Broward County to see economic impact of $20 million ‘due to state’s political climate’ as events are cancelled

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. (FLV) – Broward County’s official destination marketing organization said they are facing an economic impact of $20 million due to the “state politics and policies,” according to the groups that have chose not to return to Florida for events.

The event gatherings range from conferences and conventions, according to reports.

A festival hosted by radio personality Tom Joyner (TJ Rivals) highlighting Historically Black Colleges and University’s has reportedly been cancelled for Labor Day weekend.

The organization’s rationale stems over recent legislative and policy initiatives made under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“We have lost 10 conferences/groups since May of this year totaling approximately 15K room nights and $20 million in economic impact,” Visit Fort Lauderdale CEO tells Florida’s Voice News.

The American Specialty Toy Association (ASTRA) is also turning away its convention plans for 2026. The organization’s withdrawal will reportedly erase 4,500 room nights and $3.25 million in revenue loss.

Another group cutting ties to the area is the Institute for Educational Leadership. The loss to Fort Lauderdale will reportedly lose another 2,433 rooms and upwards of $3 million.

While each organization lists different reasons, DeSantis’ policies towards African American studies, restrictions of medical care to transgender people, and immigration requisites have all been identified as reasons for removal.

“Each group cited state politics and/or laws and policies as the reason they chose not to come here,” Ritter continued.

“In addition, other meeting planners have indicated that their clients won’t even let the planner request a proposal from FL destinations for the same reasons, meaning we cannot quantify the actual loss as we don’t even know what we do not have an opportunity to bid on,” Ritter said.