Last week, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 18-221 declaring a state of emergency due to impacts of naturally occurring red tide in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. 

Following Governor Rick Scott's emergency order, VISIT FLORIDA launched two programs, the Tourism Recovery Grant Program for Red Tide and Red Tide Recovery Marketing Program, to assist the counties. 

Through the Red Tide Recovery Marketing Program, the following programs are available immediately at no cost to core tourism businesses located in the affected counties. For additional information about red tide, click here.

Complimentary Brochure Distribution at all

five Official Florida Welcome Centers

Available through February 28, 2019, businesses may ship a maximum of 2,000 brochures per Welcome Center for distribution. For more information and to secure your brochure placement please contact the Visitor Services Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Complimentary Lobby Booth Program at four Highway Welcome Centers

Available through February 28, 2019, businesses may schedule a time to participate in the Lobby Booth Display program. Please contact the Welcome Centers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a

location and time. 

Complimentary VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Partnership

Core tourism businesses located within the affected areas of Florida have the opportunity to get a Small Business Marketing Partnership free of charge through February 28, 2019. With the Marketing Partnership, businesses receive an Enhanced Web Listing on VISITFLORIDA.com, the ability to submit social media posts for consideration, ability to promote Partner-to-Partner specials and more. To submit your enrollment application, click here.

Exposure on VISIT FLORIDA's Media Website

Businesses are encouraged to submit news releases to be posted on our media website. Press releases should provide newsworthy updates for the consumer travel media and offer a story idea that is unique and compelling to your local Florida area. All news releases are subject to review and approval. Please email your information and photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Additional Resources

If you are in one of the affected counties, please be aware that you are eligible for other assistance. Businesses are encouraged to visit VISITFLORIDA.org/work-together/red-tide-support/ to learn about additional resources.

Participation in these programs is limited to core tourism businesses in Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. If you are a business in a county that is not listed, but feel you should qualify, please email Industry Relations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..