DeSantis’ ‘anti-woke’ bills negatively impact Florida’s convention industry

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ legislative war on “wokeness” has reportedly caused the state millions of dollars in business, culminating in the relocation of at least a dozen large conventions normally held in the Sunshine State.

Just in Fort Lauderdale alone, 10 canceled events and conventions that organizers specifically stated were axed due to DeSantis’ bills have already cost the city $20 million in economic impact.

Orlando, one of Florida’s most tourism-heavy areas, has also tallied four major convention cancellations over DeSantis’ policies in recent months, including the 2024 National Society of Black Engineers’ 50th annual convention.

However, DeSantis’ office denied the convention-cancellation trend as a “media-driven stunt” and instead touted that Florida is “experiencing record tourism” underneath the controversial governor.