Florida Dive in Day 2026 to Highlight Important Industry Issues

 

Each year, DEMA sponsors “Dive in Day” at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, giving DEMA Members the opportunity to visit our state’s Capitol, showcase their diving-related products and services, and promote issues relating to the scuba diving industry. We are excited to announce that this year’s Dive in Day at the Capitol will take place on February 19, 2026.  

Dive in Day provides a platform to engage Florida’s 160 legislators, the Governor and their staff members, and hundreds of visitors to the Capitol. DEMA has reserved the courtyard and first floor of the Capitol building to give DEMA Members and Florida-based diving businesses an opportunity to showcase Florida’s recreational diving operators. It’s an opportunity to showcase the significance of scuba diving to Florida’s economy, tourism, and marine ecosystems, while advocating for policies that support and sustain our industry.

Opportunities to Participate

1. Table-top Display at the Capitol Rotunda: We encourage members to set up interactive displays that showcase their dive shops, marine life education, or scuba diving experiences. If you are interested in exhibiting, we suggest you bring simple table-top displays, brochures, videos, product information, handouts, or other engaging materials to spark interest and conversation with lawmakers and the public.
   
   Exhibiting companies should plan to set up starting at 4:00 PM on February 18th so that your exhibit will be up and running on the morning of February 19th.* Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are large enough to accommodate an 8ft table. For DEMA members, this is a free opportunity to reach divers, legislators, and visitors to the Capitol! If you are not a DEMA Member, check with us on how to participate in this great opportunity!
   
   Weather permitting, exhibit space is also available outside the Capitol building on a first-come, first-served basis and will accommodate a larger display. Contact Melanie Leyva for more information: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.
   
   *Please be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you want to set up on the 18th by contacting Melanie Leyva: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.
   
   
2. Donate Bag Stuffer Items: If you cannot attend in person, you can still support Dive in Day by contributing items for our DEMA Bags. Giveaway items, merchandise, and informational materials are distributed to attendees and lawmakers to amplify awareness of the diving industry and DEMA’s legislative messaging.
   
   
3. Lobby with Us: For those interested in bringing attention to issues critical to the Industry in Florida, on request, DEMA will arrange a time for you to meet with your state Senator or Representative or their staff members and provide you with information that will help you discuss these important topics. You can take advantage of this opportunity and participate with DEMA’s Public Policy efforts in Florida by calling Melanie Leyva at (850) 201-5224 or by email at mleyva@lawfla.com.
   
   Meeting YOUR Representative or Senator can focus attention on a variety of issues that affect the scuba diving industry, such as ecotourism, the future of the goliath grouper, spiny lobster, lionfish environmental issues, and others. DEMA will also distribute relevant information to legislators (and Capitol visitors), which includes the size of the diving industry in Florida and its importance in jobs, tourism, and the economy, with a focus on the economic benefit of Florida dive businesses and the protection of sharks and their vital role in the marine ecosystem.

To RSVP or for more information about Dive in Day at the Capitol, please contact Melanie Leyva at mleyva@lawfla.com or call (850) 201-5224. Whether you plan to exhibit, donate, or join us in lobbying efforts, your participation is invaluable. We look forward to seeing you at Dive in Day!