Governor Ron DeSantis Recommends Bryan Griffin as President and CEO of Visit Florida

VISIT FLORIDA is the state’s tourism agency and acts as Florida's official destination marketing organization. 

TALLAHASSEE, FL - On July 25, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis made his recommendation for the next VISIT Florida President and CEO to be Bryan Griffin.

Bryan currently serves as the Communications Director in the Executive Office of the Governor. In the new role, Bryan will oversee the organization’s mission to market the state of Florida to visitors nationally and internationally. Florida’s tourism industry leads the nation as people continue to choose to visit the Free State of Florida.

“Bryan has led the charge in communicating the message of the Free State of Florida for the past three years from my office,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am confident that he is the best candidate for this role, and that he will well-articulate the case for visitors from across the nation and the globe to visit Florida. He has been an invaluable member of our team in the Executive Office, and we will greatly miss his presence and service from the Capitol.”

“I sincerely thank Governor DeSantis for the opportunity to step into this new role and lead the effort to communicate our state’s many nation-leading, desirable characteristics to the world. Tourism is a critical part of the Florida economy and instrumental to Florida’s continued low tax burden,” said Bryan Griffin. “I look forward to working closely with the board, our local partners, the tourism industry, and the VISIT staff to promote the shared values and unique features of the Free State of Florida, including our world-class amenities, unmatched natural and historical sites, and our commitment to public safety and order for all who visit. I hold tremendous respect for the state, regional, and local partnerships that embody VISIT Florida and will work hard to enhance and grow them.”

Bryan is from Tampa, Florida and has a long career in writing, communications, marketing, and advocacy. In addition to leading the communications shop for the Executive Office of the Governor, Bryan has also served as a national director for a prominent advocacy organization and has previously owned and managed a real estate company and a craft beverage tap room in Tampa.

“Bryan Griffin’s leadership experience, commitment to public service and deep understanding of Florida’s strengths make him well-positioned to lead VISIT FLORIDA into this next chapter,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “As Florida continues to break records in tourism, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world, Bryan’s strategic vision and drive will be essential in sustaining and expanding that momentum.”

“I’m proud to support Bryan Griffin in his new role leading VISIT FLORIDA,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and VISIT FLORIDA Board Executive Committee Member. “Throughout his time with Governor DeSantis, Bryan has been a passionate advocate for Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry, and I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our organizations. In addition to his proven expertise in government, policy, advocacy, and communications, Bryan brings firsthand experience as a hospitality business owner – giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our industry faces. That real-world perspective makes him exceptionally well-suited to attract visitors and champion the growth of Florida’s tourism economy.”

VISIT FLORIDA is the state’s official destination marketing organization and drives tourism through a public-private partnership that matches public funding dollar-for-dollar. Partnering with thousands of businesses across the state, it serves in a leading role within Florida’s tourism ecosystem, protecting and promoting Florida’s $142 billion vacation brand through global marketing, public relations, and travel trade efforts. Additionally, VISIT FLORIDA provides critical statewide support after hurricanes and other crises, helps destinations attract conferences and conventions, and operates Florida’s official welcome centers. VISIT FLORIDA’s ROI delivers $3.3 in return to the state for every public dollar invested, making VISIT FLORIDA one of the best performing economic development programs in state history.