Are Florida home values falling?

Recent national reports suggest Florida's home values are falling and foreclosures are rising. The Florida Realtors association reports that closed home sales and average sale prices actually increased in February. Realtors argue that national reports are using list prices, which are not the same as actual home values determined by closed sales. Despite some price reductions, distressed property sales remain a very small fraction of the overall Florida market. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

Data center compromise

Florida lawmakers took “a pretty balanced approach” to data center regulation during the session that ended last week, a spokesman for a nonprofit energy industry alliance says. The action isn’t likely to lead to a flood of new data center applications coming into the state, but it won’t scare any off, either. “A lot of eyes were on Florida,” says Kevin Doyle, vice president for southeast state operations for the Consumer Energy Alliance. [Source: Florida Trend]

Decades after a Florida canal project was abandoned, advocates are trying to reunite 3 rivers

It was supposed to be Florida’s version of the Panama Canal — a shortcut for boats to pass through the middle of the state from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf instead of navigating around the peninsula. But work on the Cross Florida Barge Canal was stopped in 1971 over environmental concerns. Since then, a dam and reservoir built for the aborted canal in northeast Florida has drowned a chunk of the Ocala National Forest, put 20 springs underwater and disrupted wildlife crossings, including some used by migrating manatees. [Source: AP News]

New FAA rule speeds up rocket launch approvals in Florida

Red tape has been cut on Florida’s Space Coast. The Federal Aviation Administration has streamlined license approvals for space launch and reentry, reducing the frequency with which operators must seek agency authorization. The new rule allows a single license to cover a portfolio of launches rather than requiring separate approvals for each event. [Source: WFTV]

Florida targeted in expanding federal Medicaid fraud probe

Federal health officials have expanded a nationwide investigation into Medicaid fraud — and Florida is now under scrutiny. The move makes Florida the fifth state to face fallout as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on fraud and abuse in government health programs. [Source: WTVT]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Florida drivers are getting money back from Progressive, but the real reason may surprise you [Tampa Bay 28]
Florida drivers with Progressive auto insurance are receiving credits on their policies, but insurance industry leaders say the refunds have less to do with state insurance reforms than officials have suggested. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation confirmed that Progressive credited back $950 million to drivers — largely because of a much older Florida law. In 1977, lawmakers passed the Excessive Profits State Law, which mandates that insurers issue refunds to drivers when their profits exceed $1 billion.

› Judge fighting to open long-awaited Miami treatment center now faces a rival plan [Miami Herald]
As a retired judge struggles to win final county support for a nonprofit psychiatric center that’s been over two decades in the making, a national treatment provider hopes to step in and open the facility itself. Retired Judge Steven Leifman has failed twice in winning the votes needed from Miami-Dade County commissioners to advance a funding and management plan for the seven-story facility designed to shrink Miami-Dade’s jail population.

› Charlotte County warns of impact from proposed property tax cuts [Gulfshore Business]
Charlotte County officials are warning of significant budget shortfalls if proposed state legislation aimed at reducing property taxes becomes law. During a March 17 budget workshop, Commission Chair Joe Tiseo said the potential impact of House Bill 203 could be severe. “We’re basically insolvent at that point,” Tiseo said. If enacted, HB 203 would reduce Charlotte County’s ad valorem tax revenue by an estimated $160 million, according to county staff.

› A Central Florida ghost town comes to life at historical event this weekend [Orlando Sentinel]
A once-thriving Central Florida town that’s been abandoned and largely forgotten for the past century will come back to life this weekend at an event highlighting Lake County’s history. The 12th East Lake County Heritage Festival lands at the 14,000-acre Rock Springs Run State Reserve on Saturday and Sunday, highlighting the town of Ethel while celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

More stories ...

› Miami Beach considers suing state over bill to allow Fontainebleau water park [Miami Herald]
Miami Beach officials are weighing legal action against the state of Florida over legislation that lets the Fontainebleau hotel bypass a city board to build a controversial water park. At a meeting Wednesday, city commissioners grappled with the implications of battling the state in court if and when Gov. Ron DeSantis signs HB 399 into law. Multiple options remain in play.

› Experience Kissimmee shares plans to cash in on $30.5B World Cup impact [Orlando Business Journal]
Central Florida will not host any FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, but Experience Kissimmee, the county's tourism marketing agency, has a plan to capitalize on the tournament anyway. Experience Kissimmee CEO and President DT Minich said his team is marketing Kissimmee as a hub for fans traveling to games in other cities.

› 5,700 homes and town center proposed for major Sarasota development [Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
Plans for a proposed town center for Palmer Ranch East — a 2,351-acre tract of land identified as a future village on Sarasota County’s 2050 plan — were revealed at a March 11 virtual neighborhood workshop, hosted by Stantec. The master development concept plan for the 2,351-acre tract, which is known as Palmer Ranch 2400 MDO, allows for a significant amount of open space, starting with a 200.7-acre conservation easement and 651 acres as an alternative greenway buffer.

› JEA 'welcomes' City Council investigating if JEA failed to collect fees [Florida Times-Union]
A top JEA executive said the utility welcomes a City Council investigation of whether commercial customers owe millions of dollars in fees but it could take six to 12 months for the utility to reach a resolution. The issue had flown under the radar for many years at JEA, putting the utility in high-profile catch-up mode while it is in the spotlight of the investigative committee and a related examination by the city's Office of Inspector General.

Natalie Alzate: One of Florida’s top YouTube stars