We have cancelled out trip to Florida when I was renewing my status in the United States. I am a Turkish Citizen and I came to United States for my master degree as an F-1 Student. Then I met my wife who is actually from Florida and we get married before my visa was expired. However, the process was still long and even though I had legal status in the United States I was afraid to visit Florida because we were in a transition period from my F-1 visa to permanent resident. The main reason was the rhetoric, it seems like there is a very short and angry guy doesn't want any foreigners to visit Florida. So I didn't wanna push the limits even though I was in the United States legally.
I am the founder of Vibe Adventures in Mexico City, I'm Alex Veka. I delayed a March 2025 work visit to Miami and transitioned the meetings to Mexico City and Panama City. The reason we rescheduled the plans was some of my teammates had excessively long U.S. visa wait times and were concerned about additional border queries, two of my LGBTQ co-workers felt nervous about Florida's recent steps and climate for queer individuals, a few of the travelers were uncomfortable Florida's permitless carry gun law, and Miami Beach with its "Break Up With Spring Break" sentiment made my younger travelers choose Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City, and flights and hotels there were pricier than MEX or PTY during our days.
As a strong proponent of social progress and change, I find it challenging to contribute to Florida's economy as a visitor. The state's majority GOP leadership continues to make Florida less attractive with out-of-touch policies that don't seem to embrace all people. Their attacks on DEI, erasing Black History, book bans, the lack of progress on prison reform, Anti-LBGTQ+ bills, and controversial Stand Your Ground / new open carry laws are among the leading reasons to avoid the state. I was recently scheduled to travel to Jacksonville, FL, but opted to cancel as a result of the inhumane treatment during ICE operations supported by the state's conservative leadership. I decided to travel to Portland, Oregon, to enjoy the clean air, beautiful Oregon scenery, and entertainment. It was a decision that I did not regret. The Oregonians that I met were pleasant and very inviting.
I decided not to go to South Florida this year due to the new open carry law. Knowing that people could carry guns openly in public made me feel uneasy about walking around or going to crowded places so I decided to go to a different state with stricter gun rules instead. Changing my plans ended up costing us extra because I had to rebook flights and hotels but I have no regret because I wouldn't risk it. My decision was about feeling safe, not politics and going to a new destination still allowed us to enjoy ourselves without worrying about guns.
I delayed the trip after several hotels explained that service would be limited due to staffing shortages tied to shifting local wage expectations and new operational rules. Breakfast hours changed week to week, housekeeping was available only with advance notice, and amenities like pools or lounges followed unpredictable schedules. I love South Florida, but I wanted the trip to feel like a real break. When a destination hints that you might spend half the time adjusting to its internal challenges, postponing becomes the most relaxing choice you can make.