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What you need to know about Florida today
Should Florida ban taxpayer-funded lobbyists?
Cities, counties, colleges, school districts, sheriffs, airports and seaports all pay lobbyists to help them fight for state money, protect home rule powers and fend off political interference in Tallahassee. But Florida's new House speaker, Rep. Richard Corcoran (R) disagrees. “It’s a disgrace that taxpayer dollars are used to hire lobbyists when we elect people to represent them,” Corcoran says. “The state doesn’t do it, and neither should the locals.” [Source: Times/Herald]
» What do you think: Should the state ban taxpayer-funded lobbyists?
Florida Trend Exclusive
What is the outlook for 2017?
Seven professionals from a range of industries around Florida offer their perspectives on the year ahead. The article begins with Cathy Swanson, CEO of Freedom Bank in St. Petersburg talking about the outlook for finance: "In our market specifically I’m pretty hopeful about the economy in 2017." Access full story.
State lawmakers set to take another stab at fixing insurance claims abuses
This year will likely be the fifth straight year lawmakers will file at least one bill that would attach strings to contractors' ability to "stand in the shoes" of policyholders when seeking payment for repairs. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida Obamacare enrollments at record pace amid post-Obama uncertainty
As the Jan. 20 inauguration of Donald Trump draws nigh, Obamacare consumers in Florida are signing up for 2017 health insurance plans faster than ever. In Florida, 1,641,714 consumers signed up for an individual health insurance plan on HealthCare.gov through the first nine weeks of Open Enrollment. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida doctors say patients want medical marijuana, but few are licensed and willing to order
Less than 1 percent of Florida’s 55,000 doctors currently hold licenses to order medical cannabis. But even those with a license are being cautious about ordering medical marijuana. They want more data to make decisions. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
› Naviera Coffee Mills leaving Ybor City after nearly a century there
To Ybor City regulars, the aroma of roasting coffee beans from Naviera Coffee Mills defines the historic district as much as the cigars still hand-rolled here. But while the coffee still will be sold, up and down the East Coast as well as in California and Chicago, the local aroma soon will disappear.
› First Coast sees busiest year for home construction in a decade
Last year was the busiest for new home construction in the area since 2006. According to the Northeast Florida Builders Association, 7,906 permits for new homes were issued in the four-county area.
› Naples is one of the best places to start a business in Florida
NerdWallet has ranked Naples as one of the best places to start a business in Florida. Naples came in third on the list — after Maitland, near Orlando, and Doral, close to Miami.
› Historical Marion County, from agriculture perspective
It was in the 1880s that Marion County would start being known as the "Bread Basket of Florida," with the coming of the railroads and the extensive variety of crops grown and the amounts exported to northern markets to feed the growing population of the nation.
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