About FRLA
President/CEO Profile
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Carol B. Dover, FMP
President-Chief Executive Officer
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Carol B. Dover has been President-CEO of the more than 10,000 member Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association since July of 1995. Dover is a professional association manager, a lobbyist, a former government insider, a Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality graduate with a degree in hotel and restaurant management, and a working mother.
After graduating from Florida State University in 1978, Dover accepted the position of Assistant Director of the Beer Industry of Florida. This position familiarized her with the rules, regulations and tax laws associated with the beverage industry – information which has been beneficial in her role with FRLA.
In 1989, Dover moved inside the halls of the Florida Capitol and was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Executive Office of the Governor, serving under the Martinez administration. As Martinez’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Dover was responsible for the Governor’s appointments, served as his spokesperson and represented his administration before the Florida Legislature.
Dover’s other professional accomplishments include the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, the first woman to serve as Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, State Fire Marshall’s Office, and President-CEO of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association
As the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association President-CEO, Dover works to protect the diverse interests of Florida’s hospitality industry by representing the industry before the Florida Legislature and lobbying against unfair government regulation.
Dover serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, Council of State Restaurant Associations, International Society of Hotel Association Executives, VISIT FLORIDA, Florida Tourism Commission, Florida Tax Watch and the Florida Horse Park.
On opening day of the 2003 Legislative Session, Dover was diagnosed with breast cancer and courageously fought to beat the cancer. Dover, a native of Orlando, is married and has three children, two grandsons and a granddaughter. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities including dressage riding and running.
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is among the most influential trade associations in Florida. The association was established in 1946 to represent the restaurant industry. Since that time, the scope of FRLA’s representation has expanded to include the entire hospitality industry including lodging establishments, restaurants and thousands of suppliers to the industry. The association counts among its members some of the largest businesses in each of these categories.
The power and influence of FRLA is indisputable with a legislative track record to back it up. Led by CEO, Carol Dover and an active Board of Directors, FLRA has been effective in influencing legislation that has saved the industry $1.2 billion in taxes and fees over the past 10 years.
Florida’s hospitality industry represents:
- A 57 billion dollar industry
- 20% of Florida’s economy
- 3.4 billion dollars in sales tax revenue
- More than 900,000 employees - Florida’s largest employer.
With numerous local chapters and dual membership in the National Restaurant Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association FRLA members are offered unlimited opportunity for involvement. Association members enjoy a variety of benefits including discounts on products, services and training; free tickets to the annual trade show; accessible insurance; state, local and federal government representation; networking opportunities, special events including seminars, golf and fishing tournaments, parties and much more. The association is committed to safe-guarding the needs of the hospitality industry and improving the business climate. To learn more about the FRLA, visit www.frla.org or call 888-372-9119 to find out how you can get involved.