ORLANDO - The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is offering legal representation to members waiting on BP compensation for losses related to the Gulf oil spill.

The group said Wednesday it has partnered with three law firms to represent hoteliers and restaurateurs who have seen claims delayed or denied. The group will also host briefings on the claims process with attorneys.

The head of the Restaurant and Lodging Association says businesses everywhere have been affected - even far from the oil - by consumer perception the whole state is awash in crude.