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2017

Gov. Scott: Florida Sets Another Tourism Record in 2017

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116.5 million visitors came to Florida in 2017

Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida set another tourism record in 2017 by welcoming the highest number of visitors in any year in the state’s history with 116.5 million visitors, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This represents a 3.6 percent increase over the 112.4 million visitors in 2016.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that Florida has continued our record-breaking success by welcoming more than 116 million visitors in 2017. Because of VISIT FLORIDA’s aggressive marketing efforts to make sure families across the world knew that Florida was open to visitors following Hurricane Irma, we are able to celebrate another record-breaking year for tourism. This is especially great news for the 1.4 million jobs that rely on our growing tourism industry. We will continue to market our state as the number one global destination for tourism.”

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 116.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2017, an increase of 3.6 percent over last year. This number breaks down to 102.3 million domestic visitors, 10.7 million overseas visitors and 3.5 million Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in 2017 increased 4.1 percent over the same period the previous year, with 87.2 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during 2017 grew by 4.6 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 2.6 percent and occupancy by 3.2 percent.

Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “Florida welcomed a record 116.5 million visitors in 2017, which is great news for our state. Because of the cutting-edge marketing programs at VISIT FLORIDA, particularly following Hurricane Irma, we were able to increase total visitation by 3.6 percent over last year, resulting in billions of dollars in revenue for the state. We are continuing to aggressively market the Sunshine State to the rest of the country and the rest of the world.”

Maryann Ferenc, Board Chair of VISIT FLORIDA, said, “I would like to offer gratitude to the Governor and the Legislature for funding VISIT FLORIDA, the VISIT FLORIDA team for their successful efforts, the tourism industry for creating a Florida that people want to visit and residents for creating the real welcome. Alignment at the local, state and national level have created prosperity in Florida!”

Carol Dover, President and CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said, “Given all the Sunshine State has to offer as a vacation destination, it comes as no surprise that each year, Florida continues to attract visitors in record numbers, however this welcomed outcome is incredible considering the tough year our state has faced in the wake of Hurricane Irma and validates the state’s sound investment in tourism marketing. FRLA salutes the diligent efforts of VISIT FLORIDA, as well as our hospitality industry partners, who work in concert to ensure Florida remains competitive as a leading global destination. Visitors are not only enjoying our hotels and restaurants, they’re simultaneously boosting state and local revenues, and supporting 1.4 million industry jobs across the state.”

Florida set another record despite losing 1.8 million visitors due to Hurricane Irma, according to a recent report commissioned by VISIT FLORIDA. The impact report of Hurricane Irma shows that it cost the state 1.8 million visitors. An estimated 34.9 million out-of-state visitors came to Florida in the final four months of 2017. In the “no hurricane” model, Florida would have hosted 36.7 million visitors during that same time period. Additionally, Irma resulted in a loss of $1.5 billion in visitor spending, with $1.1 billion attributable to domestic visitors and $400 million for international visitors. Visitation was hit hardest in September, with visitation falling 13.5 percent relative to anticipated growth. However, losses were drastically reduced by October, and even more so in the following months. VISIT FLORIDA’s Post-Irma Marketing Campaign helped curb the effects of Irma on visitation, with an estimated 358 million impressions in the month following Irma.

VISIT FLORIDA estimates that a record 28.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 5.5 percent over the same period last year. This Q4 number breaks down to 25.0 million domestic visitors, 2.8 million overseas visitors and 705,000 Canadian visitors coming to the Sunshine State. Total enplanements at Florida’s 18 major airports in Q4 2017 increased 6.7 percent over the same period the previous year, with 21.7 million passengers. The number of hotel rooms sold in Florida during quarter four of 2017 grew by 8.1 percent compared to quarter four 2016. During the same period, Florida’s average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 5.4 percent and occupancy by 7.0 percent.

To view the full Hurricane Irma Impact Report, click HERE.

To view additional Florida visitor data, click HERE.

*Preliminary estimates are issued 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Final estimates are released when final data are received for all estimates in the report.

