Carol Dover
President and CEO
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Company
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Cornerstone
Home Region
Northwest
Class
Cornerstone Class 42
Special Designation
Lifetime Member
Biography
With 45 years of executive leadership, including three decades dedicated to advancing Florida’s tourism and hospitality industries through strategic advocacy, collaboration and innovation, Carol has a proven ability to navigate complex political landscapes and emergency events to safeguard and promote the nearly $112 billion industry.
As CEO of FRLA, she has elevated the 10,000-member association to a leading trade group at both state and federal levels, advocating for the well-being of Florida’s restaurants, hotels, attractions and suppliers, along with its 1.5 million industry employees.
Carol is an FSU Dedman School of Hospitality graduate and holds an Honorary Doctorate in business administration from Johnson & Wales University. She's been honored in various publications, including Florida Trend 500’s Most Influential Leaders, City and State Power 100 and Top 100 Women in Florida Politics. She was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in 2024.
Carol cherishes her roles as wife, mother and grandmother, and is an accomplished equestrian.
As CEO of FRLA, she has elevated the 10,000-member association to a leading trade group at both state and federal levels, advocating for the well-being of Florida’s restaurants, hotels, attractions and suppliers, along with its 1.5 million industry employees.
Carol is an FSU Dedman School of Hospitality graduate and holds an Honorary Doctorate in business administration from Johnson & Wales University. She's been honored in various publications, including Florida Trend 500’s Most Influential Leaders, City and State Power 100 and Top 100 Women in Florida Politics. She was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in 2024.
Carol cherishes her roles as wife, mother and grandmother, and is an accomplished equestrian.