Florida United Businesses Association said Monday it is backing a proposal to allow for new gambling resorts in Tallahassee, saying it could create more than 45,000 construction jobs and perhaps as many as 100,000 full time jobs.
“The impact of destination resorts would be enormous in helping lift the state’s unemployment burden, and will play a critical role in helping our state recover from these tough economic times,” FUBA’s chief operating officer, Lance Lozano, said in a statement. “Florida is at a crossroads with too many Floridians remaining jobless. We believe this legislation will be a major step forward in putting hard working Floridians back to work.”
The business community appears split on the issue of expanding the state’s gaming options by allowing “destination reports” as the legislation would do.
The Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Disney have all said they oppose the plan. The Latin Builders Association plans to announce its support for the legislation on Tuesday.
