Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Name	Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Type	Trade association
Founded	1914
Headquarters	Tallahassee, Florida
Region served	Florida
Membership	Restaurants, hotels, resorts, foodservice operators
Leader title	President and CEO

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is a trade association representing the hospitality and lodging industries in Florida. It advocates for restaurants, hotels, resorts, and foodservice operators across the state, interacting with entities such as the Florida Legislature, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and local chambers like the Tampa Bay Chamber and Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The association interfaces with national organizations including the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association while engaging stakeholders such as governors, county commissions, and municipal leaders.

History

Founded in 1914, the association developed alongside the expansion of tourism associated with attractions like Henry Flagler's railroads, the Florida East Coast Railway, and early resorts such as the Breakers (Palm Beach) and Don CeSar. During the Great Depression and both World War I and World War II, the trade group worked with federal agencies including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food Administration to address supply and labor issues. Postwar growth paralleled developments at Miami International Airport, the rise of destinations like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Florida, and statewide infrastructure projects such as the Florida Turnpike. In the late 20th century the association navigated regulatory changes tied to the Fair Labor Standards Act, tourism booms during events like Super Bowls hosted in Miami, and crises such as Hurricane Andrew and the 2008 financial crisis, coordinating relief and recovery with organizations including the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Organization and Leadership

The association is governed by a board of directors composed of executives from hotel brands like Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation, independent restaurateurs linked to groups such as Darden Restaurants and regional operators, and allied members from companies like Sysco Corporation and US Foods. Executive leadership typically includes a President and CEO, a Chief Financial Officer, and vice presidents overseeing government affairs and education who liaise with entities such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Travel Association. Committees and councils mirror industry segments represented by interests including resort management at properties like The Breakers, independent inns like the Tropical Park Inn, and convention center stakeholders connected to venues like the Orange County Convention Center.

Membership and Services

Membership spans national chains, independent restaurants, boutique hotels, extended-stay operators, and suppliers including beverage companies like Anheuser-Busch and technology firms such as Oracle Corporation and Square, Inc.. Services offered include workforce development programs tied to standards promoted by the American Culinary Federation, food safety training that references guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and certification pathways analogous to programs by the ServSafe franchise. The association provides market research similar to reports by STR, Inc. and Nielsen, human resources resources echoing best practices from organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management, and disaster preparedness guidance coordinated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Legislative and Advocacy Activities

The trade group lobbies the Florida Legislature and executive agencies on issues including tax policy, workforce housing, occupational standards, liquor licensing, and minimum wage discussions intersecting with laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. It forms coalitions with groups like the Florida Retail Federation and engages with federal delegations including members of the United States Congress from Florida to influence tourism funding, disaster relief, and immigration policy affecting seasonal labor programs such as H-2B visa initiatives. Advocacy has involved campaigns similar to those run by the National Restaurant Association on pandemic relief such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and state-level measures concerning occupational licensing administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Programs and Initiatives

Initiatives include workforce training academies modeled on hospitality programs at institutions like the University of Central Florida and Florida State University, apprenticeship partnerships reminiscent of Jobs for America's Graduates, and sustainability efforts that track practices endorsed by the U.S. Green Building Council and certification frameworks similar to the LEED program. Public-health collaborations have aligned with directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during outbreaks and with food-safety standards referenced by the United States Department of Agriculture. Tourism promotion efforts coordinate with the Visit Florida brand and local destination marketing organizations tied to cities like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa.

Awards and Recognition

The association recognizes industry excellence through awards akin to the James Beard Foundation honors for restaurants, hospitality distinctions modeled after the AAA Diamond Award and the Forbes Travel Guide star system, and service accolades similar to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation scholarships. Programs spotlight culinary talent from institutions like the Le Cordon Bleu network and celebrate lodging properties ranging from historic hotels such as the Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables) to modern resorts affiliated with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Category:Trade associations based in the United States Category:Hospitality industry organizations Category:Organizations established in 1914