For Immediate Release: June 5, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Keith Perry, a small business owner, supporter of retailing and community leader, is the choice for Florida’s premier retail industry association

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of incumbent Keith Perry for the Florida Senate. Perry, a Republican, is running for election in Senate District 8 in North Central Florida which includes all of Putnam and Alachua counties and a large part of Marion County.

"Keith is a long-time business owner, and as a Senator, he’s been a tremendous advocate Florida retailers by helping to pass important legislation that enhances our industry,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Keith is a friend of retail and we look forward to continuing to work with him on ways to ensure Florida remains the top state for businesses.”

Perry runs Perry Roofing, a Top 100 roofing company with 150 employees and three offices across the state. He is a Florida native and has spent his whole life in North Central Florida. For 14 years he served as the founding president of House of Hope, an organization dedicated to providing housing, job opportunities, mentorship and rehabilitation for former inmates, and has supported other local charities including the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, the Dignity Project, and the Reichert House. He served on the board of the Salvation Army and has been active with the Women’s Center for over 20 years.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

For Immediate Release: May 31, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Dianne Hart is a small business owner, community leader, and a retailer for more than 30 years, and is the choice for Florida's premier retail industry association

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) PAC today announced its endorsement of retailer Dianne Hart for the Florida House of Representatives. Hart, a Democrat, is running for election in House District 61 which covers downtown Tampa, Ybor City, and Seminole Heights.

"Dianne has successfully run a small retail business for 30 years all while making a significant difference in her community, and we are confident she will continue to support her fellow retailers,” said FRF President & CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Dianne is a great example of a business and community leader and we feel she’ll make a big impact in the Florida House.”

Hart has owned and operated Ms. Dee’s World of Beauty in Tampa for more than 30 years. She is also actively involved in her community, including currently serving as CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association, is a member of the Hillsborough County Children’s Advisory Board and NFL YET Center, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Task Force and serves on the Commission of the Status of Women. Hart is also committed to a local food initiative in Hillsborough County as well as focusing on economic development projects.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Spending to be near record highs as consumers continue to feel good about their economic situation, with gift cards, cash, apparel and electronics leading the way for graduation gifts

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating more than 80 years of supporting Florida’s retail industry, says Floridians will spend near record highs on graduates this year. The average person is expected to spend $102.51, close to last year’s total of $104.92. Total spending on graduation gifts nationally is expected to top $5.2 billion, the third highest in the survey’s 12-year history.

“Graduation is such a significant milestone in a young adult’s life, and parents, friends, grandparents and others want to recognize this achievement with near record spending this year,” said R. Scott Shalley, FRF President & CEO. “Once again, Florida retailers will put graduation gift ideas on center stage, focusing on the most popular items and combining the excitement of graduating with great discounts and deals for consumers.”

According to FRF’s national partners at the National Retail Federation’s annual survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics, cash will once again be the most popular gift, given by 55 percent of those surveyed as they seek to help students with the costly transition from high school to college or college to the “real world.” Greeting cards — many of them with cash inside — follow at 43 percent, gift cards at 32 percent, apparel at 14 percent and electronics at 10 percent.

The survey found 45 percent of those ages 18-24 plan to give a gift to other graduates, spending an average of $73.87, with cash being their gift of choice. However, the biggest spending, at $119.86, comes from those ages 45-54 who may have a child at home. Those in the grandparent bracket of 65 and above give an average of $107.15.

The survey, which asked 7,681 consumers about their graduation gift-giving plans, was conducted May 3-10 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points..

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
Founded in 1937, the Florida Retail Federation is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year as the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide three out of every four jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. In fact, more than three out of four of Florida’s budget dollars come from retail-related activity.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
As the world's largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, the National Retail Federation's global membership includes retailers of all sizes, formats and channels of distribution as well as chain restaurants and industry partners from the U.S. and more than 45 countries abroad. In the U.S., NRF represents the breadth and diversity of an industry with more than 1.6 million American companies that employ nearly 25 million workers and generated 2010 sales of $2.4 trillion. www.nrf.com.

