Reforms to new condo safety law may be coming
The big issue with condo regulations that Florida lawmakers will look at this year pits two realities against each other. One is the fact that condo buildings, especially ones built more than 30 years, require expensive and consistent maintenance. The other is that many people who own condos in the Sunshine State are on limited and fixed incomes, making paying for the upgrades a big obstacle. More from the Business Observer.
Jacksonville tackles housing crisis with developer partnerships
Although a record number of units have delivered in Jacksonville over the last two years, the housing crisis is not over. Rent has declined slightly in Jacksonville due to a heavy supply of multifamily units, but those units are market rate. More units and decreasing rent do not mean the city has addressed the housing crisis, City of Jacksonville Affordable Housing Director Joshua Hicks said. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Sarasota County homeowners could receive up to $5,000 for projects that help water quality
Sarasota County is offering residents rebates for home and property projects that could improve local water quality. The program is meant to “encourage homeowners to install specialized small-scale Best Management Practices (BMPs) that improve water quality and increase stormwater infiltration, thus protecting our valuable water resources,” according to a county website. More from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Blue Origin seeks overnight success for 1st New Glenn rocket launch
The Space Coast could welcome a big player to the launch landscape tonight with the debut of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. The NG-1 mission is targeting a 1 a.m. Friday liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 36 during a launch window that runs until 4 a.m. with a backup two days later early Sunday during the same window. More from the Orlando Sentineland Florida Today.
Florida sues Miramar company to recover $5.8 million COVID overpayment
The state of Florida says it overpaid a Miramar-based healthcare company $5.8 million for services during the height of the COVID pandemic — and the company won’t refund the money. The company CEO at the time when the state says overpayments occurred was Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who is now a member of Congress representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Out of the Box
Auto Art Gallery in Hobe Sound is where wealthy car collectors can stash their toys
The Auto Art Gallery promotes itself to collectors as a "condo for your car" and the "ultimate man cave." The Auto Art Gallery broke ground in 2023 and wrapped up construction in November. There are 12 units; three remaining for purchase. Each unit comes with a bar, bathroom and wine cellar. There's a $15,000 initiation fee and then monthly fees starting at $600.
» More from TC Palm.
Business Profile
Smooth sale-ing
Although there are plenty of boat-buying sites, Boats and Buyers brings an innovative twist: Let the bidding begin. Its auction-style format drives engagement and generates a fast-paced environment and an excited, engaged community around boating.
» Read more from Florida Trend.