Florida politics are too hot for some business visitors

It was supposed to bring hundreds of people to Fort Lauderdale over Labor Day weekend, totaling thousands of hotel nights. Instead, a festival celebrating rivalries among Historically Black Colleges and Universities hosted by radio personality Tom Joyner canceled.

It is one of a handful of events, conferences and conventions that had been considering coming to South Florida but have opted to stay away. Organizers blame a combination of state policies, the political climate in Florida and travel advisories issued by civil rights groups.

Broward County’s tourism marketing agency said the lost business tops $20 million and counting, spread over the next three years.

“This is, I think, one of those unintended consequences. At least I hope it was unintended, but the consequences are nonetheless negative,” said Visit Lauderdale CEO Stacy Ritter.