Gov. Scott, Speaker Corcoran face off over tourism funding

A feud between Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott and GOP House Speaker Richard Corcoran over government spending is quickly escalating. Scott lashed out Tuesday at the House leader, saying he and other House Republicans know nothing about having to struggle for a job or how to run a business. More from the AP, the Times/Herald, the Ledger, and FOX 35.

See also:
» Another day, another ding for Florida’s economic incentive programs
» Blindsided by campaign to kill job incentives, Tampa Bay economic developers fighting back
» Tourism mounts a show of force to fight 'Corcoran's AFP shills'

Judges question parent positions in challenge to Florida's third-grade retention law

After months of silence, a legal challenge to Florida's third-grade retention law — a keystone in the state's test-driven education system — resurfaced Tuesday in state appellate court. Parents who brought the suit aim to prevent their children from repeating third grade because they refused to complete a state reading test, and argued state law didn't actually require a passing test score. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Valentines Day spending to decline slightly in Florida, after a decade of record-setting increases

The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating its 80th year in supporting Florida’s retail industry, says Floridians will decrease their Valentine’s Day spending slightly this year, which reverses a decade-long trend of increasing spending. See the study from the FRF, here.

Your turn:
» What's your favorite thing to give -- or receive -- on Valentines Day? (quick poll)

Multimillionare Gladesman 'Alligator Ron' Bergeron mulling governor campaign

One of the more colorful business leaders in Florida, "Alligator Ron" Bergeron, says he is considering -- "reasonably seriously" -- running for governor in 2018. A Republican who describes himself as a "moderate conservative," Bergeron says private sector experience is critical in government. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Related Florida Trend Content
» ‘Alligator' Ron Bergeron is a Florida Icon

Florida franchise owners could benefit from state proposal

Restrictions on selling or transferring stores without the approval of national chains would be lifted for owners of franchise businesses in Florida, under a measure that drew quick opposition after being filed Tuesday. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› How an Orlando teacher shortage could hurt the local economy [Orlando Business Journal]
The demand for teachers in Orange County is growing — and the region is having trouble keeping up. Florida universities graduate about 5,000 teachers each year, but there's a need for closer to 15,000.

› Florida Governor gives Young Entrepreneur Award to Panama City business owner [News Release]
The owner of a Panama City car business has received a big award from Florida Governor Rick Scott. Tyler Montgomery, 25, was given the Young Entrepreneur Award by the Governor during a Florida Cabinet meeting Tuesday in Tallahassee.

› FPL customers to be billed for Hurricane Matthew costs starting in March [Palm Beach Post]
Florida Power & Light Co, customers will begin paying for $318.5 million in Hurricane Matthew restoration costs starting with their March bill. Customers will pay the storm fee through February 2018.

› Central Florida tech firm to launch new incubator for young companies [Orlando Sentinel]
Although Orlando is home to multiple business incubators, which essentially teach new entrepreneurs how to run a business, a local company says there is room for one more.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Florida Municipal Power Agency gives Vero Beach long-awaited exit cost [TCPalm]
Getting out of its electric contracts would cost the city of Vero beach up to $108 million. That's the price Florida Municipal Power Agency General Manager Jacob Williams is recommending as the buy-out cost.

› Survey: Florida among happiest states in America [Scripps Media]
The financial news website 24/7 Wall St. has published their findings for the top 10 happiest and most miserable states in the country, and Florida has just jumped into the top 10.

› Tighter security coming to Red Sox spring training games [WINK News]
Fans going to Red Sox spring training games at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers this year will have to pass through a metal detector, the team said Tuesday. The move is part of a Major League Baseball initiative to improve security.

› NASA needs to replace aging bridge to KSC [Florida Today]
As soon as 2021, an aging drawbridge over the Indian River Lagoon that provides a critical link to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral could be unsafe for spacecraft and other heavy cargo to cross, a NASA engineering study has determined.