advocacy efforts, allowing the Association to stay informed on local races, strengthen relationships with current and future elected officials, and ensure the hospitality industry's voice continues to be represented throughout the political process.