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Second highest spending amount ever expected this year as families splurge on moms with jewelry, meals, flowers and clothing the most popular options

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 80 years, says Florida mothers will be showered with gifts from their family members this year, as spending for Mother’s Day is expected to reach $180 per person. This is down slightly from last year’s record high of $186 per person. Total spending nationwide is expected to surpass $23.1 billion, once again the second highest in survey history with more than 86 percent of Americans celebrating.

“Mothers play such a vital role in our society, and it’s wonderful to see that they’ll be receiving plenty of gifts this year as people feel more and more comfortable with their own finances,” said FRF President & CEO R. Scott Shalley. “A healthy economy with more Floridians employed should lead to increased spending and a great opportunity for retailers to take advantage of this by showcasing sales and discounts on the more popular items.”

According to FRF’s partners at the National Retail Federation’s recent survey, consumers plan to spend $4.6 billion on jewelry (purchased by 34 percent of shoppers), $4.4 billion on special outings such as dinner or brunch (55 percent) and $2.6 billion on flowers (69 percent). In addition, $2.5 billion will be spent on gift cards (45 percent), $2.1 billion on clothing (36 percent), $2.1 billion on consumer electronics (14 percent) and $1.8 billion on personal services such as a spa day (24 percent). Another $956 million will be spent on housewares or gardening tools (19 percent), $813 million on greeting cards (77 percent) and $494 million on books or music (19 percent).

The survey found 29 percent want to receive a “gift of experience” such as a spa day, tickets to a concert or gym membership while 26 percent plan to give such a gift. Gifts of experience are given most often — 45 percent of those surveyed — by 18 to 34-year olds.

Individuals ages 35-44 will be the biggest spenders this year at an average $224. However, those between 18-24 will most likely use smartphones to research their purchases and compare prices at 62 percent.

When searching for gifts, 35 percent of consumers will head to department stores and 31 percent will shop online, while 29 percent plan to shop at specialty stores such as florists, jewelers or electronics stores. Meanwhile, 23 percent plan to shop at a local small business, 22 percent at discount stores and 10 percent at specialty clothing stores.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION N
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Shalley will serve his term effective immediately; As head of state’s retail advocate, he looks forward to supporting state’s tourism agency which has a direct impact on retail industry’s success

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating more than 80 years of supporting Florida’s retail industry, is excited to announce the selection of FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors effective immediately. Florida’s retail industry relies heavily on the state’s tourism industry, and the selection of Shalley will only continue to strengthen that partnership.

“I’m honored to join the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, and I want to thank Chair Maryann Frenec and the rest of the board members for this opportunity,” said Shalley. “Retail and tourism go hand-in-hand, and having Florida continue to set records for the number of tourists, almost all of whom leave our state with more than what they came with, is great news for our members and our industry as a whole.”

VISIT FLORIDA’s 31-member Board consists of 16 regional seats appointed to represent all geographic areas of the state, and 15 additional seats that represent key sectors of the Florida tourism industry. The VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors is the organization’s private sector governing body that, along with the members of its 11 committees, provide guidance, input and insight into the evolution of VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing programs.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
Founded in 1937, the Florida Retail Federation is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year as the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide three out of every four jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. In fact, more than three out of four of Florida’s budget dollars come from retail-related activity.

ABOUT VISIT FLORIDA
As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 116.5 million visitors in 2017 who spent $112 billion, generating 23 percent of the state’s sales tax revenue and employing more than 1.4 million Floridians. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA -- the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida -- $2.15 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations, and visitor services programs. as a public/private partnerships, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 12,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort. For more information, go to VISITFLORIDA.org.

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For Immediate Release: March 26, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Consumers expected to spend $18.2 billion nationally, down slightly from last year, but second-highest all-time; Food, clothing, candy, flowers and decorations lead the way in popularity

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating more than 80 years of supporting Florida’s retail industry, says Floridians will increase their Easter spending to near record levels this year, with the per person average expected to top $150, down slightly from last year’s record total of $152. The total expected to be spent nationally is $18.2 billion, second highest in survey history and down from last year’s record of $18.4 billion.

