Carol Dover Receives Florida Tourism Hall of Fame Award

September 13, 2024
Cansu Kilic
carol dover headshot
Carol Dover, President & CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).

From a Seminole to becoming one of the most influential women in Florida. Carol Dover recently received the prestigious award of becoming one of the faces of the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. The class of '78 alumna of Dedman College of Hospitality was celebrated during the annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held this year in Tampa, Fla.

An Orlando native, Dover began her journey in hospitality by waitressing and spending time behind the front desks of hotels. Little did she know that one day she would become the influential figure her younger self aspired to be.

The hospitality and tourism industry is the engine of Florida’s economy. Dover's decades of dedication within the community has been the fuel that led the State of Sunshine to glow even brighter. Her guidance was key when the COVID-19 pandemic flipped the $112 billion industry upside down. Dover was able to combat the economic challenges brought by the virus through her lobbying efforts for Florida restaurants. Her prudent leadership bolsters her commitment to her colleagues and the recovery of businesses.

With a bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management and an honorary doctorate in hospitality management, Dover's expertise runs beyond her degrees. 

carol dover induction
Carol Dover (class of '78) was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame by VISIT FLORIDA on Aug. 28, 2024.

Dover was the first woman to serve as Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention in the State Fire Marshall's Office. After expanding her knowledge within other positions, including President/CEO of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and Bob Martinez's Deputy Chief of Staff, she finally settled down in 1995. For 30 years, she has been loyal to the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) as their current President and Chief Executive Officer. In 2017, she received The Beacon Award at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, a testament to women leaders like her who have served as a beacon to the industry with their impactful brains and leadership.

The Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality is proud to recognize Dover's accolades and her over 30 years of dedication to the university.