Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonJuly 26, 2018

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When lawmakers relaxed Florida’s laws on ridesharing, a lot of people benefitted. That’s according to a new study from the Economic Development Research Group, which found that the top ridesharing app, Uber, supports $1 billion of Florida’s gross domestic product and has provided a positive net impact of $134 million on the Sunshine State’s economy. […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 13, 2018

A bill that would change the rules for franchise agreements was temporarily postponed by the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. SB 1076, sponsored by Sarasota Republican Sen. Greg Steube, would give franchise owners more rights when it comes to selling their business or leaving it to an heir, and would also give Florida owners home field […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 30, 2018

I recently traveled to Tallahassee to represent the Florida Vacation Rental Management Association (FL VRMA), and an industry which has become a vital part of Florida’s tourism economy, at Tourism Day at the Capitol. There, I had the opportunity to listen to an encouraging speech given by Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) President and […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 29, 2018

Tomorrow, members of the Senate Community Affairs Committee have an important decision to make regarding the future of short-term rentals in the State of Florida. There are two introduced bills on the agenda that would impact the short-term rental industry, but only one that adequately addresses the need to establish a clear, sensible line between […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2018

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill by Sen. Lauren Book (SB 376) that would include in the Worker’s Compensation Law benefits for first responders who sustain mental or nervous injuries such as PTSD in the line of duty. The forward momentum for the bill got the attention of CFO […]

Guest AuthorOctober 26, 2017

Recently it was reported by The New York Times that President Xi of China and the Communist Party, in order “To reduce the flow of outsiders to the capital, Airbnb and similar home-sharing services have been temporarily suspended.” Nothing would make the Florida hotel industry and local governments happier than if they could do the […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 8, 2017

Marketing is a contest for people’s attention, and state tourism marketing is no different. However, the detrimental impacts of removing a powerful marketing mechanism mean a world of difference when your state budget revenue depends on your share of the market. The proposed bill spearheaded by the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee that eliminates VISIT […]

Tag: FRLA
Debate party at Sports Grill Kendall. Image via AP.

Uber provides billion dollar boost to Florida’s economy, study says

Franchise bill halted in second committee

Jennifer Frankenstein-Harris: Vacation rentals support tourism

FRLA’s Carol Dover talks short-term rentals

Capitol Reax: Workers’ comp, payday loans, vacation rentals, train safety, AOB

Greg Steube: Hotels want Florida to be like Communist China

Carol Dover: Florida’s future depends on tourism