Congress could kill rooftop solar tax credits used by Florida homeowners
The solar industry in Florida has been booming. For the first time last year, the state surged past California for the amount of utility-scale solar that was plugged into the grid, according to industry data analyzed by energy news outlet Canary Media. Florida produces enough energy from the sun to power more than 2 million homes. But now local solar companies worry that progress could be undone. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Business Beat - Week of May 30th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Federal data shows a notable increase in new unemployment claims in Florida
The DOL reported that for the week ending May 24, there were 6,969 first-time jobless filings in Florida. That’s an increase of 792 claims over the week ending May 17, when there were 6,177 claims. It’s the biggest increase in unemployment claims in months. The latest report marks the highest number of new claims seen in any week in Florida this year. The jump in Florida figures is in line with the national trend. More from Florida Politics and the News Service of Florida.
Study: Florida ranks among nation’s stalest housing markets
Florida is fourth stalest housing market in 2025, according to data from Redfin and Zillow. The study compiled by financial research platform Investors Observer ranked states using a composite staleness score based on median days on market, or DOM, and the percentage of listings unsold after 30 days — metrics weighted 60/40, respectively. Florida stood out with 58.3% of listings unsold after 60 days and 34.5% of homes showing price drops. [Source: Gulfshore Business]
See also:
» Florida dragging national condo market down as investors back off
New study finds this company most accurate for hurricane predictions. Is it right?
A Kantar study, commissioned by AccuWeather, claims AccuWeather's 2024 hurricane forecasts were more accurate than the National Hurricane Center's. The study's methodology has been criticized for lack of transparency and potential bias. The National Weather Service is facing staffing shortages due to budget cuts, potentially impacting forecast accuracy. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Ferris again tops in CEO compensation for Jacksonville-based public companies
For the second year in a row, Stephanie Ferris of Fidelity National Information Services Inc., or FIS, was the highest-paid chief executive of a Jacksonville-based company. That shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Her salary is typical for a CEO of a company that is part of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index.
› Fort Myers adoption of AI technology brings immediate solution
Fort Myers has launched a program that will give 150 employees access to a ChatGPT program. While artificial intelligence is seen by some as a job killer, the city’s technology chief says it productivity tool and that humans are needed to operate it. A team of 30 has been beta testing a version of the product and others will begin using it soon.
› Inside CAT Labs, the Miami startup racing to stop crypto crime before it vanishes
A $3.6 billion crypto stash sat hidden in a Google spreadsheet. Law enforcement had it in hand, but didn’t know it. That kind of miss is exactly what CAT Labs was built to prevent. The Miami-based startup, led by former DEA crypto agent Lili Infante, is developing the tools law enforcement needs to uncover, seize, and secure digital assets before they’re laundered or lost.
› Conservation deal set for Alachua land
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Thursday the state has reached a deal to spend $2.975 million to help shield 421 acres of farmland in Alachua County from potential development. The deal, part of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, involves buying a conservation easement, which will allow agricultural operations to continue while preventing development.
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› Port Everglades inks 10-year deal with major operator
Broward County has entered into a new 10-year marine terminal lease and operating agreement with Everglades Company Terminal, Inc., a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The agreement, announced May 21, is effective through the end of 2034 and includes two optional five-year extensions.
› Le Tub, Hollywood’s kitschy hamburger dive, turns 50 with big weekend bash
When Le Tub Saloon first opened on Christmas Eve 1975, toilet seats on the front lawn encouraged diners to “seat yourself.” Beside these sat dented license plates, rusty anchors and a driftwood sign discouraging any noisy kids, infants, hat wearers, and anyone under 22 from entering — a sign that stayed up until the city of Hollywood, a decade later, asked founder Russell Kohuth to take it down.
› Disney Springs expands art area with mural by Orlando’s Brett Tachi
Another panel of the Disney Springs Art Walk mural is complete, and it’s work done by Brett Tachi, an artist born and raised in Orlando. “I wanted to showcase a bit of our family history,” Tachi said in a video released by Walt Disney World. The mural is one of several seen at the Disney Springs Art Walk, an outdoor set of large paintings on continuous display.
› Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport appoints new CFO
A finance leader with experience in the aviation industry has been appointed CFO of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Kevin Podsiad will oversee financial operations for the fast-growing airport, which posted more than $146 million in revenue in fiscal year 2024. A CPA, Podisad served for 10 years at Tampa International Airport, most recently as director of financial planning and reporting.