Since 2001, the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame acknowledges contemporary and historic figures whose vision, creativity and drive have had a positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination. One individual is chosen annually and announced during the Governor's Conference on Tourism. The award is presented on behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. For more information, email ahopkins@visitflorida.org.
Inducted in 2024:
The 2024 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame inductee is Carol Dover.
Carol Dover has served as President/CEO of the more than 10,000-member Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) since July of 1995. Dover is a professional association manager, a lobbyist, a former government insider, and a Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality graduate with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Dover’s other professional accomplishments include positions at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation as the Director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, the first woman to serve as Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention in the State Fire Marshall’s Office, and President/CEO of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association.
As FRLA’s President/CEO, Dover works to protect, educate, and promote the diverse interests of Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry. Comprised of 1.4 million employees, hospitality is the Sunshine State’s largest industry and represents individuals from every walk of life.