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Civil rights groups issue travel advisories for Florida, warning tourists of ‘hostile’ laws

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The NAACP over the weekend issued a travel advisory for Florida, joining two other civil rights groups in warning potential tourists that recent laws and policies championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”

The NAACP, long an advocate for Black Americans, joined the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a Latino civil rights organization, and Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy group, in issuing travel advisories for the Sunshine State, where tourism is one of the state’s largest job sectors.

READ MORE: Ahead of 2024 presidential bid, DeSantis calls for U.S. to follow Florida’s lead

The warning approved Saturday by the NAACP’s board of directors tells tourists that, before traveling to Florida, they should understand the state of Florida “devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

An email was sent Sunday morning to DeSantis’ office seeking comment. DeSantis is expected to announce a run for the GOP presidential nomination this week.

Florida is one of the most popular states in the U.S. for tourists, and tourism is one of its biggest industries. More than 137.5 million tourists visited Florida last year, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism promotion agency. Tourism supports 1.6 million full-time and part-time jobs, and visitors spent $98.8 billion in Florida in 2019, the last year figures are available.

The NAACP’s decision comes after the DeSantis’ administration in January rejected the College Board’s  Advanced Placement African American Studies course . DeSantis and Republican lawmakers also have pressed forward with measures that ban state colleges from having programs on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as critical race theory, and also passed the Stop WOKE Act that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in schools and businesses.

READ MORE: Florida Gov. DeSantis pushes ban on diversity programs in state colleges

In its warning for Hispanic travelers considering a visit to Florida, LULAC cited a new law that prohibits local governments from providing money to organizations that issue identification cards to people illegally in the country and invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses held by undocumented immigrants, among other things. The law also requires hospitals that accept Medicaid to include a citizenship question on intake forms, which critics have said is intended to dissuade immigrants living in the U.S. illegally from seeking medical care.

“The actions taken by Governor DeSantis have created a shadow of fear within communities across the state,” said Lydia Medrano, a LULAC vice president for the Southeast region.

Recent efforts to  limit discussion on LGBTQ topics  in schools, the removal of books with gay characters from school libraries, a recent ban on gender-affirming care for minors, new  restrictions on abortion access  and a law allowing Floridians to  carry concealed guns without a permit  contributed to Equality Florida’s warning.

“Taken in their totality, Florida’s slate of laws and policies targeting basic freedoms and rights pose a serious risk to the health and safety of those traveling to the state,” Equality Florida’s advisory said.

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N.A.A.C.P. Issues Florida Travel Advisory, Joining Latino and L.G.B.T.Q. Groups

The N.A.A.C.P. urged people to consider Florida’s policies on diversity and race under Gov. Ron DeSantis when thinking of traveling there.

By Jesus Jiménez

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on Saturday issued a travel advisory for Florida, saying that under Gov. Ron DeSantis the state has become “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and L.G.B.T.Q.+ individuals.”

The N.A.A.C.P. joins the League of United Latin American Citizens , a civil rights organization that issued a Florida travel warning on Wednesday, and Equality Florida , a gay rights advocacy group that issued one last month.

The N.A.A.C.P.’s travel advisory does not explicitly recommend against travel to Florida. But it urges travelers to be aware of the state’s politics, and the organization said that “the governor and the state of Florida have shown that African Americans are not welcome in the state of Florida.”

The N.A.A.C.P. said in a statement on Saturday that the travel advisory was in “direct response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’s aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida schools.”

The advisory comes after Mr. DeSantis last week signed legislation defunding diversity programs at the state’s public universities and colleges. The advisory also cited concerns with a number of other laws recently passed in Florida regarding voting rights and concealed carry of guns.

Mr. DeSantis’s office did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

After signing the legislation last week on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, Mr. DeSantis said that the law would ensure “Florida’s institutions encourage diversity of thought, civil discourse and the pursuit of truth for generations to come.” Mr. DeSantis has often spoken out about what he describes as “woke indoctrination” and leftist agendas in schools.

It is not clear how much influence the statements will have on travel to Florida. But they demonstrated, along with his escalating disputes with Disney, how Mr. DeSantis’s reliance on conservative culture war issues as he gears up for what is expected to be a presidential run was colliding with the state’s signature industry.

