The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has issued a statement supporting Indian American hoteliers in response to recent remarks by Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin regarding Indian Americans in the state.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, addressed the issue by saying: “Recent comments targeting Indian Americans do not reflect the values of our industry or our state. Indian American hoteliers are not only part of Florida’s hospitality story – they are vital to its success, owning and operating nearly 65% of all Florida hotels. Their investment, hard work, and leadership support nearly 460,000 jobs and strengthen communities across our state. We stand united in celebrating their contributions and in rejecting division. Florida’s future is built on respect, opportunity, and shared prosperity.”
The FRLA is a non-profit trade association that represents more than 10,000 members across Florida’s hospitality sector. The organization was formed in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association and merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. Its membership includes independent hotel owners, restaurant operators, franchises, theme parks, and suppliers.
FRLA’s mission focuses on protecting, educating, and promoting the state’s hospitality industry—an industry valued at nearly $112 billion and employing close to two million people statewide. The association provides legislative advocacy for its members’ interests as well as regulatory compliance resources such as food safety training through Safe Staff and RCS Training. Additionally, the FRLA Educational Foundation offers career-building high school programs developed by industry professionals throughout Florida.