“Even though spending will be down slightly, it’s still near a record high which is great news for Sunshine State retailers who focus on stocking their shelves for the Easter holiday,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “Easter is a great time for people to spend with family, which means consumers will be looking for deals on purchasing food, decorations and holding Easter egg hunts to celebrate.”

According to the survey, which was conducted by FRF’s national partners at the National Retail Federation, consumers will spend $5.7 billion on food (purchased by 87 percent of shoppers), $3.2 billion on clothing (48 percent), $2.9 billion on gifts (61 percent), $2.6 billion on candy (89 percent), $1.3 billion on flowers (39 percent), $1.1 billion on decorations (42 percent) and $780 million on greeting cards (46 percent).

In preparation for the Easter holiday, 59 percent of consumers will shop at discount stores, 46 percent will visit department stores, 28 percent will make purchases online, 25 percent will go to a specialty store and 25 percent will go to a small business or local store. Among smartphone users, 30 percent will research products or compare prices on their devices while 19 percent will use their phones to make a purchase.

Consumers intend to celebrate Easter in several ways: 60 percent will visit family and friends, 58 percent will cook a holiday meal, 51 percent will go to church and 17 percent will go to a restaurant. The Easter Bunny is expected to have a busy holiday season: 35 percent of consumers will participate in an Easter egg hunt and 16 percent will open gifts. In addition to traditional holiday events, some consumers will pursue more leisurely activities: 45 percent will watch TV, 11 percent will shop online, 9 percent will shop in a store and 8 percent will go to a movie.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
Founded in 1937, the Florida Retail Federation is celebrating more than 80 years as the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide three out of every four jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. In fact, more than three out of four of Florida’s budget dollars come from retail-related activity.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
As the world's largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, the National Retail Federation's global membership includes retailers of all sizes, formats and channels of distribution as well as chain restaurants and industry partners from the U.S. and more than 45 countries abroad. In the U.S., NRF represents the breadth and diversity of an industry with more than 1.6 million American companies that employ nearly 25 million workers and generated 2010 sales of $2.4 trillion. www.nrf.com.

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Holley, most recently General Counsel for Dept. of Agriculture, brings extensive legal, utility regulation, small business and food safety experience to FRF’s senior leadership team

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for more than 80 years, announces the hiring of Lorena Holley, Esq. as its new General Counsel and Vice President effective March 26. Holley will serve as lead counsel for the organization as well as work with Florida’s grocers and convenience stores on small business, fuel regulation and food safety issues. Holley comes to FRF from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services where she served as General Counsel to Commissioner Adam Putnam.

“With her years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Lorena brings extensive knowledge on business issues that impact almost all of our members in some way,” said R. Scott Shalley, FRF President/CEO. “Whether it's food safety, small business, utility regulation or legal issues, Lorena will be an invaluable resource to our members. I’m excited about the depth of experience that Lorena brings to our team, our membership and our industry.”

Holley was appointed General Counsel of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by Commissioner Adam Putnam in January of 2011. Prior to joining the Department, Holley was with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), serving as a Senior Attorney with the Commission’s Office of General Counsel Division of Appeals, Rules and Mediation. During her years at the PSC, Holley also served as a Chief Advisor to a Commissioner, advising on legal and policy issues related to the economic regulation of Florida’s electric, gas, telecommunications, and water and wastewater utility industries.

“I’m thrilled to join the Florida Retail Federation and I look forward to bringing my experience to help our industry members achieve their goals,” said Holley. “I want to thank Scott for this great opportunity, and I look forward to working with him and the whole FRF team as we help the more than 270,000 retailers throughout Florida.”

