Court halts David Rivera's Cuba travel law

From the AP: A federal judge today temporarily blocked a new Florida law that would have imposed a stiff bond and other restrictions on travel agencies and charter companies booking trips to Cuba.

Lawyers for the companies argued the measure seeks to pre-empt federal law and could put the agencies out of business. The law, which was set to take effect Tuesday, would force agencies to put up a $250,000 state bond if they book tours to Cuba. Other travel agencies would only pay $25,000.

"This law does nothing to help the consumer or the state," the companies' attorney Steven Weinger said. "These are business people whose livelihoods are threatened because of the onerous bond conditions."

Weinger said the law also harms the companies because they would have to disclose whom they do business with and their trade secrets. The Florida law also carries criminal penalties and fines of up to $10,000 for violations of federal law but does not specify the violations.

Republican State Representative David Rivera, who has championed the U.S. government's hard line against Cuba, sponsored the measure. He said he hopes it will cut down on travel fraud, provide greater homeland security and deny resources to the Cuban government.

During Tuesday's hearing, Weinger told the judge that 60 people were waiting at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, afraid to fly home because they were unsure whether they would be prosecuted under the new state law.

Erik Miller, an attorney for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said the law would not be applied to the passengers, and that they had nothing to worry about.

Miller noted the law was passed by a majority of the legislature called it a legitimate use of state authority.

"It does not invade the province of federal statutes. There's not interference with foreign affairs. It only regulates in-state transactions," he said. "There is no intent to put anyone out of business."

The next hearing in the case was scheduled for July 11.

Comments

[Cuban embargo is absurd]

I do Not understand how regular Americans are allowed to visit the biggest communist country in the world, China, and are not allowed to visit little ole Cuba.

The Cuban embargo is absurd.

If America is a really free country, why can't we visit Cuba when we want to?

Agree. What the heck matters? Let's go to Cuba and get some of that development money other countries are cashing in on.

Perhaps Rivera should have hired the lobbyist who worked for Max Alvarez.

A new client for DWE. Good for him.

Rivera, Mr Bean, is a putz. Someone should investigate this man.

Perhaps Mr. Bean should have sought consult with a Constitutional attorney.

I believe there is case for export clause issues in this.

Ha Ha, the hispanic fascistas in S. Florida getting punk'd all over the place.

This law will get tossed. Too bad Carey Baker got dragged into this as well. Its silly, embarassing and sloppy. The state cant regulate international travel.

I want to go home!

9:56, hahahaha. Good one. Is he still around?

[RJM]

Once the old guard goes, the embargo will fall. Few American-born Cubans care that much.

East Germany didn't allow its citizens to travel either. Nice company we are keeping!

His kind of Republican won't be around much longer.
Meanwhile, every other country in the world is there and ready to take advantage when the bearded one finally goes.
We'll be left so far behind there won't even be any cane husks to gnaw on. All because of a few leftovers in Dade County...

Folks:

Please keep South Florida in your prayers this 4th of July.