Gov. Rick Scott to Announce 2017 Visitation Numbers During Multi-City Tourism Tour This Week

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MEDIA ADVISORY

This Thursday, February 15th, Governor Rick Scott will announce Florida’s 2017 visitation numbers during a multi-city tourism tour in Juno Beach, Tampa and Naples. Florida welcomed an all-time record 112 million visitors in 2016. VISIT FLORIDA works each day to market Florida as the world’s premier tourism destination, and the state’s six-straight record-breaking years of visitation have directly coincided with the marketing resources and funding championed by Governor Scott.

This year, VISIT FLORIDA was funded at $76 million, and the governor has recommended $100 million for VISIT FLORIDA as part of his 2018-2019 Securing Florida’s Future budget. Currently, the Florida Senate has proposed $50 million and the Florida House has proposed $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA during the ongoing legislative session.

WHAT: Tourism Numbers Announcement

WHERE: Juno Beach, Tampa, Naples
Additional details will be announced in the coming days.

Floridians’ Top 10 Consumer Complaints in 2017

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released today the top 10 consumer complaints filed with the department in 2017. Complaints about violations of the state’s Do Not Call list were the most common, followed by complaints related to landlord/ tenant issues, fuel and gasoline, and motor vehicle repair. In addition, the department recovered $2,659,000 for Florida consumers in 2017.
“We are dedicated to protecting Florida’s consumers, and I’m proud that we recovered more than $2.6 million for Floridians this year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Anyone can call our 1-800-HELP-FLA consumer hotline or visit FreshfromFlorida.com to file a complaint, find information about businesses and professionals and learn how to protect themselves from fraud and scams.”
In 2017, the department received 40,855 complaints and responded to 215,870 calls, 16,247 emails and 11,464 online chats from consumers. The top 10 complaints were:

  1. Do Not Call –19,112
  2. Landlord/Tenant – 2,164
  3. Fuel/Petroleum – 1,555
  4. Motor Vehicle Repair – 1,386
  5. Medical Billing – 1,253
  6. Communications – 1,160
  7. Other/Miscellaneous – 1,105
  8. Travel/Vacation Plans – 1,028
  9. Motor Vehicle/Sales Accessories – 1,021
  10. Construction – 973

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information. The call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview and provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Florida crime down in the first half of 2017

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Crime continues to fall across Florida according to the 2017 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped two percent or roughly 6,300 fewer reported index crimes compared to the first six months of 2016.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Each and every day, the brave men and women of Florida’s law enforcement community selflessly work to keep our neighborhoods safe and as Florida’s crime rate continues to drop, we’re reminded of their important and life-saving work. Today, Floridians and visitors are the safest they’ve been in nearly a half -century and we will continue to fully support our law enforcement members as they work to make the Sunshine State the safest place to raise a family.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Throughout my career I have worked closely with our brave law enforcement officers, and the continued decline in Florida’s crime rate is a testament to their hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I want to thank all of our law enforcement officers and our state prosecutors for their continued success fighting crime and protecting Floridians.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Our declining crime rate is a true testament of our law enforcement community’s commitment to keeping our state safe. I offer my deepest appreciation for the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made for the well-being of Florida’s families, friends and neighbors.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said, “Florida’s crime rate continues to fall, and I credit the hard work of the thin blue line, the men and women in uniform who selflessly and courageously pursue their mission to keep Florida safe. We must continue to provide our law enforcement community with all the support we can so they can continue to help keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
The crimes of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny were down in this report while the crimes of rape and motor vehicle theft increased. Domestic violence fell one percent, with domestic violence murder and aggravated assault down while rape and stalking were up.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Every day across Florida law enforcement officers at the state, local and federal levels work together to keep Florida citizens safe. Because of our partnerships Florida’s citizens and visitors are the safest they’ve been in more than 46 years.”
Florida Sheriffs Association President and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said, “The continued reduction in crime, throughout the state of Florida, is a direct result of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, from the highest-ranking leadership to our patrol officers and deputies. From innovative task force operations to dedicated education and enforcement, we stay committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad said, “As Florida’s crime continues to drop, I commend law enforcement leaders and officers across the state! Their unwavering dedication coupled with the laws we have in place to deter those bent on committing crime are clearly working. The Florida Police Chiefs throughout the state remain committed to working with our state and federal partners to keep Floridians safe.”
The Semi-Annual UCR calculates crime volume, the number of index crimes known to law enforcement.  The report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website.
FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017