Disney on Thursday announced it was backing off a plan to build an office complex in Orlando that would have cost about $1 billion and brought thousands of jobs to the state.

Derrick Johnson, the president and chief executive of the N.A.A.C.P., said in a statement on Saturday that under Mr. DeSantis’s leadership, Florida had “become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon.”

“Let me be clear,” Mr. Johnson said, “failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all.”

Dana Young, president and chief executive of Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing corporation, called the travel advisories a “political stunt” most likely to hurt people in Florida who depend on tourism to support themselves and their families.

“It is disappointing when partisan organizations attempt to weaponize travel in pursuit of political ends,” she said.

While the N.A.A.C.P.’s travel advisory follows the new legislation restricting diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida schools, the travel advisory from the League of United Latin American Citizens, or L.U.L.A.C., cited concerns about legislation signed by Mr. DeSantis earlier this month that focused on undocumented immigrants.

The legislation will require private employers in Florida with 25 or more workers to confirm an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. It will also invalidate ID cards issued to undocumented immigrants in other states, such as New York , and it will require Florida hospitals that accept Medicaid to ask patients whether they are U.S. citizens or whether they are “lawfully present” in the country.

David Cruz, a L.U.L.A.C. spokesman, said on Sunday that depending on an individual’s immigration status, the organization’s travel advisory was either a warning not to travel to Florida or an advisory to be cautious while traveling there.

Domingo Garcia, the national president of L.U.L.A.C., said at a news conference on Wednesday that Florida was using “immigrants as political piñatas for the purposes of basically just getting votes.”

In addition to issuing a travel advisory, Mr. Garcia said that L.U.L.A.C. was considering filing a lawsuit in federal court against the state of Florida when the legislation goes into effect in July. Mr. Cruz said the organization was also planning protests “in key Florida cities with significant Latino essential worker populations.”

Equality Florida issued its travel advisory last month, citing concern with a number of laws in Florida, including last year’s passage of legislation that prohibits classroom instruction and discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in some elementary school grades, a law that is often referred to by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Nadine Smith , the executive director of Equality Florida, said in a statement last month that her organization had to respond with a travel advisory “as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms.”

L.U.L.A.C. officials pointed to the economic impact suffered by Arizona after the state passed legislation in 2010 that was viewed as the nation’s toughest effort to crack down on illegal immigration and criticized as encouraging racial profiling. A study at the time found that Arizona lost about $141 million alone in conference business after the state passed its legislation.

Lydia Guzmán, the chair of L.U.L.A.C.’s national immigration committee and state director for the organization in Arizona, said the state took a serious economic hit as a result of adverse reaction to the legislation.

“I see that happening also in Florida,” Ms. Guzmán said.

Jesus Jiménez is a general assignment reporter. More about Jesus Jiménez

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NAACP issues travel advisory urging people to avoid Florida

The NAACP Board of Directors issued a travel advisory Saturday for the state of Florida, urging people to avoid the state.

The advisory comes as a direct response to what the Board says is an "aggressive attempt to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools" by Governor DeSantis.

The formal notice from the group states, "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."

"Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We're not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation," NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson said.

Earlier this year , Desantis blocked student access to a new Advanced Placement course for high school students on African American studies.

Other organizations representing marginalized groups in the state, including the Florida immigrant coalition and the LGBTQ civil rights group have also issued similar advisories.

Equality Florida says the advisory, issued Wednesday, was prompted by "the passage of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety laws, foment racial prejudice and attack public education by banning books and censoring curriculum."

A spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis' office told ABC News in a statement: "We aren't going to waste our time worrying about political stunts. We will continue doing what is right for Floridians."

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NAACP issues travel advisory alleging, Florida 'hostile to African Americans'

The NAACP president accused Gov. Ron DeSantis of a "dereliction of duty."

The national NAACP Board of Directors has issued a formal advisory against traveling to Florida , alleging the state has become "hostile toward African Americans" under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The move by the NAACP board calling on travelers nationwide to forgo visiting Florida comes as AAA Travel estimates 42.3 million Americans plan to hit the road this coming Memorial Day weekend.

The board voted unanimously to issue the travel advisory, saying the decision "comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools."

"Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color," the advisory states.