Holley also worked for the law firm Rutledge, Ecenia, Purnell & Hoffman, P.A., where she provided legal representation to local governments and private utility companies. Prior to joining the PSC, Holley was a staff attorney with Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. where she worked as an advocate and representative of indigent clients before various forums including the United States Social Security Administration, Citizen and Immigration Services, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

She received her J.D. in 1999 from the Texas Tech School of Law in Lubbock, Texas and is a member of the Florida Bar. Holley is originally from Chile, but grew up in Austin, Texas.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

For Immediate Release: February 14, 2018
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

FRF hosted press conference today highlighting the importance of passing SB 524 which would allow pharmacists to test and treat for the flu and prescribe TamiFlu, helping to save lives

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating more than 80 years in supporting Florida’s retail industry, hosted a press conference today to help shine the spotlight on proposed legislation which would allow pharmacists to test and treat for the flu and then prescribe TamiFlu to the consumer, helping to save the lives of those suffering from flu-like symptoms. FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley was joined by Senator Jeff Brandes (R- St. Petersburg) and Representative Rene Placensia (R- Orlando) who are both bill sponsors and supporters of this important legislation.

“We want to thank Senator Brandes and Representative Placensia for their leadership in trying to get this crucial legislation passed and for recognizing the important and life-saving role that pharmacists can play in helping to fight the flu,” said Shalley. “It is our hope that the legislature recognizes the error of their ways, realizes the potentially thousands of lives they could be saving by passing this bill and votes yes when it comes back up for a vote.”

There is widespread flu activity from this season’s flu outbreak all across the continental U.S. – something that has not happened in the U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s 13 years of tracking the spread of influenza. This year’s flu is also particularly contagious and can be spread more easily just by breathing rather than by coughs and sneezes. For context, a mild flu season tends to kill about 12,000 Americans while a severe flu season kills about 56,000. With thousands of pharmacies throughout Florida, millions of Floridians would have access to healthcare and help with surviving the flu.

This expanded prescribing would come with training and continuing education courses for the pharmacists. Pharmacists seeking to test for and treat the influenza virus must obtain certification through a program approved by the Board of Pharmacy and they must test for and treat the influenza virus within the framework of an established written protocol under a supervising physician. This bill would provide many safeguards to ensure that every pharmacist is qualified, knowledgeable and capable of administering the flu test correctly.

“It’s our hope the legislature will advance both of these bills, and allow people quick access to both knowing they have the flu, while also providing immediate access to the one drug that can help them recover from it,” said Shalley.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
Founded in 1937, the Florida Retail Federation is celebrating more than 80 years as the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers are responsible for one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. In fact, more than three out of four of Florida’s budget dollars come from retail-related activity.

For Immediate Release: February 8, 2018 CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

Consumers are expected to spend an average of $143 per person, with total spending nationally expected to reach $19.6 billion

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 80 years, says consumers are expected to spend an average of $143.56 on Valentine’s Day, an increase from last year’s total of $136.57. Total spending nationally is expected to reach $19.6 billion, up from $18.2 billion in 2017. These numbers are the second highest on record.

“Florida families are looking forward to showering their loved ones with flowers, candy, and fancy dinners this year, with a near record per person spending average of $143,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “We anticipate this being a very prosperous year for retailers focused on Valentine’s Day, as consumers are feeling more confident about their financial situation and willing to spend more to celebrate.”

According to FRF’s partners at the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insight and Analytics, this year’s survey found consumers plan to spend an average $88.98 on their significant other/spouse ($12.1 billion), $25.29 on other family members such as children or parents ($3.5 billion), $7.26 on children’s classmates/teachers ($991 million), $7.19 on friends ($982 million), $5.50 on pets ($751 million) and $4.79 on co-workers ($654 million). Those 25-34 will be the biggest spenders at an average of $202.76.

Those celebrating Valentine’s Day plan to spend $4.7 billion on jewelry (given by 19 percent), $3.7 billion on an evening out (35 percent), $2 billion on flowers (36 percent), $1.9 billion on clothing (17 percent), $1.5 billion on gift cards/gift certificates (15 percent) and $894 million on greeting cards (46 percent). More consumers plan on purchasing candy this year, with 55 percent (up from 50 percent) saying they will give gifts of candy for a total of $1.8 billion.

