Florida’s film tax incentives set for an overhaul

A group of lawmakers wants to remake the state’s film and television incentive program so that the industry hires and builds more in Florida. Just don’t call the sequel to the state’s depleted film, television and video-game incentive program an incentive program. More at the Florida Times Union, the Orlando Sentinel, and KFTV.

Legislative Roundup:
» Florida bill to loosen cap on time-share fees draws critics
» Florida Bill Would Ease Penalties for Class Size Violations
» New bill could mean big changes for alimony in Florida
» Guns in K-12 schools bill passes first subcommittee
» New school uniform policies would pay off for Florida school districts under bill

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Florida Trend Exclusive
Of counsel: Stitching a niche

In response to Miami’s growing popularity among fashion designers, attorney Laura Ganoza has created a niche -- “custom-made counseling for the Miami fashion industry” -- that the firm says aims to “assist up-and-coming fashion designers navigate the complexities associated with launching a fashion label and expanding business operations.” Access full article.

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State defense of Sunshine lawsuit could be a six-figure tab for taxpayers

Gov. Rick Scott and all three Cabinet members have assembled an army of legal firepower at taxpayer expense to defend themselves against charges they violated Florida's Sunshine law. Forced to defend the removal of state law enforcement commissioner Gerald Bailey with no public vote, the four officials have retained nearly a dozen lawyers charging up to $400 an hour each. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

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Equity crowdfunding gains steam in Florida

A bill to legalize equity crowdfunding in Florida is gaining traction in the state Legislature, thanks in part to three Orlando businessmen. A similar effort failed to launch in Tallahassee last year, partly because of concerns raised by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

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How short-term viral hits can transform a small business

Whether it's a photo that gets shared on social media like the recent controversy over the color of #TheDress or a funny review that gets passed around, sales of products that go viral often skyrocket. And although the sellers struggle at first to deal with the extra attention and demand, the sudden celebrity can boost business for years to come. [Source: AP]

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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Broward trying to reduce teacher workloads [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Broward officials say they are pushing to find ways to give teachers more time where they belong: in the classroom with their students. Teachers say their time is increasingly spent trying to meet new requirements based on tougher education standards — and the school district agrees.

› Gay discrimination still a problem for many Florida workers [Orlando Sentinel]
About 328,000 employees in Florida are vulnerable to discrimination because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to a new report.

› Longer state snapper season draws mixed reviews [Panama City News-Herald]
An increase in the amount of red snapper allowed to be caught in the Gulf this year could mean a longer season for recreational anglers in state waters.

› Women's Business Center opens in Orlando [Bright House Networks]
The Florida Institute of Technology opened its first Women’s Business Center in downtown Orlando Thursday. The school already had success with women’s business centers in Melbourne and Rockledge.

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› Blood supply reaches low levels in South Florida [Miami Herald]
The blood supply in South Florida has reached very low levels and anyone eligible is being asked to donate as soon as possible.

› Tourism surging; Broward sets record for hotel occupancy [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Tourism continued to surge in January in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Tourism leaders reported the numbers Wednesday, the same day that hundreds of industry representatives gathered in Tallahassee to lobby legislators on Florida Tourism Day.

› Farmworkers bring fair food celebration, protest to St. Petersburg [Tampa Bay Times]
They plan to arrive by the hundreds, by bus, car, truck and plane, to wave placards and carry banners in support of Florida's farmworkers.

› Jacksonville's Mac Papers is rebranding [Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville-based Mac Papers on Tuesday announced it is introducing a new corporate brand designed to reframe the company’s corporate image.