Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA)

The newly combined Greater Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce recently signed a management agreement with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) effective July 1 to serve as operational manager and regional director for the FRLA Southwest Florida Region. The chamber will provide governance and board administration, event planning and management, sales and membership development, member services, accounting and financial administration, and communications for the FRLA.

TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association joined the National Restaurant Association and 11 other state hospitality associations to share impacts related to terminating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Haiti and Syria who are currently living and working in the United States.

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At FRLA, we are honored to support an industry driven by creativity, resilience, and world-class talent. The following Michelin-recognized restaurants exemplify the innovation and excellence that define Florida’s culinary scene and continue to attract visitors from around the world. Whether a restaurant retained its Michelin distinction, advanced to a new category, or is newly recognized, the dedication required to achieve this honor is worthy of our sincere congratulations.

We are looking forward to our three teacher trainings this summer with almost 100 Florida ProStart teachers attending! KNIFE KITS  Returning attendees, don’t forget your knife kits! First-time attendees will receive a knife kit. HOTEL   Prior to your training, Laura Rumer will email you a hotel confirmation number. CHEF COATS   Each attendee will receive two complimentary chef coats at their event, but attendees are welcome to wear their own each day.

FRLAEF Post-Secondary Scholarship–Closes May 15 Please share this with your graduating seniors! In order to be eligible for this scholarship the applicant must: • Be enrolled at a post-secondary school pursuing a culinary or hospitality program–Summer/Fall 2026 term • Return your transcript by application deadline The scholarship amount is based on investment returns and award amounts fluctuate from year to year. Approximately six $2,000 scholarships will be awarded.

The FRLAEF will conduct three ProStart Teacher Training events this summer. Training will be held at the Keiser University Sarasota campus, St. Thomas University in Miami, and at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality in Orlando. PROGRAM COST The FRLAEF will cover the cost of all Florida ProStart instructors who will be teaching the ProStart curriculum during the 2026-2027 school year. Attendees will be responsible for their travel and some meals.

Empowering and protecting the hospitality industry FREE CONSULTION AVAILABLE TO FRLA MEMBERS Johnson Jackson is a long term supporter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and is offering members a free 20 minute consultation with Kevin Johnson, top Florida labor and employment lawyer, and his team. Johnson Jackson believes that when employers are faced with employment law challenges, having the right lawyer makes a difference.

2026 FRLAEF Scholarship Application — Closes April 10! The FRLAEF will award at least $65,000 in scholarships during this Spring. Each scholarship awarded will be in the amount of $2,000 and will be a one-time, non-renewable scholarship.

2026 FRLAEF Scholarship Application — Closes April 10 The FRLAEF will award at least $65,000 in scholarships this Spring. Each scholarship awarded will be in the amount of $2,000 and will be a one-time, non-renewable scholarship.