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Travel agencies sue over new rules

By David Adams, Latin America Correspondent
In print: Tuesday, July 1, 2008

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A coalition of 16 Florida travel agencies is suing the state over new regulations governing business with Cuba due to go into effect today.

The new law says travel companies selling trips to countries on a federal list of state sponsors of terrorism must first obtain certification by the state, as well as post a bond of up to $250,000.

The companies went to court Monday to seek an injunction to block the law, saying they were not given enough time to comply. The law was passed in May but was signed by Gov. Charlie Crist last week. The travel agencies have until today to register their companies with the state and raise the bond money.

Regulations were not officially posted on the state's Web site late Thursday afternoon, giving agencies two working days to comply. "We don't have time to meet the deadline," said Tessie Aral, owner of ABC Charters in Miami, which offers five flights a week to Havana.

The law affects about 110 travel agencies in Florida, including at least two companies in Tampa that sell trips to Cuba, Tampa Envios and Agencia 12 y 23. The travel agencies complain the new law is part of a witch hunt by South Florida Republicans that discriminates unconstitutionally against Cuban-Americans who wish to visit family members in Cuba.

Current law already restricts Cuban exiles to one visit every three years. Instead of better regulating travel to "terrorist" countries, some people say the law will have precisely the opposite effect. Instead of selecting those firms already approved by the Treasury Department, customers may in the future be more inclined to seek the services of less secure agencies in third countries, such as Mexico.