AAHOA South Florida Regional Director · 2026 Election
Rajal
Patel
Action Is My Commitment
A 3rd generation Florida hotelier, MBA from Kellogg, and AAHOA South Florida Ambassador. Not running for a title — running to solve problems and fight for our legacy.
Our Story
Florida Roots. Three Generations Deep.
My family's roots in Orlando go back to the 1970s. My uncle, Kanubhai Somabhai Patel, was a structural engineer for EPCOT Center. When he saw the massive scope of that project, he told his brothers and sisters to drop everything and buy hotels. We lost him just last month at 90 — but his vision started it all.
My parents started with one small motel near the BAPS Mandir and we've been growing in Florida ever since. I am a 3rd generation hotelier, raised on a property — including watching my parents battle a franchise over Liquidated Damages and Area Protection Rights violations.
I built on that foundation with a different path: Political Science at UF, interning for US Senator Bob Graham in D.C. where I drafted legislation that passed both chambers, went to the White House, and was ultimately signed into law, then Government Affairs for United Airlines, and an MBA from Kellogg. I came back home to Florida to fight for our family and our community.
Over the last decade, I've been fighting for us in Tallahassee and D.C. I face the same battles you do: soaring insurance, shrinking margins from OTAs, short term rentals impacting hotels directly, booking scams at my front desk, and the labor shortage.
As a father of two school-aged children, I ask myself: What am I leaving them? A thriving business they want to take over — or just assets to liquidate? That question is why I'm running.
3rd
Generation Florida Hotelier
MBA
Kellogg School of Management
D.C.
Annual Capitol Hill Advocate
1970s
Family Roots in Florida Hospitality
Background & Experience
The Tools to Fight for You
3rd Gen Hotelier
Raised on a property in Florida. Three generations of family business in hospitality since the 1970s.
Proven on Capitol Hill
As intern for US Senator Bob Graham, drafted 2 bills for Floridians that passed both chambers and were signed into law. Political Science UF · MBA Kellogg.
Active D.C. Advocate
Lobbies annually at AAHOA Legislative Day. Met with Senator Rick Scott and Florida House members in March 2025 on behalf of AAHOA North & South Florida.
AAHOA Ambassador
Currently serving as AAHOA South Florida Ambassador — representing our region with dedication year-round.
Past Chairman, ROA
Elected Chairman of the Rodeway Owners Association (2012–2014) by fellow hoteliers — leading the national ownership community.
Documented Record
Not Just Words — Working For All of Us
From a personal commendation from US Senator Bob Graham for drafting legislation as a Senate intern, to lobbying on Capitol Hill for our members — this is a 30-year record of working for all of us.
Personal Letter from Senator Bob Graham — December 15, 1997
"Raj, your work on the John Andre Chalot legislation was particularly impressive. It is unusual for an intern to take on such a big responsibility and to write legislation. I appreciate all of your efforts on behalf of Floridians."
— US Senator Bob Graham, United States Senate, Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. — March 13, 2025
With AAHOA North and South Florida Region, meeting Florida's leaders on Capitol Hill — including Senator Rick Scott and the Florida House delegation.
— AAHOA Legislative Day, Washington D.C.
Platform
What I'll Fight For
These aren't issues I read about in a report. I've lived every one of them — at my front desk, in my insurance bills, in franchise agreements, and in the labor market.
Insurance Reform
South Florida's property insurance market is unsustainable. I'll advocate for solutions that directly reduce the burden on hoteliers — because I face these costs myself.
Franchise Protection
My family fought a franchise over Liquidated Damages and Area Protection Rights. I know how unbalanced these agreements can be. I'll push for stronger protections for every AAHOA member.
STR Fairness
Vacation rentals operate without fire codes, ADA compliance, safety inspections, background checks, or tax obligations I must meet. Same market, same guests — I'll fight for the same rules.
Online Booking Scams
At my Orlando property, guests have arrived with reservations from illegitimate sites impersonating my hotel. OTAs also outbid my own website in search results. I'll fight to stop it.
