VISIT FLORIDA Background:

• Last year, we saw VISIT FLORIDA's funding get slashed by $26 million.
• VISIT FLORIDA is facing opposition again this year.
• We can't let funding get slashed again.
• We are asking for $50 million in funding.
• In addition to funding, VISIT FLORIDA needs to be reauthorized or it will sunset in June 2020.
• Legislators need to reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA not only for this year, but for years to come. We need to create stability and stop this yearly charade.

Current Status:

• A priority of your Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber is fully funding VISIT FLORIDA and reauthorizing the organization for eight years.
• Legislation has been introduced by Senator Hooper (SB 362) and Representative Ponder (HB 213).

Your Chamber in Action:

• Director of Government Affairs, Doug Izzo will traveling to the state capitol January 14th, 15th and 16th.
• CEO, Robin Miller will traveling to the capitol January 23rd & 24th.
• During these trips we will work tirelessly to fight for your business.
• We will be meeting with cabinet members and key legislators urging support of this vital organization.

Resources:

• Click Here to view an op-ed your Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber had published in Florida Politics.
• Florida Tax Watch remains the state's best known watchdog calling out wasteful spending and even it supports funding VISIT FLORIDA. Click Here to read.
• The federal government can't agree on anything, yet they see the value and agreed to fund tourism marketing. Click Here to read.