Governor DeSantis released his Florida Leads Budget Recommendations for 2021-2022

This week, Governor DeSantis released his Florida Leads Budget Recommendations for 2021-2022. On the tourism front, the Governor recommends investing $50 million for VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing programs, the same amount as in the current fiscal year, to continue showcasing that Florida is once again open and safe for tourists from throughout the U.S. and the world.

FRLA continues to work with the Governor’s office and Legislature on our legislative priorities, including VISIT Florida funding, COVID-19 liability protections, and alcohol-to-go, to name a few.

This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a proposal that would give Florida businesses that substantially comply with public health guidelines broad protection from COVID related lawsuits filed by customers and employees. Also this week, in response to the passage of Ballot Amendment 2 in November to raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15/hour by 2026, Senate Judiciary Chairman Jeff Brandes filed a proposal, that, if approved, would allow the Legislature to provide a reduced minimum wage for workers under age 21, for workers convicted of felonies, and for state prisoners and other “hard to hire employees.” 

Eyes are also on the federal minimum wage proposals after The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 was introduced this week in the U.S. House. Included below is a summary from the National Restaurant Association policy team and the statement they released.