Whether you are for it or against it, there is no denying the financial impact of the ever-growing marijuana business. Florida, if the state’s voters approve, has the potential of becoming a $6-billion market for the weedy leaf. Legalizing recreational pot would make Florida not just the largest legal cannabis market in the nation, but in the world. South Florida Editor Mike Vogel interviewed Trulieve Chair, President and CEO Kim Rivers, who spent $50 million through April to write the proposed amendment and gather the 1 million signatures needed to place it on the ballot. Will her big bet pay off come election night November 5? Learn more about Rivers, her large wager on the legalization of recreational use and the marijuana industry, with all its highs and lows (p. 60).
Each year the legislative session keeps lawmakers and lobbyists quite busy — and this year was no exception. Starting on page 52, Associate Editor Michael Fechter looks at what cleared both chambers, highlighting some of Florida’s new laws and other notable changes.
As Florida’s population and business growth continues, so does the rise of many of its cities. In this month’s Economic Backbone feature (p. 10), our team examined some of the state’s fastest-growing regions, highlighting efforts they are making to attract and accommodate Florida’s new residents and growing industry sectors.
Each year in our July issue we feature our list of Florida’s 350 Biggest Companies (p. 72).The list, compiled by FLORIDA TREND researcher Vanessa Caceres, highlights 125 public and 225 private companies ranked by revenue. To qualify for consideration, companies must be headquartered in Florida. Leading this year’s public companies list is TD Synnex, an IT distributor and solutions company based in Clearwater. Its 2023 revenue was $57.6 billion. Heading up the private companies list was Publix, our neighborhood grocer, headquartered in Lakeland. Its 2023 revenue was $57.1 billion. Mike Vogel, our South Florida editor, spotlights businesses throughout both lists to provide insight and perspective on some of Florida’s biggest companies.
Two additional sections that you’ll also want to check out in this month’s issue: First, is our custom content feature: Florida Foundations (p. 91). These giving institutions are seen as the fuel that empowers the state’s philanthropic and nonprofit engines. Learn more about the impact foundations have throughout our state, as well as the importance their gifting serves across specific areas of need.
Second, is our Legal Elite NOTABLE – Managing Partners (p 118). Nominated by industry peers, this select group of managing partners is recognized for their outstanding leadership, mentorship, business acumen and contribution to their industry. To qualify for inclusion, individual attorneys must have met specific criteria and methodology, followed by a review from FLORIDA TREND. It’s an impressive group of business executives worth noting.
It is hard to believe we are already beyond the midpoint of 2024. The year is passing by quickly. I am so proud of the amazing work our team has accomplished thus far and look forward to all that lies ahead.
— David G. Denor, Publisher ddenor@floridatrend.com