Florida among top states for franchise growth in 2025
Rising business optimism and lower interest rates than early 2024 are expected to drive more franchise establishments nationwide this year, according to a new report from the International Franchise Association. About 20,000 new franchise establishments are projected to be added around the United States this year, with about 1,600 of them in Florida, the report says. That puts the Sunshine State among the top 10 states for franchise growth in 2025, according to the report. [Source: Business Observer]
Florida Trend Exclusive
NextGen: Easy investing
When Aaron Froug wasn’t studying or buying and selling on eBay, he dabbled in startups at the University of Florida. There he met Bo Starr, who was working on a business idea focused on building a community around stock market investing. Over pizza, the students decided to join forces. But when you’re building a startup, the first iteration is rarely what you end up with. “We kept going through different concepts, until one day, my sister and I were at a Starbucks and the barista said that’ll be $12. She laughed and said, ‘I should own stock for how much I shop here,’” Froug recalls. That’s when it hit him: “Why can't investing be as easy as the things you are already doing in your life?” [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida strawberry growers combat weather threats and disease to sustain supply
Despite challenges, industry forecasts predict strong yields for Florida-branded strawberries soon. Producers show confidence in maintaining supply through innovation, climate adaptation, and collaboration between researchers and growers. Investing in advanced techniques, disease resistance, and sustainable practices is essential for industry resilience. [Source: Fresh Plaza]
Analysis: Florida to add more than 13,000 rental homes this year
A new analysis shows there may be an uptick of rental homes available in Florida in 2025. Point2Homes, a rental housing advisory company, released a new report this month showing several states will be building and increasing the number of homes for rent this year. There is a “build-to-rent” boom on the cusp of becoming a reality in the Sunshine State. Florida will add more rental homes than any other state this year outside of Texas and Arizona. [Source: Florida Politics]
Pros and cons of allowing Florida CFO to invest state funds in Bitcoin
Companion bills in the Florida House and Senate propose allowing the state to start making money (or losing it) on Bitcoin. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, and Rep. Webster Barnaby, R-Deltona, want to grant the state CFO the authority to invest state holdings – such as from the General Revenue Fund and trust funds – in Bitcoin. The bill would cap the max investment at 10%. [Source: Daytona Beach News Journal]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› ‘You can’t beat the future’: Electric vehicles on the rise in Central Florida
Orlando resident Tyriq Green bought an electric vehicle to bypass the gas pump and likes that he’s on transportation’s cutting edge. “I think everybody should start getting electric cars because, 20 to 25 years from now, there might not be as many gas cars,” said Green, who drives a Tesla Model 3 Performance. “You can’t beat the future. You’ve just got to ride with it.” In Central Florida, the number of electric vehicle registrations rose more than 15% from November 2023 to November 2024, according to S&P Global Mobility, an automotive data and analytics company.
› New Miami Beach hotels may require special vote
Developers wishing to establish a new hotel, hostel or apartment hotel in Miami Beach may need a special warrant approved by at least five of the seven members of the City Commission, depending on the location. The law, which the commission unanimously passed Feb. 3, applies to most areas of Miami Beach where hotels can be built legally and comprises establishments built from scratch or converted from a non-transient property such as an apartment building or condominium.
› Mosaic wants to inject phosphate wastewater underground at Florida sites
A Tampa-based Fortune 500 fertilizer giant is eyeing a place to put its industrial wastewater: thousands of feet underground. Over the past year The Mosaic Co., which operates mines across Florida’s phosphate-rich Bone Valley region, has applied to either test or begin injecting its phosphate wastewater far beneath the earth’s surface at four of its facilities, including two in Hillsborough County.
› 12 from Southwest Florida on Forbes best employers lists, including No. 1 spot
For the past 10 years, Forbes has been ranking America’s best large and midsize employers, and this year a dozen organizations in the region made the list — including one that secured a top spot. Shriners Hospitals for Children, based in Tampa, ranked No. 1 among the best midsize employers, climbing from No. 12 in last year’s rankings, according to the publication.
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› New hotels proposed for Kissimmee: City aims to boost tourism
Two more proposals are competing to build hotels in Kissimmee on city land. The city of Kissimmee got those from a pair of undisclosed bidders ahead of a Feb. 17 deadline. They join an earlier proposal from Cape Canaveral-based Kissimmee Place Development Group Inc. at Kissimmee Gateway Airport and on city-owned land near the Toho Square Garage.
› Investors bet $50.4M on Miami-based Dorsia, a member-based reservation platform for top venues
Tried to score the hottest table in Miami for Valentine’s night? It may have helped if you started trying six months ago – or you were a member of Miami-based Dorsia. Dorsia’s app and platform enable members to book coveted reservations at top restaurant and nightlife destinations and access exclusive events in 21 markets worldwide.
› Jacksonville's coffee roasters are getting creative to keep prices steady amid soaring bean costs
To make up for smaller margins while maintaining a steady retail price for customer bases, regional coffee roasters and retailers are not only adjusting wholesale prices and contracts, but developing a deeper relationship between coffee and clients. Large and small, these purveyors can offer more diverse brew and accessories through a deeper product connection.
› Following condo boom, luxury apartments pop up in downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota has seen plenty of luxury condo development as several towers have been built in recent years that now soar along the bayfront — but new high-end apartments have been rare in the urban core. That was, until last year after two high-rise buildings on the east end of Main Street finished construction adding more than 420 luxury units to Sarasota's rental inventory.