The recent decision of VISIT FLORIDA to secretly remove key LGBTQ+ travel information pages from the state’s official tourism website caused a backlash both domestically and  internationally for being both anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-business. 

The move jeopardizes the Florida tourism industry’s longstanding and highly-valued relationships with its LGBTQ+ visitors, a demographic that VISIT FLORIDA itself has spent millions of taxpayer dollars developing over the last two decades.

This disruptive action, which was not shared with industry in advance, also stands in direct contradiction of VISIT FLORIDA’S own stated Purpose, Mission, Vision and Values.

Given Visit Florida’s recent attempt to “erase the rainbow” from their marketing efforts, our “Return the Rainbow” petition aims to: 1) highlight the economic disservice done to Florida’s tourism industry, and 2) elicit from VISIT FLORIDA both a public explanation for the move and a reconfirmation of their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community to ensure Florida remains an inviting and inclusive destination for all. 

As such, signers of this petition respectfully request the following from VISIT FLORIDA:

1. The reinstatement of the deleted LGBTQ+ pages to VisitFlorida.com.
2. The establishment of an industry-led Visit Florida LGBTQ+ advisory board.
3. Visit Florida staff education and training around LGBTQ+ sensitivity and LGBTQ-inclusive marketing strategy. 

Thank you for your efforts in holding Visit Florida accountable to doing its job for its partners and Florida tax payers – welcoming all travelers to the Sunshine State.