Over 100 new laws taking effect July 1, here's the list
Florida lawmakers passed numerous new laws during a contentious legislative session. Many new laws take effect July 1, covering diverse areas such as public safety, education, and healthcare. Some key changes include restrictions on geoengineering, expanded school choice options, a database for animal abusers, and new criminal offenses for excessive speeding. [Source: Florida Today]
Florida outpaces nation in CEO expectations for hiring and capital investment
The Florida Council of 100’s second quarter CEO Economic Outlook shows that Florida business leaders are significantly more optimistic than their national counterparts about the state of their respective companies over the next six months. The quarterly index measures expectations from top CEOs regarding sales, capital spending and employment. It is modeled after the Business Roundtable index. Florida’s overall CEO Economic Outlook Index score was 83, compared to 69 for the BRT national index. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
These Florida cities rank among highest that people are moving out of
Is Florida's unofficial title as one of the top states to live in starting to fade away? Popular moving and storage service PODS analyzed its net long-distance moving numbers between January 2024 and March 2025 to determine where most Americans are relocating this year. Tampa and Miami are experiencing significant outward migration. High living costs, low housing affordability, and increased natural disaster risks are cited as reasons for the exodus. More from the Gainesville Sun and the Florida Times-Union.
Florida eyes 2nd immigration detention center to join ‘Alligator Alcatraz’
Florida officials are considering opening an immigration detention center at a National Guard base in North Florida in addition to a facility nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades, part of a plan to set up 5,000 beds by early July to support President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday the state-run detention centers will relieve county jails facing an influx of detainees held for immigration violations. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
New flood disclosures in rental agreements are coming to Florida
Later this year, landlords will have to start giving prospective tenants advance notice that their dwellings could flood from time to time. The disclosure is already required in certain property sales, but not in residential rental agreements. That changes Oct. 1 under legislation (SB 948) Gov. Ron DeSantis signed. [Source: Florida Politics]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› For another year, downtown Orlando music will play on
Downtown Orlando will continue to host live music, art exhibits and other forms of entertainment with the recent renewal of a program that has brought welcome work and income to Central Florida performers. “It’s very good news,” said Jennifer Evins, president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, which partners on the program with Orlando’s Downtown Development Board. Known as DTOLive, the initiative brought hundreds of free performances to public spaces in its pilot year.
› Royal Caribbean reveals huge upgrades coming to three cruise ships
Royal Caribbean is kicking its Royal Amplified program into high gear in 2026 following the successful amplification of Allure of the Seas in spring 2025. The cruise line invested more than $100 million into a transformation of Allure of the Seas ahead of its summer season in Europe. Now, three more Royal Caribbean ships will get their own makeovers in 2026 as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified fleet modernization program, which was first introduced in 2018.
› South Walton business owners react to passing of customary use of beaches bill
The passage of bill 1622 is already drawing reactions from people in Walton County. The area is home to thousands of businesses, and most of them depend heavily on tourism to stay afloat. According to the 2024 Spring Walton County Tourism report, 95% of visitors listed going to the beach as their top activity. However, local business owners claim that limited public beach access in recent years has driven many visitors away.
› Van Wezel panel nears end of two-year study for its future use
A special committee that has been working for two years to recommend alternative uses for the 55-year-old Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to the Sarasota City Commission is nearing the end of its mission without a clear option to suggest. Committee members have agreed in general that the Van Wezel needs to maintain its current operations at least until a new performing arts venue opens and that steps should be taken immediately to protect the venue from future storms.
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› What if a hurricane hits ‘Alligator Alcatraz’? Florida drawing up evacuation plan
Construction is underway for an immigrant detention center in the heart of the Everglades, where Florida says it plans to stash detainees in tents as soon as next week. If they stick to that schedule, detainees will begin arriving in the hottest part of the year for Florida — and the middle of hurricane season. Forecasters have called for an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms between now and November 30.
› Punta Gorda Airport explores wage increases amid high turnover
Punta Gorda Airport is considering wage increases for its Fixed Base Operator employees following concerns about near-total worker turnover. Charlotte County Airport Authority Chair Robert Hancik told board members during a recent workshop that current pay is no longer competitive, and increasing wages may be necessary to attract and retain staff. FBO workers provide essential services to private and corporate aviation, including fueling, maintenance, hangar management, flight planning and passenger amenities.
› Port Canaveral shares renderings, next steps for $69M Cruise Terminal 5 expansion
Port Canaveral is taking the next steps to build an expansion to Cruise Terminal 5. The Canaveral Port Authority's board on June 25 unanimously approved a guaranteed maximum price for the nearly 80,000-square-foot project. The $69 million project will expand the existing 90,000-square-foot terminal to 170,000 square feet, adding space to the first and second floors of the building.
› Miami police may hire 300 more
The Miami Police Department could see 300 additional officers join the force over the next three years as part of a major expansion to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth and increasing demand for public safety services. Today, Miami commissioners are to consider a resolution directing the city manager to fund, recruit and hire 100 new officers a year for three consecutive fiscal years starting in 2025-2026.