Labor & Workforce
Navigating wage mandates, labor shortages, and workforce regulations requires a real advocate. I'll ensure South Florida's voice is heard with practical solutions that reflect our market.
Our Legacy
As a father of two, I think constantly about what we leave the next generation. Will we hand them thriving businesses or just assets to liquidate? Fighting for our legacy is my mission.
Policy & Advocacy
Working Bills on the Hill — Let's Get Them Signed
There are real bills moving through Congress right now — we must work together to get them into law. As an intern for US Senator Bob Graham, I drafted two bills for fellow Floridians that passed both the House and Senate and were signed into law. I will fight for you in the same manner.
Online Booking Reform
American Innovation & Choice Online Act
Targets anti-competitive OTA practices — the same ones I face at my Orlando property where guests arrive with fake reservations and OTAs outbid my own website.
Vacation Rental Accountability
Short-Term Rental Regulation
STRs operate without the fire codes, ADA compliance, inspections, and taxes I must meet. I support equal standards — same market, same rules.
Credit Card Reform
Credit Card Competition Act
Introduces real competition into the credit card market — directly reducing swipe fees that burden small business owners like us on every single transaction.
Capital Access
SBA Loan Limits (STRONG Act)
Raise maximum SBA 7(a) and 504 loan limits from $5M to $10M — reflecting actual hotel property values so owners can access the capital they need.
Franchise Rights
American Franchise Act (H.R. 5267)
Establishes long-term clarity on the joint-employer standard — reducing legal risk for franchisees and protecting the independence of small business owners.
Legal Protection
Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act
Mandatory sanctions on frivolous lawsuits — protecting hoteliers from costly, meritless litigation that drains your time and resources.
Consumer Fairness
Hotel Fees Transparency Act
Requires transparent, upfront pricing for consumers — leveling the playing field and building guest trust over deceptive third-party platforms.
Workforce & Immigration
Workforce & Regulatory Reform
Addressing labor shortages through H-2C visa pathways and advancing human trafficking awareness training across our entire industry.
Action Is My Commitment
We need a leader who moves from conversation to action. I have the experience, the track record, and the personal stake in our success to deliver real, measurable results.
Get In TouchElection Day
How to Cast Your Vote for Rajal
AAHOA uses the Voatz app for secure mobile voting. You must complete credentialing before April 9 — don't wait.
1
Confirm Your Eligibility
Visit my.aahoa.com to confirm you are eligible to vote in the 2026 AAHOA Elections.
2
Download the Voatz App
Search for "Voatz" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the free app.
3
Complete ID Credentialing
You need your smartphone and a government-issued photo ID. Complete this before April 9 — required to vote.
4
Try the Practice Ballot
A practice ballot is available now at aahoa.voatz.com. Get comfortable before election day.
5
Vote on April 9, 2026
E-voting opens April 9 at 12:00 PM EDT and closes at 4:00 PM EDT. Open Voatz, vote for Rajal Patel, done.
Download the Official Voter Guide
Step-by-step instructions on how to use the Voatz app.
Community Support
Voices from Our Members
You are the best candidate AAHOA can use your guidance.
Nilesh Bhakta
AAHOA Member
Knock em dead, Rajal!!
Jed Brewer
Rolling Stone Magazine, Culture Council Member & President, Good Loud Media
You are a great candidate — I will support you.
Kirit Patidar
FL Hotels Action Group Member
All the best Rajal Bhai.
Jan Gautam
FL Hotels Action Group Member
Rajal, we have full support for you.
Rakesh Bhai
AAHOA Ft. Myers Ambassador
I've seen you in D.C. and Tallahassee — I hope you make decisions to help shape and improve the industry for the next generation.
Mitesh "Tish"
FL Hotels Action Group Member
Add your voice to the coalition.
If you support Rajal's candidacy, share your endorsement with the South Florida AAHOA community.
Get Involved
Your Voice Matters
Whether you have a question, want to share your concerns, or show your support — I want to hear from you.
📅E-Vote: April 9, 2026 · 12 PM – 4 PM EDT
© 2026 Rajal Patel for AAHOA South Florida Regional Director. Paid for by the Rajal Patel Campaign.