Housing market shift: Major markets are now seeing falling home prices
Among the nation’s 300 largest metro-area housing markets, 60 markets are seeing falling home prices on a year-over-year basis. That’s up from 42 markets in February and 31 markets in January. Eight of the top ten markets with the highest price declines are in Florida. This softening trend is further compounded by an abundance of new home supply in the Sun Belt. More from Fast Company.
UNF survey: Key First Coast manufacturing indicators show ‘softening’ in economic picture
Northeast Florida’s manufacturing sector appears to have softened in March, as key elements are prompting concern. The University of North Florida (UNF) Coggin College of Business monthly Jacksonville Economic Monitoring Survey showed contraction in several indicators last month. Manufacturers on the First Coast saw contraction in new orders, backlogs of work, finished goods inventory and employment in March when compared to the February numbers. More from Florida Politics.
Amid federal grant cuts, some South Florida farming programs left in limbo
Agriculture is vital to South Florida's economy, and the loss of federal funding for programs meant to offset high barriers to entry makes it harder to grow — or maintain — the industry. Local business owners have seen a growing interest in sustaining local agriculture and training a new generation of farmers, but a lack of land due to development and rising costs is often a deterrent. More from Axios.
Tampa Bay migration drops 70% amid rising costs and remote work shift
After being a hotspot for new residents for the last several years, Tampa Bay is no longer the magnet it was just a year ago. According to a recent analysis from Redfin, the metro area saw one of the sharpest year-over-year declines in net migration across the nation, signaling a shift in relocation patterns amid rising costs and changing workforce trends. More from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Brightline first quarter revenue soars while commuter numbers dip
Brightline, the intercity rail service based in Miami that connects South Florida to Orlando, reported significant year-over-year growth in total ridership and revenue for the first quarter of 2025, according to its first quarter report. This increase is primarily due to the rising demand for its long-distance routes. However, short-haul commuter traffic declined compared to the same period in 2024. More from Florida Daily and the South Florida Business Journal.
Business Profile
Ybor City vintage store La France celebrates 50 years of funky finds
Right off the hustle of Seventh Avenue, La France stands as part fashion time machine, part Hollywood-worthy costume closet. Look up and see frilly hats fit for the Kentucky Derby, right across from a rainbow of feather boas. Crouch down to sift through the wingtip shoes. Now celebrating its 50th year in business, the vintage store has long been a staple for creatives in Ybor City and beyond.
» More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Arts Business
Orlando Museum’s Florida Prize showcases artists from Miami to Tallahassee
The Orlando Museum of Art’s annual Florida Prize exhibition returns for its 11th year, highlighting the talents and work of 10 artists living in the Sunshine State. Though these creators share a state in common, their perspectives are vastly different, informed by their international backgrounds, personal history, creative vision and varying media.
» Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.