Millions more may be moving to Florida, new data shows
Florida has been a hotspot for movers in recent years, bringing in millions of new residents during that time. And according to the latest report by the Demographic Estimating Conference this summer, that number is only expected to grow. Researchers predict that over the next 14 years, the population will swell to nearly 27 million. On average, that amounts to over 200,000 people per year — or roughly 650 new residents per day. However, much of that growth will likely be frontloaded, with population increases beginning to slow down within the next few years. More from Click Orlando.
Record number of snakes removed in 2025 Florida Python Challenge
The 2025 Python Challenge removed a record 294 invasive Burmese pythons from Florida ecosystems. The winner, Taylor Stanberry, removed 60 Burmese pythons and took home a $10,000 prize. The 10-day competition had 934 participants from 30 states and Canada. This was the first year that participants were allowed to hunt in Everglades National Park, where the invasive snakes have been established since 2000. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
International fiber optic firm enters U.S. with Lake County venture
An international fiber optic company will plant its flag in Lake County, with aspirations of substantial further investment down the road. Czech Republic-based Optokon has entered into a joint venture with Boca Raton-based consulting firm Gardant Global to launch Optokon North America. The new venture will be based out of the Mega Workforce building in downtown Eustis, home to the UCF Lake County Business Incubator. More from Orlando Inno.
Fort Lauderdale tops Florida’s rental market, edging out Miami
Fort Lauderdale could become Florida’s most-desired city for renters, even surpassing Miami, according to new data. RentCafe recently released a report that found Fort Lauderdale’s Renter Engagement Tracker —or REnT — score is more than 70, making it the No. 1 sought-after city in the state and the No. 20 sought-after city in the nation. The REnT score is based on a few factors: availability of apartments in the city, page views on apartments and apartments “saved” by prospective renters online. This score does not include short-term rentals on vacation rental website such as Airbnb and Vrbo. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Manatee County ATV manufacturer expands into Europe
A Manatee County ATV manufacturer has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with a U.K.-based company in a move officials say will accelerate its international sales growth. Rican ATV, a Honda dealer that serves the U.K. county of Yorkshire, has established Rican Off-Road to be the exclusive importer and distributor for amphibious, six-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicles, parts and accessories across Europe and the Falkland Islands. More from the Business Observer.
Business Beat - Week of August 15th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Florida Dining
This year has been tough on Miami restaurants. Here’s what closed in 2025 so far
The year 2025 has been a rough year — particularly in the late spring and early summer — for Miami-area restaurants. With so many new restaurants opening in the past several years, a large number closings are almost certainly an inevitability. Many restauranteurs and chefs admit they’re hurting. The high prices of food, rent and insurance weigh heavy on them and their customers — especially the locals who can’t flee for cooler climates for the entire slow season.
» Read more from the Miami Heraldd.