A lesser known harm of hurricanes? More domestic violence
As waters warm and hurricane seasons worsen, Floridians are susceptible to more than raging floodwaters. Domestic violence, research shows, often spikes in the aftermath of natural disasters. In the aftermath of a storm, losing housing, a job or being displaced from community can add to the weight of an already difficult economy. And disasters worsen mental health, said Jennifer First, a professor at the University of Missouri and member of the Disaster and Community Crisis Center. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Commercial rent phaseout could cost state budget more than $1B per year
According to state estimates, the ending of sales tax on commercial rentals could cost the state's general fund and local governments more than $1.5 billion annually by 2030. The Office of Economic and Demographic Research did a recent analysis on the legislation passed in the legislative session that concluded on June 17. State officials estimate axing the tax on Oct. 1 will cost the state's coffers $679.1 million this year, $926.7 million in fiscal 2026-27, $951.9 million in fiscal 2027-28, $981.3 million in fiscal 2028-29 and slightly more $1 billion by fiscal 2029-30. [Source: The Center Square]
Airports in Florida see a shift in travel as tourists react to uncertainty
After several years of growth, South Florida’s two major airports are seeing a drop in number of passengers. For travelers, that could mean a break from swelling crowds and lines. It’s also a sign that tourism in the region is softening with an impact on the economy. During the first half of 2025, which ended June 30, the number of passengers passing through Miami International Airport decreased when compared to the same period last year. That hasn’t happened since 2017, excluding the pandemic year of 2020. [Source: Miami Herald]
Advocates blast the nearly $10 billion rate hike sought by Florida Power & Light
Consumer activists said Tuesday that the proposed $9.8 billion rate hike that Florida Power & Light (FPL) is asking for is excessive and should be rejected by state regulators. In February, FPL, the state’s largest public utility servicing approximately 12 million people, submitted a four-year request for the Public Service Commission (PSC) to set new rates once its current base rate agreement expires at the end of this year. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Are you in the middle class in Florida? Here's how much money you have to make
The cost of living in Florida varies significantly depending on your location within the state. Regardless of Florida’s overall high cost of living, the income range for what qualifies families of two, three and four as middle-class in Florida is actually a little lower than most other U.S. states, according to a June study. [Source: Florida Today]
In navigating tariffs, Florida businesses have options
The effect of tariffs on Florida’s business community is multifaceted. For businesses that rely heavily on imported raw materials or finished goods, tariffs could translate directly into increased costs. For instance, the construction sector, a vital part of Florida's booming economy, could see significant price increases on frequently imported materials like steel, aluminum, lumber, fixtures, and electrical components. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Epic Universe drives Orange County tourist tax to best June ever
Universal Orlando is bringing “epic” tourist-tax collections to Central Florida with the second record-setting month in a row after opening its newest theme park. Orange County collections soared to about $33.7 million in June, according to a monthly report released Tuesday morning. That’s a 10.3% increase over last year — and the highest ever for the month.
› South Florida luxury prices defy gravity while overall market dips
Home prices in South Florida’s luxury market continued an upwards trajectory during the second quarter of 2025, even as prices in the non-luxury market took a hit throughout the state, according to recent reports. As luxury prices have climbed, home sales have gone in the opposite direction, with South Florida’s number of $1 million and up single-family transactions down by 10.9 percent year over year to 3,151.
› As SpaceX launches increase, third cargo crane arrives in Port Canaveral
It's been a busy year on the Space Coast and with multiple rocket launches every week, Port Canaveral is adding a third mobile harbor crane to support Port Canaveral cargo and rocket boosters coming in from the ocean on landing platforms. The new crane will handle heavy cargo, including space hardware.
› Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino is now at the helm of Miami-based eMed
Weeks after stepping down as CEO of X, Linda Yaccarino will be leading Miami-based eMed, a privately held health-management company. The telehealth company is focused on o GLP-1s, the blockbuster drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. eMed’s population health management platform integrates at-home diagnostics, proctor-led screenings, physician-guided prescribing, and continuous adherence support.
More stories ...
› St. Johns County launches website about projects in development
St. Johns County launched a website Aug. 5 to provide public information about capital improvement projects across the county. Completed projects and those in progress are included on the county’s new Featured Projects site. According to a release from the county, the site covers roads, parks, stormwater systems, public safety facilities and more.
› North Florida College launches new agriculture program
With agriculture driving billions into Florida’s economy, North Florida College is launching a new two-year Agriculture Management program in the fall to meet rising workforce demands. The program will offer hands-on training for students pursuing careers in everything from farm operations to agricultural sales, according to the Dean of Workforce Initiatives, David Dunkle. “We need to make sure the workforce is ready for the industry,” Dunkle said.
› SeaWorld is inviting all Florida teachers to the park with free admission
While the school year is rapidly approaching for Florida teachers, they still have an opportunity to celebrate the summer season a little longer. SeaWorld Orlando is offering free unlimited admission to its theme park for active and Florida-certified teachers until early September. According to SeaWorld officials, teachers can pre-register online using the ID.me website to receive the SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card eVoucher.
› Manatee mobility manufacturer partners with Fort Myers company
Wheelchair and scooter manufacturer Hoveround Mobility Solutions, which is based in Manatee County, has entered into what it calls a strategic partnership with a fellow provider of mobility solutions. Merits Health Products, which has its U.S. headquarters in Fort Myers, will provide a global supplier network that will enable Hoveround to reduce procurement costs, mitigate supply chain challenges and enhance overall operations.