FRLA launches initiative to aid hospitality industry following Hurricane Ian

by | Oct 25, 2022



  • The FRLA Disaster Relief Fund will provide economic relief for Florida’s independent restaurants, independent lodging establishments, and employees who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian
  • It will provide immediate financial support in the form of grants valued at up to $10,000 per independently owned restaurant or lodging location
  • A minimum of 1/3 of the support provided must be earmarked to support employees in financial need
  • For more information on the Fund, including how to donate or apply, click here

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) unveiled a new initiative on Tuesday to help the hospitality industry and its employees recover from Hurricane Ian.

FRLA announced the launch of the FRLA Disaster Relief Fund today. According to a news release, the initiative will provide economic relief for Florida’s independent restaurants and lodging establishments, as well as for their employees who have a financial burden as a result of the impact of Hurricane Ian.

“Florida is known across the globe for our unparalleled hospitality and our world class dining and lodging establishments,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “To see this industry already reeling from the economic situation in a post-COVID recovery period hit by such historic destruction from Hurricane Ian is devastating. Through the FRLA Disaster Relief Fund initiative, we will be able to provide financial support directly to our hospitality industry now and after declared emergency events that may occur in the future. Our industry is hospitality strong, and we are proud to help aid in its recovery.”

Administered through the FRLA Educational Foundation through grants valued at up to $10,000 per independently owned restaurant or lodging location, FRLA said that the goal is to provide immediate financial support to those who were heavily affected by the storm.

FRLA added that an independent restaurant or lodging establishment is defined as a restaurant or lodging establishment owned by a corporation, limited liability partnership, general partnership, or sole proprietorship. Franchisees of national chains are eligible, but only if the owner owns no more than three (3) franchised locations. Independent restaurant and lodging chains also qualify for this grant. 

FRLA noted that only one application is required for all multi-unit operators. 

Additionally, a minimum of 33% of the support provided must be earmarked to support employees in financial need. Disaster relief funds can go towards rent, mortgage and car payments, a child’s school tuition and higher education costs, expenses to repair a rented or owned residence, and expenses to repair or replace contents and other items lost due to Hurricane Ian.

“I am proud to work through the FRLA Educational Foundation on this important disaster recovery initiative to support the relief of our hospitality industry,” said Mary Beth Hansen, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees for the FRLA Educational Foundation. “Having the appropriate infrastructure to direct financial assistance back to impacted hotels and restaurants is the best way that we can help our industry members recover and sustain the future of our workforce.

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