Visit Florida Removes LGBTQ Travel Section

Florida's tourism marketing agency, Visit Florida, has removed the 'LGBTQ Travel' section from its website, sparking outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates and business owners. The deletion is perceived as part of a broader anti-LGBTQ+ agenda by state officials, particularly under Governor Ron DeSantis, who has previously supported legislation restricting discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. Business leaders emphasize that this move undermines Florida's reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ tourists, which is crucial for the state's economy, having attracted nearly 141 million visitors in 2023. Critics, including Keith Blackburn from the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, express concern over the economic and social implications of this action, stating it feels like an attempt to erase the LGBTQ+ community. Florida's tourism sector relies heavily on diversity, and the lack of communication regarding this change has left many confused. The previous LGBTQ+ section had highlighted Florida's inclusive atmosphere, which now feels compromised.