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GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT’S SCHEDULE FOR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017
9:15am                        STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location:         Fort Lauderdale, FL
9:30am                        ENTERPRISE FLORIDA BOARD MEETING
Location:         The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
Address:          321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
2:50pm                       NUJAK COMPANIES JOB GROWTH HIGHLIGHT
Location:         NuJak Companies, Inc.
Address:          714 North Massachusetts Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33801
4:00-4:50pm               STAFF AND CALL TIME
Location:         Lakeland, FL
 
GOVERNOR LOPEZ-CANTERA’S SCHEDULE FOR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017
9:00am                        ENTERPRISE FLORIDA BOARD MEETING
Location:         Fort Lauderdale, FL
2:00pm                       MEETING WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MAYOR CARLOS GIMENEZ
Location:         Miami, FL

Ocala Realtor Sherri Meadows Receives 2017 Women of Influence Award

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HousingWire Names 2014 Florida Realtors®  President to Distinguished Annual List

Ocala Realtor® Sherri Meadows handles many roles in her busy life, from wife and mother to successful businesswoman to community activist and volunteer. With a passion for real estate and her profession, the 2014 president of Florida Realtors has worked tirelessly to support her colleagues and the real estate industry through her local organization, the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, the state association and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as its 2017 Region 5 vice president to Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Now, Meadows can add “woman of influence” to her extensive list of achievements. In recognition of her dedication in leading the housing and mortgage industry forward, HousingWire has named Meadows to its 2017 Women of Influence List.
This marks the seventh year for the Women of Influence list, and HousingWire officials noted that the nominations grow more competitive every year. The 50 women chosen represent a variety of occupations within the housing economy, each demonstrating leadership that inspires those in their own companies, in their communities and in the industry at large.
“It’s a great honor to be standing alongside such accomplished, successful women who are making a difference in their communities and working for a better future in the housing and mortgage industries,” said Meadows, a broker associate with Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty in Gainesville, Ocala, and Summerfield, Florida. “I love what I do – being a Realtor isn’t a job, it’s who I am. Every day, I am privileged to help people realize their dreams of a place to call home, and I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the security of having shelter and a home. Advocating for housing at all income levels in Florida and across the country continues to be a cause near and dear to my heart.”
Many of the 2017 winners mentor other women in the industry, manage internship programs for college students or work with business groups in disadvantaged areas. Others coordinate volunteer programs for their employees or serve on advisory boards that inform the industry. Investing time and effort to see others succeed is a hallmark of this group.
HousingWire Magazine Editor Sarah Wheeler said, “It’s exciting to see the talent represented in this year’s Women of Influence winners. These dynamic women represent every part of the mortgage ecosystem and their achievements are vital to the mission of expanding homeownership. HousingWire is thrilled to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments as they build better operations, solutions and companies.”
Winners were selected based on tangible accomplishments in the past 12 months. Not only did they have to excel within their companies, but they also had to show influence in the wider industry through contributions on panels, publications, mentoring and volunteering.
“As the mortgage industry continues to do the right thing – increase diversity in the workforce – the housing finance business will likewise keep moving from strength to strength,” said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gaffney. “The progress is undeniable; as the number of influential women in housing grows so does our recognition for the Influential Women of Housing. Our list is bigger and better than ever.”
Meadows supports numerous community organizations and charitable causes. However, as a dedicated advocate for private property rights and housing at all income levels, she has inspired action in states, territories and in Washington, D.C., speaking on behalf of Realtors, homeowners and for those experiencing homelessness throughout the nation. For example, when serving as 2016 NAR vice president, she testified before the House of Representatives Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in Washington, D.C., and advocated for continued efforts to remove barriers to housing.
In July 2016, Meadows hosted a Housing for All symposium in Washington, D.C., that focused on housing opportunities, ideas and innovative thinking to combat homelessness.
And as president of Florida Realtors in 2014, she and the state association’s leaders traveled across Florida as part of an awareness campaign to make homelessness more visible and work with local community leaders to spotlight successful programs and possible solutions. Florida Realtors campaign was nationally recognized by Ragan Communications for Best Advocacy/Awareness Campaign and Best Community-Nonprofit Partnership.
Meadows continues to work on behalf of Realtors and her profession: She is the Florida Realtors-endorsed candidate for NAR 2019 first vice president.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 165,000 members in 54 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Encourages Floridians to Prepare for 2017 Hurricane Season

