Special Session Update: The Special Session called by Governor Charlie Crist to address a ban on oil drilling off the coast of Florida was short and not so sweet. Legislators convened on Tuesday, July 20 at noon, and were on the road home by 3:00 that same afternoon, without considering any legislation. Talk of another special session sometime in September is circulating, but nothing is set at this time.

Overview of First Half of Session:

The first four weeks of session focused around the FY 2010-2011 state budget as an immediate priority. Both the Senate and House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations committees presented drafts of their budget proposals.  The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism will continue to educate the legislature on how critically important it is to fund tourism marketing, which benefits all Floridians.

As the state’s official tourism marketing organization, VISIT FLORIDA works in partnership with the tourism industry to promote and generate travel to and within the Sunshine State. VISIT FLORIDA is a catalyst for the state’s tourism industry, matching every dollar in state funding with nearly two dollars in private sector investment for cooperative marketing, sales, promotions, and public relations efforts. In 2008, tourism comprised 21 percent of Florida’s total taxable sales, returning $3.9 billion to the state in the form of sales taxes and generating $65.2 billion in direct economic impact. For FY 2010-2011, Governor Crist recommended an allocation of $25 million to VISIT FLORIDA for the continued marketing of our state’s tourism industry.

 The proposals in the House and Senate include some trust fund dollars and general revenue for VISIT FLORIDA.  However, both are short of the Governor’s recommendation. 

We need your help.  Whether meeting with your legislators in their district, writing letters to the editor of your local paper, or inviting your legislators to your properties and attractions—it is your involvement that will play an integral role in obtaining public funding for tourism marketing.  To learn more about how you can help, contact Dia Kuykendall at dia@VISITFLORIDA.org.

Florida’s Tourism Counts.  We’re counting on you!

The Florida Legislature begins its 2010 session on March 2. This year’s session is expected to be another tight budget year.

While legislators are in Tallahassee and at home in their districts on weekends throughout the session, we are asking those employed by the tourism industry and tourism supporters to contact their legislators in support of VISIT FLORIDA and its major priority: $25 million in funding for tourism marketing.

This year the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism is working to enable you to serve as grassroots advocates that will contact legislators at key times during the session.  By joining us, you will be prompted at critical times during the session to take action.

Your voice, your connection to your local lawmakers and your action can make a huge difference in the lives of all Floridians.