The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) has officially endorsed Congressman Byron Donalds in his campaign for Governor of Florida. The announcement was made after an endorsement event held at WC Dover Farm.
Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA, highlighted the importance of leadership for the state’s hospitality sector. She stated, “Hospitality and tourism fuel Florida’s economy, and strong leadership is critical to protecting the jobs and businesses that drive it. From his time in the Florida Legislature to his service in Congress, Byron Donalds has proven time and again that he understands the unique challenges facing our industry and is willing to take decisive action to remove unnecessary regulations, support workforce growth, and keep Florida a top tourist destination. We are confident he will be a decisive leader and strong partner who will advance policies that keep our industry and Florida’s economy strong.”
Congressman Donalds expressed appreciation for the endorsement. He said, “Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry is the backbone of our state’s economy, and I’m honored to have the support of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. As Governor, I will continue fighting for policies that keep Florida open for business, cut unnecessary red tape, grow our workforce, and ensure restaurants, hotels, and tourism employers can thrive. Together, we will protect the jobs this industry creates and keep Florida the best place in the nation to live, work, and visit.”
The FRLA represents a broad range of businesses within Florida’s hospitality sector including restaurants, hotels, theme parks, and suppliers across the state. Since its founding in 1946, FRLA has focused on advocating for favorable business conditions as well as supporting workforce development initiatives. The association also provides regulatory compliance assistance and food safety training through its Safe Staff program and RCS Training subsidiary. In addition to these services, FRLA’s Educational Foundation operates career-building high school programs statewide such as ProStart culinary education—the largest in the country—and Hospitality & Tourism Management.
