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2026 Miami Beach Spring Break
The GMBHA team has been in close contact with Miami Beach administrators and elected officials to provide feedback about how to continue to improve the city’s planning for this important travel season. Due to the advocacy from our team, many of you, and our partners in the Miami Beach business community, the city has pivoted…
Read More2026 Tallahassee Fly-In Recap
President & CEO Curtis Crider, Chairman Amir Blattner, and Chair-Elect Mildred Riscigno traveled to Tallahassee on February 10-11 as part of the Dade Days delegation, along with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and local elected officials, to advocate on behalf of our hospitality industry and Miami-Dade County. During the visit, our group met with several key state policymakers, including DBPR…
Read MoreUS Suspends Immigrant Visas from 75 Countries; Visitor Visas Unaffected
We are closely monitoring the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of State regarding changes to visa processing. On January 14, 2026, the Trump administration confirmed an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This policy stems from concerns over the potential for applicants to become a “public charge” (i.e.,…
Read MoreProposed CBP Changes: Social Media Screening For Foreign Visitors
In December, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice in the Federal Register proposing major changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Under this proposal, travelers from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program will be required to provide their social media usernames, as well as email addresses and phone numbers they have used during…
Read More2025 Municipal Election Winners
City of Miami City of Hialeah City of Miami Beach City of Homestead
Read MoreNovember Elections Preview
Municipal elections will be held on November 4th, 2025 in Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Homestead, and Surfside. See the below summaries of candidates, ballot items, and voting information for each municipality. City of Miami (more info) Early Voting 10/25-11/2 Mayor Commissioner District 3 Commissioner District 5 Referendums City of Miami Beach (more info) Early Voting…
Read MoreFederal Government Shutdown Update
Read our full initial briefing, which outlined immediate risks to air travel, national parks, immigration services, and federal group bookings. Shutdown Status The stalemate in Congress has persisted, pushing the shutdown into Day 20. Senate Democrats rejected funding bills for the 10th time last week, blocking the bills from reaching the 60 votes necessary to move…
Read MoreFederal Government Shutdown: Impact For Travel and Tourism
The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2025 after Congress failed to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) or full-year appropriations. Negotiations have not yet produced a deal; votes in the Senate have failed to end the impasse, so the shutdown continues into this week. About 750,000 federal employees are furloughed or…
Read MoreFlorida Court Ruling on Open Carry of Firearms
We want to make you aware of an important legal change affecting individuals and businesses across Florida. The First District Court of Appeal has struck down the state’s prohibition on openly carrying firearms in public. Individuals who are legally permitted to carry a firearm may now do so either concealed or openly visible. This change…
Read MoreService Charge Disclosure Legislation
In 2025 the Florida legislature passed SB 606, which establishes increased transparency for food service establishments that charge an automatic gratuity or service charge. Summary Key Definitions Requirements Additional Information
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