Sunshine Matters

Today, Senate Bill 398 establishing a permanent home for the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame at the State Capitol was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott.  A huge thank you to the bill’s sponsor Sen. Detert, co-sponsor Sen. Margolis, along with the members of  the Senate Commerce & Tourism Committee, as well as Rep. La Rosa who put forward the companion bill in the House.

Begun in 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame acknowledges contemporary and historic figures whose vision, creativity and drive have had a positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination. One individual is chosen annually and announced during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in September.  The award is presented on behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors.  To view a list of past honorees, please click here.

The Florida Council of Tourism Leaders, comprised of the former chairs of VISIT FLORIDA’s Board of Directors, saw the opportunity to relocate the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame from VISIT FLORIDA’s office to a more distinguished location and spearheaded the effort to move the display to the Capitol building. With today’s signing of the bill, I am pleased to share that past and future leaders of the state’s No. 1 industry will be honored at the State Capitol.  I would like to thank the Council for their hard work over the past year and look forward to their future initiatives.