Carol B. Dover, FMP

President/Chief Executive Officer
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Carol B. Dover has been President/CEO of the more than 10,000-member Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association since July 1995. Dover is a professional association manager, a lobbyist, a former government insider, a Florida State University Dedman School of Hospitality graduate with a degree in hotel and restaurant management, and a working mother.

After graduating from Florida State University in 1978, Dover accepted the position of Assistant Director of the Beer Industry of Florida. This position familiarized her with the rules, regulations and tax laws associated with the beverage industry – information which has been beneficial in her role with FRLA.

In 1989, Dover moved inside the halls of the Florida Capitol and was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, Executive Office of the Governor, serving under the Martinez administration. As Martinez’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Dover was responsible for the Governor’s appointments, served as his spokesperson and represented his administration before the Florida Legislature.

Dover’s other professional accomplishments include the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, the first woman to serve as Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, State Fire Marshall’s Office, and President/CEO of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association.

As the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association President/CEO, Dover works to protect the diverse interests of Florida’s hospitality industry by representing the industry before the Florida Legislature and lobbying against unfair government regulation.

Dover serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, Council of State Restaurant Associations, International Society of Hotel Association Executives, VISIT FLORIDA, Florida Tourism Commission, Florida Tax Watch and the Florida Horse Park.

On opening day of the 2003 Legislative Session, Dover was diagnosed with breast cancer and courageously fought to beat the cancer. Dover, a native of Orlando, is married and has three children, two grandsons and a granddaughter. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities including dressage riding and running.