The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) has announced its endorsement of Congressman Byron Donalds in the upcoming race for Florida Governor. The endorsement was made public following an event at WC Dover Farm.
Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA, explained the association’s decision. “Hospitality and tourism fuel Florida’s economy, and strong leadership is critical to protecting the jobs and businesses that drive it,” she said. “From his time in the Florida Legislature to his service in Congress, Byron Donalds has proven time and again that he understands the unique challenges facing our industry and is willing to take decisive action to remove unnecessary regulations, support workforce growth, and keep Florida a top tourist destination. We are confident he will be a decisive leader and strong partner who will advance policies that keep our industry and Florida’s economy strong.”
Congressman Byron Donalds responded to the endorsement by emphasizing his commitment to the sector if elected governor. “Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry is the backbone of our state’s economy, and I’m honored to have the support of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association,” said Donalds. “As Governor, I will continue fighting for policies that keep Florida open for business, cut unnecessary red tape, grow our workforce, and ensure restaurants, hotels, and tourism employers can thrive. Together, we will protect the jobs this industry creates and keep Florida the best place in the nation to live, work, and visit.”
FRLA represents a broad range of hospitality interests across Florida including restaurants, hotels, theme parks, suppliers as well as education programs focused on workforce development. Established in 1946, FRLA advocates for favorable business conditions within one of state’s largest industries which supports nearly two million employees.
The association also provides training on regulatory compliance and food safety through Safe Staff as well as RCS Training via its subsidiary organizations. Its Educational Foundation offers high school programs such as ProStart culinary program—the largest nationwide—and Hospitality & Tourism Management Program aimed at building careers within hospitality.
