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Congressional Travel
Politicians Still Cashing in on Free Trips
The rules have changed, but Florida's congressional delegation is still getting a free rides, paid for by private interests.
Destination Florida
The Sunshine State is a top travel destination for members of Congress and their aides, especially during the winter. Since 2000, congressional lawmakers and their staffers have received more than
$4.4 million worth of privately funded trips to Florida. This year, dozens of congressional lawmakers have descended on Florida to tackle everything from healthcare reform to tax policy. Not every region of the state has benefited equally from congressional tourism, however. While Miami has welcomed more than 500 visitors from Capitol Hill over the past decade — the cost of those trips totaling more than $840,000 — St. Augustine has only attracted two travelers.
Top Destinations in Florida
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| (Privately funded congressional travel — 2000-09) | ||
| Destination | Trips | Cost |
Miami |
524 | $840,692 |
Orlando |
345 | 468,207 |
Fort Lauderdale |
217 | 362,248 |
Jacksonville |
163 | 220,581 |
Palm Beach |
155 | 256,059 |
Naples |
131 | 272,679 |
Aventura |
130 | 362,312 |
Tampa |
113 | 117,939 |
Boca Raton |
97 | 248,443 |
West Palm |
93 | 153,401 |
Amelia Island |
82 | 139,226 |
St. Petersburg |
73 | 137,196 |
Key Largo |
52 | 103,172 |
Sarasota |
44 | 49,927 |
Key West |
38 | 64,046 |
Fort Myers |
36 | 60,876 |
Clewiston |
33 | 27,846 |
Duck Key |
29 | 48,683 |
Daytona Beach |
28 | 23,084 |
| Key Biscayne | 26 | 86,613 |
