Florida retailers jumped on the “no resort casino” bandwagon Monday, joining other business groups and Disney in opposition to proposals that would allow mega resort casinos at three locations in South Florida.
The Florida Retail Federation on Monday released a statement saying it, too, would fight against the proposed expansion, which the group says will end up hurting local merchants by “cannibalizing” economic activity by building one-stop, gambling-shopping-sleeping-eating-and-something-for-the-kids venues.
“Florida has a healthy and vibrant retail economy that is driven by residents and visitors alike,” FRF President and CEO Rick McAllister said. “We don’t believe new resort casinos will help our state’s retail economy grow. In fact, there’s a lot of evidence that suggests the destination resorts that are being proposed will hurt the businesses already here.”
The retail group joins the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Disney Co. in efforts to scuttle identical bills (HB 487, SB 710) introduced by Republicans Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff of Fort Lauderdale and Rep. Erik Fresen of Miami.
