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Similar to another Florida favorite — cruise ships — Destination Resorts would attract new visitors interested in experiencing a variety of amenities including: high-end retail, restaurants, spas, entertainment venues, gaming facilities, beach and boating activities, hotel and residential towers, convention space, pools and outdoor recreation facilities.

While gaming facilities are a component of these complexes, they would consume a small portion of the Resort’s square footage. Unlike a Las Vegas-style casino operation, Destination Resorts are not modeled around, or solely dependent upon, gaming.

These attractions create an overall experience for the guest and are designed to draw out-of-state and international tourists. Projections based on similar models show Destination Resorts have the potential to bring 10 million-plus visitors from outside the state and country, adding hundreds of millions in new revenue to our state’s economy.

More High-Paying Jobs for Florida Workers

It has been nearly two years since Florida’s average unemployment rate was below double digits, and we are now facing at least another $1.5 billion budget shortfall. Florida must consider new ways to grow its economic base and create jobs. Associated Industries of Florida believes the creation of specific and limited Destination Resorts in South Florida would provide a much-needed boost to Florida’s economy; getting tens of thousands of out-of-work Floridians back on a payroll.

By building three Destination Resorts limited to South Florida, we could put paychecks in the hands of nearly 100,000 of the more than 250,000 unemployed people living in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The construction industry, one of Florida’s hardest-hit in this recession, could gain up to 50,000 jobs alone.

Economic Benefits of Destination Resorts

Integrated Destination Resorts will be a vibrant source of economic development, not only in South Florida, but across a broad spectrum of the state’s economy. Just like any other development, the construction of these facilities will expand municipal and state revenues through property taxes, licensing fees, and increased collection of sales taxes. Destination Resorts will pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the local, state and regional economy through construction activity and other local vendor services.

Existing Pari-Mutuel Industry

Before any proposal is approved, however, AIF strongly encourages the Legislature to consider its effect on the state’s pari-mutuel industry. This long-standing member of the Florida business community provides over 30,000 jobs in 21 locales around the state. Pari-mutuels should be given the ability to compete and provide the best entertainment value to their customers. This includes class-3 gaming, as long as the local county or municipality approves such action.

AIF SUPPORTS any proposal that will allow for free market bidding, ensuring that premier development companies come to Florida to build world-class destinations and bring all of these direct and indirect economic benefits to Florida and Florida businesses.