Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and St. Petersburg have long been popular destinations for LGBTQ+ tourists in Florida. However, recent news revealed that Florida’s tourism marketing agency has quietly removed the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its website in the past few months, sparking concern among business owners who cater to LGBTQ+ tourists. Critics view this move as part of a broader attempt in the state to marginalize the LGBTQ+ community, following Governor Ron DeSantis’ support for controversial legislation regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Keith Blackburn, the head of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, expressed his dismay, stating, “They seem to want to erase us.” Despite the removal of the section, some LGBTQ+-friendly listings can still be found on Visit Florida’s website. Visit Florida, a public-private partnership funded by the state and the tourism industry, plays a significant role in promoting Florida as a premier tourist destination.
Florida is a top choice for tourists in the United States, with tourism being a vital industry for the state’s economy. In 2023, nearly 141 million tourists visited Florida, contributing over $102 billion to the economy. The now-removed LGBTQ+ section on Visit Florida’s website previously highlighted the state’s appeal to the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing inclusivity and acceptance.
The recent actions from Tallahassee and the state government’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues have made it challenging for advocates like Blackburn to promote South Florida tourism. Despite this, many Florida cities boast inclusivity, with LGBTQ+-owned businesses and gay elected officials. Blackburn emphasized that these progressive local environments should not be overshadowed by statewide policies that may deter visitors.
With concerns raised by civil rights groups and calls for boycotts in response to Florida’s legislative direction, tourism advocates face the difficult task of explaining the disconnect between state-level decisions and the diverse, welcoming communities present in cities like Fort Lauderdale. Blackburn stressed the need to showcase the inclusivity and warmth of South Florida’s LGBTQ+-friendly destinations to counteract negative perceptions created by state policies.
