Florida’s tourism marketing agency has quietly removed the “LGBTQ travel” section from its website, a development that has raised concerns among owners of businesses that specialize in this demographic. This change has occurred over the past few months, but some LGBTQ+-friendly listings can still be found through searches on the site.

The decision is seen by some as part of a broader pattern of actions by state authorities aimed at marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has previously supported laws restricting sexual orientation and gender identity education, banning gender-affirming care for minors, and limiting children’s access to drag shows.

Most notably, state authorities are challenging the Biden administration’s changes to Title IX that would extend federal protections against gender discrimination to LGBTQ+ students. State authorities are also refusing to issue updated birth certificates to transgender citizens in Florida.

Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing agency, is a public-private partnership that receives approximately $50 million annually from the state and plays an important role in promoting the state as a leading travel destination. The state’s tourism industry attracted nearly 141 million visitors in 2023 and contributed over $102 billion to the economy.

The website’s now-removed LGBTQ+ section had previously highlighted Florida’s appeal as an inclusive destination, particularly for the community.

The repeal of that section and other recent actions by the state prompted calls for boycotts and travel warnings from civil rights groups, who warned that Florida’s policies were “openly hostile” to marginalized communities.