Derrick Johnson, the NAACP president and CEO, accused DeSantis and other state leaders of a "dereliction of duty" and called the trend of failing to teach an "accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face" a disservice to Florida students.

"Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon," Johnson said in a statement. "He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We're not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation."

The travel advisory was initially proposed in March by the NAACP's Florida State Conference. At the time, DeSantis called the proposal "a pure stunt."

MORE: Florida students walk out to protest DeSantis race education policies

"We get involved in these stupid fights," DeSantis said in March. "This is a stunt to try and do that."

Following the vote by the national NAACP Board of Directors on Saturday, Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis' press secretary, issued a statement repeating the governor's previous comment, saying, "This is a stunt."

The NAACP's travel advisory follows similar ones issued by the League of United Latin American Citizens, a Latino civil rights group, and Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy group.

Florida's economy heavily relies on tourism. An estimated 137.6 million people visited the state in 2022, the most ever, according to VISIT FLORIDA , the state's official tourism marketing corporation. In 2021, tourism pumped $101.9 billion into the state's economy, according to VISIT FLORIDA.

DeSantis, who won a second term as governor in November, is expected as early as this week to file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission declaring his candidacy for president in 2024, which would formally enter him in the race for the White House, two sources familiar with the plans told ABC News .

The governor and his administration recently rejected an AP African American studies course because it is "inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value," according to state officials. The DeSantis administration has also vowed to remove funding from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in higher education, as well as certain lessons on race.

DeSantis also signed the so-called "Stop WOKE" Act into law in 2022, which restricts race-related curriculum and conversation in workplaces, schools and colleges. However, an appeals court has temporarily blocked the law from being implemented in colleges and universities.

Following DeSantis' drive for the state to reject students' access to AP African American studies courses in March, the NAACP distributed 10,000 books to 25 predominantly Black communities across the state in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers' Reading Opens the World program. The majority of the books donated were titles banned under state laws.

"Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority," Leon Russell, chair of the national NAACP Board of Directors, said in a statement.

Russell added, "We will not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding. The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy."

ABC News' Kiara Alfonseca contributed to this report.

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Florida is too dangerous to visit, civil rights groups warn

The NAACP is the latest to issue a travel advisory for Florida because of Ron DeSantis’s policies.

by Nicole Narea

Several civil rights organizations are now cautioning various minorities against traveling to Florida following a flurry of state legislation this year targeting the rights of Black Americans , immigrants, and LGBTQ individuals.

On Saturday, the NAACP joined the League of United Latin American Citizens ( LULAC ), a Latino rights advocacy group, and Equality Florida , an LGBTQ rights advocacy group, in issuing Florida travel advisories. The NAACP warned that Florida had become “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals,” highlighting its attacks on the teaching of Black history and on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public schools.

It’s unclear whether the organizations’ advisories will have any real impact on tourism, which is one of Florida’s biggest industries. According to Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ’s office, a record 37.9 million travelers visited Florida in the first quarter of 2023, up 6.7 percent from a year ago and mostly driven by people coming from other US states. Overseas travel has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but lawmakers hoping to change that are pouring $80 million into tourism campaigns next fiscal year, an increase of $30 million over this year.

Though those visitors were recorded before the civil rights organizations issued their advisories, DeSantis’s policies have been well-covered in the national media, suggesting that many decided to visit Florida even as the legislature has taken a hard right turn this session.

Earlier this month, DeSantis, who is expected to announce his 2024 presidential campaign this week, signed legislation preventing public funds from being used to support DEI programs at public colleges and universities. He’s also eliminated Advanced Placement courses in African American studies for high school students in the state and banned the teaching of “ critical race theory ” — an academic framework that examines the role of racism in US culture and institutions.

In response, the NAACP has sent 10,000 books, mostly those subject to increasingly restrictive book bans, to 25 predominantly Black communities across the state.

“Let me be clear — failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon.”

LGBTQ and immigrant rights have also come under assault in Florida

DeSantis, aiming to prove his conservative bona fides ahead of announcing his 2024 bid, has also led Florida’s crackdown on immigrants.

He sent migrants to Martha’s Vineyard under what they say were false pretenses in an effort to score political points against the Biden administration ’s border policies, and has barred many Chinese citizens from buying property in the state.

