(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize and honor those persons, living or dead, who through their work within the tourism industry have made significant contributions to the economic climate and the well-being of the residents of this state.
(2) There is established the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame.(a) The Florida Tourism Hall of Fame is administered by the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation without appropriation of state funds.
(b) The Department of Management Services shall set aside an area on the Plaza Level of the Capitol Building and shall consult with the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation regarding the design and theme of the area.
(c) Each person who is inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame shall have his or her name and image placed on a plaque displayed in the designated area of the Capitol Building, which plaque shall designate the member’s discipline or contribution and any vital information relating to the member.
(3) The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall establish selection criteria for induction into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame and shall annually accept nominations.(a) In selecting its nominees for submission to the board of directors of the corporation, the corporation shall give preference to tourism industry leaders who were born in Florida or adopted Florida as their home state and who have made a significant contribution to the state’s travel and tourism industry.
(b) The corporation may establish criteria and set specific timeframes for the acceptance and consideration of nominations and may establish a formal induction ceremony to coincide with the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
(c) A person inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame administered by the corporation before July 1, 2014, shall remain in the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame.
