Central Florida could soon see fewer people and events come to the area.
Several organizations that were lined up to host upcoming conventions have scrapped their plans.
One group cited the passing of what they called “regressive legislation” that “challenges their mission.” Another said the state’s political climate would “undermine what we stand for and would prohibit us from existing.”
A growing list of organizations is scrapping plans to gather at the Orange County Convention Center and other locations in the state. Concerns are now mounting over the economic repercussions caused by the issue. Convention organizers cite Florida’s “unfriendly political environment,” largely attributed to Governor Ron DeSantis, as the primary reason for abandoning the state. These Florida convention cancellations will likely significantly impact Disney World and its bottom line.
Visit Orlando said they’ve been getting messages and calls from people worried about coming to Florida.
It all comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis put several new controversial laws in place like the Parental Rights in Education.
Four conventions have pulled out of coming to Orlando this year alone—the National Society of Black Engineers, AnitaB.org Grace Hopper Celebration, Con of Thrones, and a 2027 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo.
Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond said there has been more than one convention that has decided to go elsewhere.
And not making it any better, tourism dollars weren’t on the up this spring.
“In April, it was a small decrease,” Diamond said. “In May it was about a 7% decrease. It meant our collections this May were about $2 million less than May of 2022.”