He’s also signed a law mandating that businesses with at least 25 employees verify the citizenship status of workers and invalidating out-of-state identification cards issued to undocumented immigrants. The policy also prevents state authorities from issuing new IDs, meaning undocumented immigrants could be fined or possibly imprisoned just for driving with their existing licenses.

Domingo Garcia, president of the Latino advocacy group League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), called that law “hostile and dangerous” in a press conference earlier this month. “We do not doubt that if Abuelita or Tia is with us and we are profiled, DeSantis’ enforcement regulations will treat us like criminals, transporting a dangerous person who only wanted to visit family or enjoy Disney World,” he said in a statement .

DeSantis has also led a coordinated national campaign against LGBTQ rights. He signed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which prevents teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ issues or people, and a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. He’s made it illegal for Floridians to use bathrooms and changing facilities that don’t correspond with their sex at birth, barred transgender women and girls from participating in school sports , and prevented teachers from using pronouns that align with their students’ gender identity . Those policies have already forced many families to consider relocating .

“It is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms,” Nadine Smith, Equality Florida’s executive director, said in a statement . “We understand everyone must weigh the risks and decide what is best for their safety, but whether you stay away, leave or remain we ask that you join us in countering these relentless attacks.”

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The NAACP’s Florida travel advisory is less about traveling and more about Black voters

The NAACP’s travel advisory for Black people considering a visit or move to Florida has less to do with potential travelers and more to do with rallying the Black residents of the state to counter Republican-led policies, members of the civil rights organization told NBC News. 

Leon W. Russell, the chairman of the NAACP national board of directors, who lives in Tampa, said the travel advisory was an informational and strategic tactic to galvanize Black voters, especially Black men, against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

 “Let me be clear: We’re not calling for a boycott or a travel ban,” Russell said. “We’re saying to Black people who come to the state or who are thinking about coming to the state that you need to be aware of what’s going on here and you need to think about how you are going to be impacted by this hate and cruelty that is being generated. You need to consider whether or not you’re going to be safe.”

The advisory reads, “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

Marsha Ellison, president of the NAACP's Fort Lauderdale/Broward Branch, said the advisory has already generated interest. 

“Since the travel advisory, our phones have been blowing up with people on the ground wanting to know more details about why the travel advisory and the policies that impact them,” she said. “So, this is going to be quite effective.”

Ellison said many Black Floridians have a strong sense of DeSantis’ policies related to race, identity and inclusion, and “many aren’t in tune with his racist and draconian policies.”

DeSantis has said Florida is where “ woke goes to die .” He doubled down on his comment in January when his administration said it would block a new Advanced Placement African American studies course from being taught in public high schools, prompting some Black parents to say they will teach the history at home to assure their children are well versed. DeSantis also has been vocal about banning the teaching of critical race theory in public schools and about other policies that some consider to be  anti-gay or anti-immigration.

The advisory, Russell said, stands for multiple and intersecting marginalized communities. “If you are a part of any of these communities — Black, Latino, LGBTQ — or if you stand in support of these communities, you need to work with us to think about a proactive civic engagement policy because this, at the end of the day, is about politics,” he said.

Millions of people flock to Florida for its beaches and attractions, but the politics have driven not only the NAACP but also the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Florida Immigrant Coalition, Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign to issue similar travel advisories or relocation warnings.

In a statement released to the media, the DeSantis administration said Florida was flourishing in tourism and called the NAACP travel advisory “nothing more than a stunt.” DeSantis is planning to announce his presidential campaign this week.

“You can’t get blinded by the tourism piece,” Ellison said. “We are opening people’s eyes as far as what’s really happening. This man is running for president. Florida may seem so far away to other people. But when you think about it, it could be happening in other places, you understand the importance. Black history means something to all of us, and we can’t let it be wiped away.”

And so, the NAACP is all in on fighting against DeSantis. Russell said  his policies “are about one man’s thirst for power.” This is the most effective political action plan, civic engagement plan that the association has ever conducted in the state of Florida. It’s clear to us that you can’t run away from hate, right? You have to fight it.”

Russell called on Black men, specifically. “You have to get out and vote. You have to encourage your brothers to get out and vote because policies will kill you if you don’t,” he said.

