Statement by the Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations regarding HB 3

Statement by Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations regarding HB 3, which was passed today out of the House Ways & Means Committee
“Local tourism marketing organizations are already fully transparent in their operations, but if state lawmakers would like to impose additional requirements they believe will further strengthen local tourism marketing transparency, we welcome that.
However, there are several provisions in HB 3 that have nothing to do with transparency, which will drastically impair local communities’ ability to attracts visitors to their areas.
We will no longer be able to host marketing events for event planners, sports teams, media and other prospective customers because these events typically involve food, beverages, lodging, tickets and entertainment, which would not be permitted under HB 3. This is how we draw visitors, conventions and conferences, sporting events and other functions to our areas.
As it is currently written, this bill would not allow any of our local tourism marketing activities to benefit one entity. That hurts counties with only one hotel or counties where it is important to drive business to the hotel connected to the convention center because those revenues directly support the convention center – a facility that benefits all of the community. These are just a couple of examples of how this provision would hamstring our ability to bring visitors and revenue to our counties.
Another provision would require that any contract over $5,000 be posted within five business days after execution. We recognize the need for transparency in all contracts that spend tax dollars and agree this information should be available to the public, but would like to have a longer window of time for posting this information to avoid having our deals undercut by other destinations in this highly competitive industry.
We have been working with House staff on this bill and appreciate the opportunity to have input. We hope these serious concerns that still remain can be addressed and we look forward to continuing to work with the House on this bill as it makes its way through the process.”