Florida, a state renowned for its lively LGBTQ+ tourism hubs like Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and St. Petersburg, has quietly removed the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its official tourism website, Visit Florida. This move, largely unnoticed until recently, has sparked widespread concern among business owners and community leaders who view it as a sign of the state’s growing hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community.
The website previously highlighted Florida’s appeal to LGBTQ+ travelers, emphasizing its welcoming beaches, warm weather, and diverse activities that have made it a popular destination for LGBTQ+ tourists. The removal of this information has raised serious questions about Florida’s commitment to inclusivity and has generated a sense of disappointment and frustration within the LGBTQ+ community.
Keith Blackburn, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, expressed his disappointment and frustration, stating, “It’s just disgusting to see this. They seem to want to erase us. ” Blackburn and others believe this move is part of a broader trend in Florida to suppress LGBTQ+ visibility and rights, following a series of legislative actions that have been widely criticized as discriminatory.
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has been at the forefront of several policies that have caused alarm within the LGBTQ+ community and among civil rights advocates. These include a bill that prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and a law aimed at preventing children from attending drag shows. Critics argue that these measures, along with the recent website change, contribute to a climate of exclusion and hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community.
While the dedicated LGBTQ+ section has been removed from Visit Florida’s website, some listings for LGBTQ+-friendly destinations can still be found through search queries. However, the absence of a centralized resource specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers has left many feeling alienated and marginalized.
Efforts to obtain an official response from Visit Florida regarding the removal have been met with silence. John Lai, who chairs the board of Visit Florida, did not respond to inquiries, and Dana Young, the agency’s CEO and president, along with its public relations director, also did not provide any comments. This lack of transparency has further fueled concerns about the state’s intentions and has left the LGBTQ+ community feeling unheard.
Visit Florida operates as a public-private partnership between the state and the tourism industry, with the state contributing approximately $50 million annually from tourism and economic development funds. This significant investment underscores the importance of tourism to Florida’s economy, which saw nearly 141 million visitors in 2023, contributing over $102 billion to the state’s economic output. The recent changes to the website have raised concerns about the potential impact on Florida’s tourism industry, especially as it relies heavily on LGBTQ+ travelers who contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth.
For business owners like Blackburn, the removal of the LGBTQ+ travel section is more than just a symbolic loss; it has practical implications for promoting South Florida as an inclusive and welcoming destination. “The change and other anti-LGBTQ+ policies out of Tallahassee make it more difficult for me to promote South Florida tourism,” Blackburn said. He noted that prospective travelers and travel promoters increasingly express reluctance to engage with Florida, citing the state’s political climate and concerns about its commitment to inclusivity. This challenge is further compounded by the travel advisory issued last year by several civil rights groups, warning that Florida’s policies are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.” The advisory has had a tangible impact on perceptions of Florida as a travel destination, particularly among those who prioritize inclusivity.
Despite the state’s actions, Blackburn emphasized that many Florida cities remain deeply inclusive, with gay elected officials and thriving LGBTQ+-owned businesses. He stressed that these communities do not reflect the policies emanating from Tallahassee and continue to be welcoming to all visitors. “It’s difficult when these kinds of stories come out, and the state does these things,” Blackburn added. “On one level, it’s embarrassing to have to explain why people should come to South Florida and our destination when the state is doing these things.” He urged potential visitors to consider the local communities’ inclusivity and not to judge the entire state based on the actions of its government.
The quiet removal of the LGBTQ+ travel section from Florida’s official tourism website marks a significant moment in the ongoing tension between state policies and the inclusivity that many of its cities strive to uphold. As Florida continues to navigate this complex landscape, the impact on its tourism industry and reputation as a welcoming destination remains to be seen. Travelers and business owners alike are left grappling with the implications of these changes, as the state’s actions increasingly come under scrutiny from both domestic and international audiences.
