Florida homeowners insurance improving as carriers’ appetites grow
The Florida homeowners insurance market is showing signs of stabilization after several years of rate increases and legislative changes aimed at curbing litigated and abusive claims, according to industry representatives and regulatory data. Kyle Ulrich, president and CEO of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, said distributors are seeing more insurers entering the market and expanding their willingness to write new business. [Source: Insurance Business Magazine]
FPL announces rate case deal that would grant credits to large corporations
Florida Power & Light announced a proposed settlement in its rate case Wednesday evening, putting forth a deal that it hopes will decide the future of roughly 12 million Floridians’ electricity bills. The company’s initial base rate hike request was nearly $10 billion over four years, the highest in American history, with a rate of shareholder profit at 11.9% that would have been the highest in the nation. The proposed new figures: almost $7 billion, with a rate of shareholder profit at 10.95% — still among the highest nationwide. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Blacklisted condos: Why thousands of Florida homeowners could be stuck
The Fannie Mae Blacklist list includes condo communities that don’t meet federal lending standards. That means buyers can’t use FHA or VA loans — leaving only cash buyers or those with large down payments as viable options. Realtor Sheena Tapia says she’s lost 10 deals this year alone due to this issue. “Rejected, rejected, rejected,” Tapia said, showing a list of unapproved condo complexes in Seminole County. “It’s heartbreaking.” [Source: Click Orlando]
Florida director of state lands resigns months after predecessor
Less than four months after Florida’s state lands director abruptly resigned amid a controversy about the state trading away a wildlife preserve, her replacement is also stepping down. Andrew Fleener, the interim director of state lands within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, submitted his resignation letter Tuesday. Fleener’s resignation is another sign of upheaval in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection after a year of tumult. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
These are Florida’s ‘best-performing’ cities
It’s over halfway through 2025, and researchers have revealed which areas of the U.S. are primed for success. In a study released earlier this year, the Milliken Institute announced its ranking of the “best-performing” cities in the nation. The study takes a look at drivers of success like labor market conditions, high-tech industry growth, and access to economic opportunities to determine which cities placed on top — and which ones still have room to improve. More from Click Orlando.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Norwegian Cruise Line announces leadership shakeup as president David Herrera steps down
Norwegian Cruise Line President David Herrera has left the company, with the head of its parent company taking over for now. Harry Sommer, the current president and CEO of Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which oversees NCL as well as Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, will assume day-to-day responsibilities for the company’s marquee cruise line effective immediately.
› E-scooter pilot draws mixed reviews in downtown Fort Myers
Bright orange e-scooters appeared on downtown Fort Myers street corners this week, giving business owners and workers their first look at a City Council pilot program aimed at providing a new transportation option. Many downtown residents and business owners remain skeptical of the plan, raising concerns that the scooters will add to congestion and create safety hazards for riders and pedestrians.
› Average Orlando mansion prices soar, outpacing national trend
Owning a mansion in Orlando will cost about $2 million on average — more than the bargain prices still found in a handful of U.S. cities, but less than in other major Florida metros. A new Zillow analysis puts the median value of an Orlando-area mansion, defined as a home with at least 5,000 square feet, at $1.95 million. Even a “starter mansion,” one in the 25th percentile of mansion values, comes in at about $1.33 million in the City Beautiful.
› $15M Naples project to provide office space, apartments for actors
The new Gulfshore Playhouse site opened in fall 2024, and the 355-space municipal garage followed this past spring. Now construction is beginning on Wynn’s Downtown, a $15-million, 45,000-square-foot, three-story mixed-use building that will complete the site and provide a range of benefits to the area.
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› Duke Energy selects Taylor County for program aimed at growing economy, attracting new businesses
Taylor County is one of a handful of Florida locales selected for a Duke Energy program that aims to stimulate economic growth. The utility provider is planning to work with local and state governments to prepare property in the county for new businesses to build on. The goal is to bring in jobs, income and growth, a press release from Duke Energy said.
› Southeastern Grocers could move headquarters to Westside
Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers is ready to move its headquarters to its Edgewood Support Center in West Jacksonville if the Duval County Public Schools board votes Sept. 2 to buy the building the supermarket company leases in Baymeadows.
› Tampa dragon boating team celebrates 10 years of competing
Paddles plunking, drums beating, Crocs squeaking and hearts racing, athletes — from teenagers to older adults — take to the Hillsborough River to race on the water. For 10 years, the Suncoast Asian Cultural Association (SACA) Golden Dragons have practiced and competed worldwide.
› Miami-Dade Schools partner with adidas
Miami-Dade County Public Schools launched a new districtwide multi-year partnership with adidas, making the brand the official athletic apparel and equipment partner for all of the district’s Greater Miami Athletic Conference schools. New adidas uniforms will include a adiZero Electric football uniform and the brand’s iconic three stripes products.