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges Floridians to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season, which begins June 1. Expecting weak El Nino conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average hurricane season.
“Preliminary forecasts point to an active hurricane season this year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s crucial that Floridians plan early to protect their families and homes this hurricane season.”
Floridians can take the following steps to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season:

  • Have a Plan: Know what you and your family will do in an emergency. Research the locations of hurricane shelters and find out if you can take your pet. Make sure everyone in your house knows the plan and where your emergency supplies are stored.
  • Prepare a Kit: Keep a kit stocked with emergency supplies. This should include a three-day supply of food and water for each family member. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day. Supplies should also include: cash, blankets and sleeping bags, first-aid kits, battery-powered radios, flashlights and extra batteries, clothing, necessary medications, pet care, a list of important phone numbers and important documents stored in waterproof containers.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest weather information. Watch local news and weather, listen for radio updates or stay informed with your computer or smartphone.

In addition to these tips, it is imperative to have an adequate supply of food and water during a disaster.

  • Keep an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer to provide an accurate temperature reading even if the power is out. A freezer should be at or below 0°F and the fridge at 40°F.
  • Store food on shelves high enough that it will not be contaminated in case of flood.
  • Have coolers on hand to keep food cold if the power is out more than four hours. Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
  • Discard perishables, such as meat, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items, if the power is out more than four hours.
  • Use bottled water if you are concerned about your water supply. If you don’t have bottled water, boil water and let it cool before storing to drink.

During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Insurance Commissioner Altmaier’s Message to Floridians: Prepare Now for the 2017 Hurricane Season

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Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier has an important message for Floridians ahead of the hurricane season beginning on June 1.
“Florida’s unique risk to tropical weather, especially during the hurricane season, means all Floridians need a disaster plan,” said Altmaier. “The time to evaluate your insurance coverage, fortify your home and prepare for how to protect yourself and your family is now.”
Altmaier is also advising Floridians to take advantage of numerous hurricane preparedness resources available to them on the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (Office) website and offers the following additional tips:

  • Review your insurance policy with your insurance agent or insurance company to make sure the coverage is adequate to your individual needs. The “Declarations Page” of your policy will summarize the coverage you have purchased.
  • Understand the differences between your insurance policy’s coverages and deductibles.
  • Strengthen your home’s defenses against a storm through simple mitigation techniques, such as replacing worn weather stripping under doors and removing tree limbs that may fall on your home or become flying projectiles.
  • Inventory your valuables and possessions using a home inventory checklist, which is available as a form you can download and print. If you prefer to use a smartphone, there is a link to a free app created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which allows you to take pictures and add descriptions of your belongings.
  • Know the phone number and contact information for your insurance agent and insurance company. Make sure to have easy access to it if you must evacuate your home.
  • Most importantly, have a plan for what you will do if a storm system is expected to impact where you live. Do not wait to evacuate if it becomes necessary.

For more information, visit the Office’s “Hurricane Season Resources” webpage.

