Florida a top spot to buy foreclosures

Six Florida cities rank among the best places to buy foreclosures in 2013, according to a report by RealtyTrac. Topping a list of 20 metropolitan areas is Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville. Also among the top 20 metro areas for buying foreclosures is Lakeland (No. 5), Tampa (No. 6), Jacksonville (No.7), Orlando (No. 9) and Miami (No. 12). More at the Miami Herald, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Mortgage News Daily.

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Lynn University says debate sparked $13-million impact

It pays to host a presidential debate. So says Lynn University, which reported on Thursday that the third presidential debate on its campus in Boca Raton on Oct. 22 produced $13.1 million in “immediate economic impact” for Palm Beach County. More at the Source.

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Visit Orlando names Disney exec as new CEO

Florida Lifestyle Ski Slope Formulas Florida executives who love to ski share their favorite slopes and some how-to tips. Susan Snodgrass is a self-described “late-start” skier, taking up the sport at 37 because she wanted her then 4-year-old son to learn how to ski and develop a passion for the sport. » Read more from Snodgrass and other Florida skiers.

Visit Orlando has named a new president and chief executive officer, choosing a long-time Disney executive to replace the late Gary Sain. The tourism-marketing agency announced Thursday that George Aguel will take the top spot at the agency, which has a budget of $58.7 million, including $36.3 million in public tourist-tax dollars. More at the Orlando Sentinel.

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Jacksonville's LPS agrees to $127 million settlement

Lender Processing Services will pay $127 million to settle with Florida, 45 other states and the District of Columbia over claims that the Jacksonville company and its subsidiaries improperly handled mortgage documents. Florida’s share of the settlement is $8.6 million. More at the Florida Times-Union.

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5 tips to protect your information as tax season begins

With tax season officially beginning Wednesday, about 80 percent of Florida residents and business owners are expected to file electronically, meaning your information could be at risk. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

See also
» Nonprofits, IRS offer free tax help for low- and moderate-income folks

Live Web Chat Investing in Florida Real Estate Florida Trend will host a live Web chat on the topic of investing in residential Real Estate in Florida. Taking your questions will be Jack McCabe, with McCabe Research and Consulting, is an independent housing analyst in Deerfield Beach. Also on the Chat will be Amy Keller, Florida Trend writer who recently authored "Landlord Inc.," a look at investment firms that are buying up Florida homes and turning them into rentals. Please send questions to us now by clicking here and sign up for a chat reminder here.

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