Legislative leaders eye spending, insurance
Kicking off a new era when legislative leaders are expected to exercise more independence from Gov. Ron DeSantis than in recent years, Florida’s two Republican legislative leaders on Tuesday outlined priorities for the annual 60-day session. Although they’re pursuing different agendas, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez both touched on the availability and affordability of homeowners’ insurance. More from the Florida Phoenix and News Service of Florida.
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» DeSantis targets ballot initiatives, taxes
Florida economists believe increased tariffs will lead to increased prices
Two Florida economists said they don’t believe it’s a question of if products will go up but how much and how quickly they will go up. Goods like fruits, vegetables, electronics, oil, and car parts are some of the items that are expected to increase in price. “One way or the other, the consumer will be paying the bill,” said Amir Neto, the director of the Regional Economic Research Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University. [Source: WPBF]
Florida leads the South in CEO exits
It’s not always great to be No. 1. A recent study found Florida led the region in CEO exits for January 2025 and the entirety of 2024. In the Sunshine State, 118 CEOs parted ways across various industries last year and 13 left their posts in January 2025, the report found. Overall, it is an 18.8% decline from 16 Florida CEO departures in January 2024. [Source: Business Observer]
Florida’s demand for immigration aid surges amid policy changes
For nearly two months, a growing strain has been placed on the network of support services that provide guidance and assistance for immigrants in Florida. Nonprofits are receiving more urgent requests for help. Advocates are holding frequent virtual meetings and share updates online. Immigration lawyers are fielding desperate calls and juggling dozens of cases. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
How grazing cows allow Florida property developers to get through a tax loophole
A state loophole is costing counties millions in lost revenue by allowing developers to tap a decades-old law meant to preserve agriculture and shrink the taxes on pastures they intend to pave over. Known as Greenbelt, the law was designed to protect Florida farmland with rock-bottom tax rates but has been mastered instead by entities eyeing land for subdivisions and shopping centers. [Source: Miami Herald]
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› As TV ratings go, 2025 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg was a massive hit
From a television standpoint, Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg provided its new network with a turbo-charged ratings bonanza. IndyCar reported Tuesday the race, won by reigning two-time series champion Alex Palou, attracted 1.4 million viewers to Fox, making it the most-watched IndyCar series race not named the Indianapolis 500 since 2011.
› Citizens-Insurance-for-all bill withdrawn as sponsor seeks ‘in-depth’ study
A bill that would have made windstorm coverage by Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. available to anyone who wants it has been withdrawn from being considered during the just-started legislative session. Rep. Hillary Cassel, who filed the 143-page bill in December, withdrew it last Friday on the eve of the session, which started on Tuesday.
› Jacksonville-Toronto nonstop flight must weather trade war fallout
Air Canada's return to Jacksonville with non-stop flights in May is still set for takeoff even as the airline is evaluating changes for its flight schedule to U.S. cities in wake of the trade war between the U.S. and Canada. President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs Tuesday on imports from Canada and Mexico, and he also added another 10% tariff on imports from China.
› Orlando’s Lake Shore Drive is latest hotspot for luxury teardowns
The National Association of Home Builders selected homes on Lake Shore Drive as the showcases for The New American Remodel program. One of the renovated homes, a 1963 Mid-Century Modern at 2672 Lake Shore Dr. sold shortly after the show for $3.75 million. But lately, buyers on Lake Shore have less appetite for remodeling. The picturesque street that hugs the shore of Lake Sue, part of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, is now ground zero for luxury tear-downs.
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› Realtors Relief Foundation offers $1,000 in housing assistance to victims of hurricanes
The Realtors Relief Foundation announced it is offering grants up to $1,000 for households impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. Applicants must provide their identifying information, the addresses of the damaged property, a description of the damage, monetary sums of the total damage and uninsured loss, and any other financial assistance received.
› Inside Atlas Space’s mission to transform urban planning with AI
Atlas Space is redefining how we interact with the world around us. By merging artificial intelligence with digital twin technology, the company is creating immersive, data-driven simulations that help businesses and governments make better decisions. Burhan Sebin, its vice president of growth, is leading the charge. Previously the Head of Research & Entrepreneurship at Venture Miami, he has a deep understanding of Miami’s tech landscape – and he sees the city as the perfect place for Atlas to grow.
› St. Johns County seeks more guidance from farmers
Even though its population has ballooned in recent years, St. Johns County is still home to the “Potato Capital of Florida.” Now, the county wants to create an advisory board to give local farmers a voice on developments and other projects. A new Agricultural Advisory Committee would allow for a board of career farmers from St. Johns County to weigh in on how developments may affect them, as well as how they can spread the word on the work they’re doing.
› Wekiwa Springs State Park will require reservations, beginning next week
Central Florida’s Wekiwa Springs State Park is taking drastic action to manage its crowds: The popular recreational spot will become the only state park in Florida to require day visitors to make reservations beginning next week. Under the pilot program — which begins March 12 and continues through Sept. 1 — anyone wanting to visit Wekiwa Springs will have to connect to a Florida State Parks website, schedule a day, and pay the entry fee in advance.