Further, Russell said DeSantis’ public vows to erase the teaching of Black history in Florida public schools has worked opposite his intentions. While it has garnered much state and national attention, Black voters are hearing the messages — and are riled up about it.

“I am heartened by the fact that he’s done the opposite of what he set out to do,” Russell said. “He wanted to kill ‘wokeness.’ But he’s actually raised the level of people’s awareness. People are realizing the cruelty that’s being spread. I think he is waking people up to the fact that they need to stand up, that they need to be a part of something. And that’s what we hope to create is a civic engagement movement with the travel advisory. The more people know, the more they will act.”

He cited the mayoral race in Jacksonville last week as an example. Democrat Donna Deegan was an underdog in a city that DeSantis won in his 2022 race by 12 points. The governor backed conservative Daniel Davis, who had run on an agenda similar to DeSantis’. Deegan pulled off the stunning upset .

“And you can point to the attack by her opponent on the LGBTQ community, the attack on the Black community, for the turnout that changed that situation. Awareness,” Russell said.

But Russell admitted that far more is needed in Florida to have the impact the NAACP is seeking.

“We need to flip some seats in the state Legislature,” he said. “We have to show public policymakers that the voters are aware of what’s going on and who is setting this policy, and we have to organize folks so that we change who’s in public policymaking positions in the state — whether it’s at the legislative level, whether it’s at the school board level, because some of the biggest threats right now are happening at school board level.

“And city council and mayoral positions. So, this advisory is a way to heighten awareness about the issues so we can motivate people to get out and get active and to vote. That’s where the change happens.”

Curtis Bunn is a reporter for NBC BLK.

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NAACP issues travel advisory to Florida. Here’s what people are saying

By Hannah Murdock

The NAACP issued a formal travel advisory to Florida Saturday, telling people of color to be aware of the state’s politics before traveling there.

The advisory comes “in direct response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools,” according to a statement from the civil rights group.

The travel warning reads: “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.” 

Under DeSantis, the state has banned the teaching of critical race theory , blocked an Advanced Placement course on African American studies and defunded DEI programs, CNN reported.

“Let me be clear — failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said.

“Under the leadership of Gov. DeSantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon.”

"Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon." — NAACP President and CEO @DerrickNAACP Take a stand with us. https://t.co/zsgLbNYL8t — NAACP (@NAACP) May 20, 2023

What people are saying about the travel advisory

Several of Florida’s Democratic mayors responded by stating that their cities were welcoming to anyone, according to The Associated Press .

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor tweeted “I can absolutely assure anyone and everyone considering a visit or move to Tampa that they will be welcomed with open arms.”

As Mayor of Tampa, I can absolutely assure anyone and everyone considering a visit or move to Tampa that they will be welcomed with open arms. Diversity and inclusion are central to what makes Tampa one of America's greatest and friendliest cities. That will never change,… — Jane Castor (@JaneCastor) May 21, 2023

“Diversity and inclusion are central to what makes Tampa one of America’s greatest and friendliest cities. That will never change, regardless of what happens in Tallahassee,” she continued.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch tweeted that “Everyone is always welcome and will be treated with dignity and respect.”

We are intentional with our work to make @StPeteFL a shining example of bridge-building, collaboration, Intentional Equity, and respect for all. #WeAreStPete means EVERYONE is always welcome and will be treated with dignity and respect. #InclusiveProgress https://t.co/2U891fYX18 — Ken Welch (@MayorKenWelch) May 21, 2023

When the NAACP requested a travel advisory in March, DeSantis called the advisory a “joke,” WFLA reported.

“We get involved in these stupid fights,” DeSantis said. “This is a stunt to try to do that. It’s a pure stunt. And fine, if you want to waste your time on a stunt, that’s fine.”

What other groups have issued travel advisories to Florida?

The NAACP is not the only civil rights organization to issue a travel warning for Florida; Equality Florida , a gay rights advocacy group, issued one last month, The New York Times reported.

Meanwhile, the the League of United Latin American Citizens issued a travel advisory on Wednesday in response to “the anti-immigrant measures signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida,” according to a press release from the group.

NAACP Issues Travel Advisory in Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 20, 2023

Contact: Chyna Fields [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Today, the NAACP Board of Directors issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. The travel advisory comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools. 

