Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Wednesday's Afternoon Update

U.S. companies added 281,000 jobs in June

A private survey shows U.S. business hiring surged in June, a sign of stronger economic growth. Payroll processer ADP said Wednesday that private employers added 281,000 jobs last month, up from 179,000 in the previous month. More at the AP and U.S. News and World Report.

» Read the full report from ADP.


Florida missing out on 63,800 jobs?

The White House has a Medicaid expansion argument for Gov. Rick Scott and Florida Republicans: It creates jobs. A state-by-state report estimates that Florida would generate 63,800 jobs, mainly in health care, from 2014-2017. More at the Tampa Bay Times and Health News Florida.

» Read the full report here.


AutoNation reports best June sales since 2007

Sports Business

World Cup in the Workplace

world cup
As the most contested matches of the World Cup play out on screens across offices in South Florida, employees take extra-long breaks — about two hours’ too long — to watch their team.

Some employers are actually encouraging their employees to get away from their tasks and watch their favorite teams compete in the World Cup.

» Full story from the Miami Herald

Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation on Wednesday reported its highest June sales of new vehicles since 2007. The company said it sold 1 percent more new vehicles this June compared to last year, even though this June had three fewer selling days than last year. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


4th of July gas prices highest in six years

AAA forecasts the most automobile travelers in seven years, as more than 34.8 million Americans will drive 50 miles or more. However, motorists are likely to find the most expensive gasoline prices for Independence Day since 2008. More at WINK News.


Florida among most expensive states to file for divorce

Thinking about filing for divorce in Florida? You'll be reaching deeper into your wallet than residents of other states. That's because Florida was named among the most expensive places to file for divorce in the U.S. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Work/Life
Not-so-lazy summer

recharge As the temperature rises and the day lengthens, summer slowdown creeps into almost every workplace. But this summer, a growing number of professionals are strategically using the downtime to rebalance. Experts estimate that when vacation mindset seeps into offices during summer, productivity slips by as much as 20 percent. Rather than give in, some professionals are tackling to-do lists, researching new projects and brainstorming fresh ideas — activities that get ignored during busier times.

» Full story from the Miami Herald