Commissioner Stewart names five finalists for 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year

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Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart announced the five finalists for the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year. This program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to the students and families in their schools and districts. The statewide winner will be presented with a $5,000 cash prize at the annual awards breakfast on April 21 in Orlando.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year finalists,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “These individuals play an invaluable role in Florida students’ education journey by working alongside our teachers, school leaders and administrators and going above and beyond for our state’s families every day.”
The five finalists for the 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year are listed below.
Alachua County – Eunice Johnson, Irby Elementary School
Eunice Johnson has been serving Alachua County students for nearly three decades. She currently works as an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Classroom Paraprofessional. In that role, she develops individualized reading and math activities designed to meet specific needs of each student. Eunice volunteers extensively at her church and throughout the community, and she has been praised for ongoing generosity.
Pinellas County – David Melnick, Lake St. George Elementary School 
David Melnick is a Food Service Manager at Lake St. George Elementary School. During his tenure, he has changed the culture of Lake St. George with his leadership and concern for the students. Melnick created the Food Patrol Program, which enables students to assist with the cafeteria food preparation. According to the Pinellas County Superintendent, his principal and the school’s teachers, the program has helped motivate students to do better in school. 
Highlands County – Donna Peavy, Avon Park High School
Donna Peavy is the Media Paraprofessional at Avon Park High School. In this role, she manages the media center circulation desk, maintains the library and oversees the computer lab. Avon Park High School’s principal praised Peavy for “going above and beyond the call of duty” and making a difference in lives of her colleagues and students, adding that “everyone needs a ‘Mrs. Peavy’” in their lives.
Brevard County – Jamie Skinner, Ralph Williams Elementary School
As the Cafeteria Manager at Ralph Williams Elementary School, Skinner is an integral member of the school community. During Hurricane Matthew, Ralph Williams Elementary opened its doors as a special needs shelter. For three days, she slept at the school and volunteered her time, cooking for those in need.
Palm Beach County – Jane Winters, Beacon Cove Intermediate School
Jane Winters is the After School Site Director at Beacon Cove Intermediate School, where she has worked for the last 16 years. In addition to coordinating the after school care program, Winters initiated the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math program, she helped the school earn a grant to create the school garden and volunteers with the school’s student and parent organizations.
More information about the School-Related Employee of the Year Program is available here.

Gov. Scott: Florida Businesses Created Nearly 54,000 Jobs in 2017

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Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida businesses created 53,800 private-sector jobs in the first two months of 2017, bringing the total number of new jobs added since December 2010 to 1,346,200. Governor Scott made the announcement at Bealls, Inc. in Bradenton. The retailer, which is headquartered in Florida, has created more than 300 jobs across the state over the past two years and employs more than 8,500 Floridians.

Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Florida’s private-sector businesses have created nearly 54,000 new jobs in 2017. Over the past six years, we have been relentless in our efforts to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation because a job is the most important thing to a family. It is incredibly disheartening that politicians in the Florida House have voted to jeopardize programs that create opportunities for our families, visitors, military members and job creators. However, we will continue to fight for important economic development tools like Enterprise Florida and VISIT FLORIDA and the critical impact they have on supporting our growing economy.” 

For the 59th consecutive month, Florida’s annual job growth rate of 3.3 percent is exceeding the nation’s rate of 1.8 percent. In the last year, 239,800 new jobs were created by businesses across the state. Florida’s unemployment rate remained low at 5 percent in February, while the labor force participation rate climbed to 59.8 percent. Florida’s labor force is growing at a rate of 3.1 percent over the year while the U.S. labor force is growing at a rate of 0.7 percent over the year. 

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Florida’s labor force is climbing more than four times faster than the nation’s and our labor force participation rate has risen over-the-year for eight consecutive months. This proves that Floridians are confident in their ability to land a good job here in Florida.” 

Other positive economic indicators include:

  • Private-sector industries gaining the most jobs over-the-year in February were:
    • Professional and business services with 43,300 new jobs;
    • Trade, transportation and utilities with 42,000 new jobs;
    • Education and health services with 40,500 new jobs;
    • Leisure and hospitality with 40,300 new jobs; and
    • Construction with 34,700 new jobs.
  • Florida job postings showed 235,950 openings in February 2017.
  • In February, Florida’s 24 regional workforce boards reported 29,574 Floridians, including 1,413 veterans, were placed in jobs.

To view the February 2017 employment data visit www.floridajobs.org/labor-market-information/labor-market-information-press-releases/monthly-press-releases.