Division of Hotels and Restaurants

Lodging News

All information on this page is current and was last reviewed by the division on October 21, 2009.

Changes to Law Affect the Hospitality Education Program and Room Rate Regulation

Chapter 2009-195, Laws of Florida, took effect on October 1, 2009, and makes two changes to chapter 509, Florida Statutes, that impact the division’s public lodging licensees.  The first changes the Hospitality Education Program (HEP) from various education-related purposes to a single purpose of administering the school-to-career grant.  As a result, the discipline-related training currently provided by HEP will be discontinued.  Any public lodging establishment currently required to complete a HEP training program as part of a Settlement Agreement or Final Order should contact the division.

The law also repealed section 509.201, Florida Statutes, eliminating the requirement for public lodging establishments to file room rates with the division, post room rates in each room, and removing restrictions on advertisement wording and sizing. The division no longer requires public lodging establishments to file the Room Rate Schedule (DBPR HR 7019) or post the Notice to Guests (DBPR Form HR 5022-018).   The repeal does not impact price-gouging laws enforced by the Attorney General or unethical business practice laws enforced by the division.

2008 Legislative Changes to Public Lodging Laws

Chapter 2008-055, Laws of Florida became effective July 1, 2008 and impacts the division’s public food service licensees in the following ways. 

Licensees no longer have to keep a copy of Chapter 509, FS, on premises.  The definition of public lodging establishment now separately defines transient and non-transient, which provides a better understanding of the types of lodging establishments regulated by the division.

The division may refuse to renew your license if you have past due fines and may file an administrative complaint against your license for failing to comply with a Final Order.  The division will not file an administrative complaint for violating fire safety codes.  However, these violations will be noted on your inspection and the State Fire Marshal or local fire authority will be notified of the violation. 

The bill also places the requirements for the number of restrooms and restroom signage in a public lodging establishment under the Florida Building Code and the local building authorities.  The division will continue to inspect restrooms for sanitation and safety issues and will ensure restrooms are provided for both employee and public use.  

Governor Supports Green Lodging Program

Governor Charlie Crist applauds the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP's) Green Lodging Program. This program was established in 2004 to recognize and reward environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state. For more information, see the governor's press release.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Required

The 2007 Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1822, which requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in public lodging establishments. The division started enforcing this requirement on July 1, 2007. See Industry Bulletin 2007-03 or our Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

Boiler Safety Reminder

The Division of Hotels and Restaurants urges all lodging establishment owners/operators to check their water heating equipment for possible violations of boiler safety standards. Industry Bulletin #2007-01 contains more information about this important requirement.

House Rule Information for Transient Guest Ejection

Industry Bulletin #2003-01 reminds transient public lodging establishments of appropriate guest ejection procedures for transient guests claiming to be non-transient tenants.

Mold Infestation Information

Complaints regarding mold infestation are the fastest rising problem received by the division. Important Information Sheet #2002-04 is intended to provide information to public lodging operators regarding resources for combating mold infestations.