As AI takes off, Florida rolls out specific and significant boundaries
Florida lawmakers took the first steps to put regulations on artificial intelligence this week, kicking off a battle between tech companies spearheading the new technology and those who fear the downsides of the AI revolution will wreak havoc on consumers and the workforce. Business groups have urged caution to avoid stifling innovation, while consumer groups are pushing for stronger enforcement and disclosure requirements. [Source: Tallahassee Democrat]
Citrus forecast leads to revenue bump
The Florida Citrus Commission could see a $1 million increase in revenue after a new forecast of this season’s citrus crop. The commission, which oversees the Florida Department of Citrus, increased revenue estimates Wednesday after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its first forecast for the growing season, which started in September. The commission’s budget is based, in part, on what is known as a “box tax” on growers. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Southeastern Grocers rebrands as The Winn-Dixie Company, marks grocery changes
A familiar Florida grocery name has officially turned the page. As of Wednesday, Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers has rebranded as The Winn-Dixie Company, uniting its operations under the iconic Winn-Dixie name and marking a renewed, Florida-first strategy for the century-old grocer. The rebrand, first announced in the fall, takes effect as the company completes its transition away from stores outside Florida and southern Georgia and doubles down on investment in its home state. More from the Florida Times-Union and the Jacksonville Daily Record.
DeSantis’ DOGE team misses deadline for report to lawmakers
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Department of Government Efficiency threatened universities and local governments with strict deadlines to turn over records in its hunt for fraud, waste and abuse over the last year. But DOGE blew its own deadline. The task force was required to report its results to the Legislature and chief financial officer by Jan. 13 — more than a week ago. Neither House nor Senate leaders say they’ve received it, though. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
James Beard Awards 2026: Florida has 10 nominations
Ten Florida restaurants and chefs were named 2026 James Beard semifinalists, the organization announced Wednesday. A vanguard of culinary honors in the United States since 1990, the Awards have been a definitive source for culinary excellence for more than 35 years. Sometimes known as the “Oscars of food,” the awards recognize eateries and chefs who create exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, the James Beard Foundation said. More from Patch, the Orlando Sentinel, and the Tampa Bay Times.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida lawmakers are taking a spin on e-bike regulations
Florida lawmakers are taking a spin on regulations for electric bicycles. It comes as e-bikes see skyrocketing popularity — and increases in injuries. "Preventing anyone from getting from point A to point B is not the problem here. We're not trying to make it the problem," said Sen. Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, the bill sponsor. "We're just trying to make sure that everybody can get from one place to the other safely."
› St. Petersburg's Seagate Space takes rocket launches offshore
Seagate Space is building a launch site that does not stay put. From its base in St. Petersburg, the company is designing a mobile offshore platform to launch rockets into orbit from the open ocean. Engineers are being hired and model testing is underway, reflecting a simple belief that the way the U.S. launches into space no longer matches how space is actually used. The gap between demand and infrastructure is widening.
› Icon Park developer plans $1B investment in Orlando entertainment corridor
Orlando’s entertainment corridor is on the cusp of a massive reinvention, as the developer behind Icon Park plans to pump at least $1 billion into transforming a key International Drive property over the next several years. Paul Kanavos, CEO of New York-based Flag Luxury Group, told Orlando Business Journal he expects to be investing $1 billion in the next five to seven years in transforming the former Wyndham Orlando Resort property.
› Why buyers are seeing home sales climb and prices dip in South Florida
Residential sales were up and prices were down in December as the South Florida real estate market continues to favor buyers. Sales of both condos and single-family homes were up in Miami-Dade and Broward counties last month compared to the previous December, according to data from the Miami Association of Realtors. Total sales in Miami-Dade rose by 5.9% compared to the previous year. For the fourth consecutive month, Miami single-family home sales rose year-over-year.
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› Travel + Leisure Co. opens new global headquarters in downtown Orlando
Travel + Leisure Co., a company that runs several vacation club lines, including Worldmark by Wyndham and Margaritaville Vacation Club, celebrated the opening of its new global headquarters in downtown Orlando on Wednesday. The relocation brings more than 900 associates to the city center and represents a capital investment exceeding $36 million.
› Fort Myers delays $7.8M riverfront land purchase
City of Fort Myers has been under contract since April 2025 to purchase a 1.41-acre riverfront parcel at 2002 W. First St., along with an adjacent unaddressed parcel. The city plans to incorporate the vacant land — along with submerged property under easement — into Centennial Park. The sale’s closing date has now been extended for a fourth time.
› Deerfield Beach votes to cut ties with Broward Sheriff’s Office
Deerfield Beach is cutting ties with the Broward Sheriff’s Office after a 35-year relationship that deteriorated over the last 12 months — with each side accusing the other of disrespecting leadership and putting politics and personalities ahead of policing needs. The City Commission decided Tuesday night in a 4-1 vote to create its own police and fire service for the first time since 1990.
› St. Johns County softens growth plan to satisfy state
The St. Johns County Commission approved its comprehensive plan this week for the second time in a calendar year — after the state rejected the last plan for being too “restrictive” of development. Despite calls from some local residents and environmental groups, the County Commission passed a plan that stripped out language the state objected to. The commission promised to revisit the plan if and when things change in Tallahassee.