“Gifts of experience” such as tickets to a concert or sporting event continue to be popular, sought by 42 percent of consumers, but only 24 percent plan to give one. Those 25-34 are the most likely to give such a gift at 41 percent.

Much the same as last year, consumers plan to shop at department stores (35 percent), discount stores (32 percent), online (29 percent), specialty stores (19 percent), florists (17 percent), and local small businesses (14 percent).

Even those foregoing Valentine’s Day festivities won’t be left out. More than a quarter (27 percent) of consumers who are not observing the holiday have an alternative in mind such as treating themselves in some way or getting together with family and friends.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
As the world's largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, the National Retail Federation's global membership includes retailers of all sizes, formats and channels of distribution as well as chain restaurants and industry partners from the U.S. and more than 45 countries abroad. In the U.S., NRF represents the breadth and diversity of an industry with more than 1.6 million American companies that employ nearly 25 million workers and generated 2010 sales of $2.4 trillion. www.nrf.com.

For Immediate Release: December 13, 2017
CONTACT: James Miller, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (850)701-3015

The 3rd District Court of Appeals ruled today in favor of three of Florida’s major business associations – Florida Retail Federation, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Florida Chamber of Commerce – who filed a lawsuit challenging a minimum wage ordinance passed by City of Miami Beach

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation, Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association all celebrated today’s ruling by the 3rd District Court of Appeals in Miami which affirmed a lower court’s ruling invalidating the minimum wage ordinance recently adopted by the City of Miami Beach. The circuit ruling was appealed by the City in March and the ruling denying that appeal was announced earlier today. The three leading business associations originally filed the suit against the ordinance proposing to raise the minimum wage in spite of a state preemption, because it was not valid under section 218.077 F.S. which preempts local minimum wages. Charles Caulkins, James Polkinghorn and Candice Pinares-Baez of the South Florida law firm Fisher Philips LLP represented the business associations in this case.

“This victory today in the district court of appeals is also a victory for businesses,” said R. Scott Shalley, FRF President & CEO. “This ruling sets a precedent for all municipalities discouraging them from passing local ordinances which are in direct violation of state law while also negatively impacting their local businesses. FRF and our coalition partners will continue to protect all Florida businesses against any rules or regulations that may impact their ability to be successful.”

“We applaud the court for siding with job creation and against additional government mandates, and for siding with Floridians looking for jobs and small businesses who are creating them. If communities are serious about creating opportunities for higher wages, they should invest in removing barriers to empower entrepreneurs to grow the economic base – produce more and pay more – based on markets and consumer needs,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

“We applaud the court’s decision, which should send a message to local governments around the state that, however well intended, each level of government has its limitations on their authority,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

In December 2016, the City of Miami Beach passed a city ordinance raising the minimum wage to $10.31/hour starting January 1, 2018, and increasing it $1.00/year until it reaches $13.31 in 2021. FRF and its coalition partners argued that the ordinance disregarded a state statute which established the State of Florida will determine one consistent minimum wage for the entire state. This state statute allows for local government entities to adopt ordinances to exceed this wage for those working or contracting with the local government. FRF and the business coalition successfully won that lawsuit in March due to a ruling from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The City of Miami Beach then filed an appeal in December 2016 with the 3rd District Court of Appeals who announced its decision today in favor of the coalition.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
Founded in 1937, the Florida Retail Federation is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year as the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers are responsible for one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. In fact, more than three out of four of Florida’s budget dollars come from retail-related activity.

About the Florida CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business and the state’s largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce and associations aggressively representing small and large businesses from every industry and every region. The Florida Chamber works within all branches of government to affect those changes set forth in the annual Florida Business Agenda, and which are seen as critical to secure Florida’s future. The Florida Chamber works closely with its Florida Political Operations and the Florida Chamber Foundation. Visit www.FloridaChamber.com for more information.

About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $108.8 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.4 million employees - making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, September 10-12, 2017 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.