State of Florida Works with Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to Waive Pet Policies for Hurricane Milton Evacuees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, at the direction of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and FloridaCommerce worked with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to waive no-pet policies at lodging establishments in preparation for Hurricane Milton. As Floridians in evacuation zones look for a safe place to stay for themselves and their families, they can be assured their pets are able to come with them. To find available lodging establishments, VISIT FLORIDA has worked with Expediaand Pricelineto provide emergency accommodations portals.

Lodging operators who have waived pet policies and fees are encouraged to complete DBPR's Lodging Pet Fee Waiver Information Sheet. For a list of hotels that have waived pet policies and fees, visit www2.myfloridalicense.com/emergency.

"The flexibility of a waived pet policy can be the difference in a family deciding to evacuate a flood zone and seek safe shelter," said Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. "We are grateful to those of our 71,000 lodging licensees that have already relaxed policies to accommodate Floridians in need and we encourage others to do the same."

"Pets are an incredible part of so many families across our state, and I'm glad we could work with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to ensure our four-legged Floridians have a place to shelter from the coming storm," said FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly. "Time-after-time, Florida's lodging establishments and private sector partners have provided extra flexibility for our residents in preparation for a storm. I'm grateful that we once again have their full support."

"Florida's hotels have a long history of stepping up during emergencies, providing vital support and shelter in times of crisis, and it's crucial that they continue to do so for those evacuating Hurricane Milton," said President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Carol Dover. "It is critical that hotels relax or waive their no-pet policies and pet fees to ensure that families safely evacuate and stay together with their beloved pets. This will provide more than just shelter, but also a sense of normalcy and support during this incredibly difficult and dangerous time."

"We spend all year encouraging residents to make a family disaster plan that includes their pets and to under no circumstances leave them behind," said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. "As Floridians evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton, I want to ensure residents don't have to worry about an extra financial burden, and encourage all hotels to waive pet fees for families who choose to carry out their plans and evacuate to safety with their pets."

Hurricane Milton is currently set to impact Florida's Gulf Coast as a major hurricane, bringing dangerous storm surge and high winds to the area. Follow @FLSERT for more updates. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for more information.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates nearly 1.7 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department's mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on X and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida's business and professional licensing.