The formal travel notice states, "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color." 

"Let me be clear - failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. "Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We're not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation."

The travel advisory was initially proposed to the Board of Directors by NAACP's Florida State Conference. NAACP's collective consideration of this advisory is a result from unrelenting attacks on fundamental freedoms from the Governor and his legislative body. 

"Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority," said Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, Leon Russell. "We will not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding. The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy."

Following Gov. DeSantis' so-called leadership in driving the state to reject students' access to AP African American studies course in March, the NAACP distributed 10,000 books to 25 predominantly Black communities across the state in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers's Reading Opens the World program. The majority of the books donated were titles banned under the state's increasingly restrictive laws. The NAACP continues to encourage local branches and youth councils to start community libraries to ensure access to representative literature.

The NAACP encourages Florida residents to join this effort to defeat the regressive policies of this Governor and this state legislature. Interested residents and supporters can visit www.naacp.org for additional information and updates. 

About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

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Recent controversial laws in Florida interfere with the state's tourism industry

Florida is losing tourism dollars over divisive policies passed by the state legislature. Civil rights groups have advised some groups not to travel to the state.

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"Hateful" laws make travel to Florida "dangerous," advocacy groups warn

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Aimee Picchi , Anne Marie Lee

April 13, 2023 / 4:34 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

Two advocacy groups are warning that travelers might be at risk if they visit the state of Florida, citing a flurry of recent legislation that's hostile toward LGBTQ people as well as other communities. 

Equality Florida, an LGBTQ advocacy group, this week warned that "Florida may not be a safe place to move or visit" over the state's anti-LGBTQ laws, restrictions on access to reproductive health care, its repeal of gun safety laws and racial prejudice.

The Florida Immigrant Coalition also issued a blunt advisory to those considering visiting Florida. 

"Reconsider travel to Florida due to unconstitutional laws which abuse civil liberties," the group said in a travel advisory . Travel to Florida "poses a heightened risk of harassment, possible detainment, and potential family separation based on racial profiling," the advisory read. 

"Unprecedented" advisory

Equality Florida for its part acknowledged the "unprecedented" nature of its decision to issue a travel advisory over what it called assaults on medical and academic freedoms, as well as the "censorship and erasure" of the LGBTQ community and attacks on immigrants. 

"As an organization that has spent decades working to improve Florida's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and visit, it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms," Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith said in a statement this week. 

The NAACP's Florida chapters on March 24 voted unanimously in favor of issuing a similar travel advisory for the state in response to DeSantis administration's decision to block a high school Advanced Placement course on African American studies. A formal advisory warning, however, has not been released.

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Equality Florida's warnings come in response to legislation including a classroom law dubbed "Don't Say Gay" that restricts teachings about sexual orientation and gender identity, bans on care for transgender minors and the approval of a bill that lets people carry concealed guns without permits. Gov. Ron DeSantis in February also announced legislation that would crack down on immigration. 

Equality Florida highlighted some of the negative effects such legislation has already had. Florida parents have considered relocating, prospective students have crossed local colleges and universities off their lists, and business groups have canceled events and conferences.

"Florida has recently adopted a slate of hateful laws, and is fast-tracking additional measures that directly target the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and basic freedoms broadly," Equality Florida's statement continued.

In an email to CBS MoneyWatch, DeSantis' office called the warnings "political stunts."

Travel with "extreme caution"

The Florida Immigrant Coalition's advisory advised that travel to all parts of Florida "should be done with extreme caution," particularly for people of color and individuals with accents or who are traveling from abroad. 

Every county in Florida poses heightened risks, including family separation and possible detainment, the advisory warned, blaming "unconstitutional legislation supported by Governor Ron DeSantis and introduced by Legislative Leadership."

The group even urged members of such groups visiting Florida to consult with an attorney prior to travel "to assess the level of danger." 

Finally, the group urged individuals and families traveling to Florida to "make a clear safety plan." That includes memorizing a civil liberties attorney's phone number, creating a plan for child custody in the event that families are separated.

• Don't Say Gay Law
• Ron DeSantis

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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NAACP Cautions Black Americans Traveling to ‘Hostile’ Florida

By Peter Wade

The NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida , cautioning Black Americans who may travel to the state that is “ openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals .”

“Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color,” the organization said in a statement Saturday.

Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has declared war on diversity and inclusion, which he describes as “woke indoctrination.” Last year, he signed a controversial bill that implemented a ban on teaching topics related to race in the state’s schools and blocked students’ access to an AP African American studies course , claiming that the course has a political agenda that would teach children “the country is rotten and that our institutions are illegitimate.”

In an email response to the Tallahassee Democrat, DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern called the advisory “a stunt.”

The NAACP advisory comes just a few days after the League of United Latin American Citizens ( LULAC ) issued a similar warning to Latinos on Wednesday, the day DeSantis signed legislation cracking down on undocumented immigration, including harsh penalties for people who transport undocumented people. The warning encourages Latinos traveling in Florida with family members to be cautious if they encounter law enforcement.

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Equality Florida and the Florida Immigrant Coalition also issued an advisory against traveling to Florida in April, citing the state’s “laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety laws, foment racial prejudice and attack public education by banning books and censoring curriculum.” Just this month, DeSantis signed several bills that criminalize transgender individuals’ use of certain bathrooms and gender-affirming medical care for minors. DeSantis has also banned Florida teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with students in kindergarten through third grade.

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I visited 'the Hamptons of the South'. My vacation in this Florida hidden gem wasn't as expensive as I expected.

• 30A is an up-and-coming beach area in Florida that's being called "the Hamptons of the South."
• I spent two nights in 30A and was blown away by its beautiful beaches and unique towns.
• The hype surrounding 30A is well-deserved, and I can't wait to go back.

I've lived in Florida for eight years but only recently heard of 30A, a growing travel hot spot in the Florida panhandle.

Nicknamed "the Hamptons of the South" by visitors, the area is located between Panama City and Destin and sits along a 24-mile stretch of highway known as County Road 30A.

30A is known for its white-sand beaches, stunning views of the blue-green Gulf of Mexico, and charming little beach towns.

Once only popular among Southerners who lived within driving distance, 30A continues to gain steam with vacationers around the country.

Florida's South Walton County, which includes the 30A area, had one of its busiest tourist seasons in 2023, seeing over $1 billion in spending and over 1 million visitors between March and May alone.

I was curious to see why 30A's communities like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside have been drawing so many, so I planned my own two-night stay in the area.

Here's what it's really like in Florida's up-and-coming beachfront hot spot.

I stayed in a studio, but there were a lot of rentals for larger groups available to book.

There are few hotels along 30A, as the area leans more heavily on vacation-home rentals through real-estate agents and services like Airbnb and Vrbo.

On my trip, I stayed in a studio apartment in a condominium building right between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

Priced at around $250 a night, the Airbnb suited me perfectly and was located right in the middle of the 30A action.

There are also plenty of large homes available for rent all over the region, from cute beach cottages in Seaside to sun-washed townhomes in Alys Beach.

Much of 30A is walkable and bikable, though I was glad to have a rental car.

The area is incredibly well-suited for biking, with plenty of bike-rental companies and bike paths running down 30A.

Many of the towns were super walkable, though I was also glad I had a rental car so I could more easily explore attractions like state parks.

Having a car also saved me time since some towns were a 15-minute drive apart. Biking would've taken me much longer.

The beaches along 30A are some of the most beautiful I've visited.

Beaches along Florida's panhandle are known for their white sands and clear blue waters — the ones in 30A are no exception.

The road is dotted with small beach towns and villages like Alys Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, and Rosemary Beach, each with its own beach-access points and powdery sand.

I visited multiple during my visit, and each was postcard-perfect and among the most gorgeous beaches I've been to.

However, I quickly realized 30A is big on keeping its beaches private.

The beaches of 30A (and ones of Northwest Florida in general) are almost always private, reserved for guests staying in vacation rentals or hotels nearby.

During my visit, I saw many beach-access areas, all of which were marked with signs saying they were exclusively for residents or guests of certain rental properties.

The only beach I was able to set foot on in 30A was the one near my Airbnb — my stay came with a wristband that got me access to it.

In every other town, I walked as far as I could up each beach-access point to see the shore but wasn't able to put my toes in the sand.

There are a few regional beach-access points and state parks along 30A that offer public beach access, though you may have to pay entrance fees to use them.

There was also more to see than beaches, though.

I could've stayed at the beach all day while in 30A, but I also wanted to see other parts of the area.

It's home to coastal dune lakes, which were created thousands of years ago when winds redistributed sands on the dunes to make shallow bodies of water that are usually about 5 feet deep.

These rare lakes can only be found in a few places around the world.

30A is also home to bayous and state parks, like Eden Gardens, the grounds of a gorgeous mansion with ancient oak trees covered with moss.

The area is also full of Southern hospitality and stunning sunsets.

30A is located between Panama City and Destin and is just close enough to states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana that it picks up lots of Southern influence.

I ate some amazing comfort food and found Southern culinary delights like shrimp and grits and Nashville hot chicken on a lot of menus. I felt the Southern hospitality at these places, too.

Even better, a lot of restaurants were located right on the beach. I enjoyed some amazing views while I ate, and one of my favorite spots was Bud and Alley's in 30A's Seaside. Its rooftop had the perfect view of the sunset.

The meals I had were pretty tasty and not wildly expensive.

Dining my way through 30A was a true pleasure.

Some of my favorite dishes were a smothered jalapeño breakfast biscuit ($16) topped with sausage gravy and scrambled eggs in Seaside at Pickle's and Nashville hot chicken mac and cheese ($25) at Idyll Hound Proper in Inlet Beach.

I also lunched at George's in Alys Beach, where I enjoyed a Nashville hot chicken sandwich ($18) while reading on the upscale eatery's sweeping outdoor porch.

Although 30A felt fancy, the menu prices at the restaurants I visited were on par with those in my own Central Florida beach town and other local cities I've visited, like Miami and Tampa.

Each small section of 30A had its own distinct vibe and was fun to explore.

In Seaside, I walked along Airstream Row , an outdoor line-up of travel trailers serving everything from crepes to gyros.

Seaside is also home to adorable beach cottages and a large amphitheater performance area. Plus, cinema fans might also recognize it as the place where the 1998 movie "The Truman Show" was filmed.

Rosemary Beach has a distinctly European vibe , with many cobblestone streets and Dutch-inspired architecture.

Alys Beach seemed to have a Grecian style, with white, sun-washed buildings and homes. I loved the artsy vibes of Grayton Beach, too.

But overall, the area had more relaxed vibes than party ones.

Some parts of Florida, like Miami , are renowned for their nightlife. I wouldn't put 30A in that category — the area didn't seem to have a lot of bars or nightclubs.

In fact, my Airbnb had signs noting a "quiet curfew" between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., and most of the groups of friends I saw out and about were keeping things pretty tame.

The area felt luxurious and high-end, and the people who were visiting at the same time as me seemed to have gotten a collective memo that this wasn't a party town, but more of a gorgeous slice of Florida coastline designed for maximum relaxation.

30A also felt it catered to many groups and age ranges.

I felt 30A drew in a lot of well-off tourists who wanted to soak in beach-town vibes and relax. Still, the demographics and dynamics of the visitors seemed to vary.

I watched families bike along 30A, couples walk hand-in-hand through Rosemary Beach, retirement-aged groups have breakfast at waterfront restaurants, and 20somethings pose for photos at sunset.

The area never felt overly crowded, although I did visit in mid-August, once most Florida schools were back in session.

Two days in 30A didn't feel like enough and I can't wait to go back.

Although a full week in 30A could get pricey — small rentals average between $450 and $530 a night and larger homes can be around $2,500 a night — two nights felt like too short of a time to be in the area.

I was on the go nonstop to try to explore everything 30A had to offer, but I eventually ran out of time with so much left to see and do. I think three or four nights at minimum is a great amount of time to experience 30A.

Rental costs aside, the area felt on par with the rest of the state of Florida in terms of affordability for a vacation. Food prices were similar to what I find back home, and other costs, like metered parking or park-entrance fees, didn't feel exorbitant at all.

I can't wait to return to the area with my husband and teenagers since a family vacation seems like it'd be pretty doable and relaxing here.

Really, I'd go back to 30A with just about anyone — the area seems ideal for any traveler looking to relax somewhere beautiful.

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