After vetoes, DeSantis signs roughly $115B budget
One day before the start of the fiscal year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a roughly $115 billion budget into law, after vetoing nearly $600 million in spending. The spending plan is about $3 billion less than the current year, and comes after a protracted negotiation between the House and Senate over tax cuts that delayed its approval. The cuts include eliminating more than 1,000 vacant positions throughout the state government. Some pieces of the budget will see increases, however. More from the Tallahassee Democrat and Florida Politics.
Florida cuts business rent tax: Local businesses react
After Gov. Ron DeSantis formally approved Florida’s tax package for the upcoming fiscal year, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is cheering on the legislation. Specifically, the organization is praising lawmakers for eliminating the business rent tax in Florida. The Sunshine State was the only state in America that taxed businesses that rent commercial space. More from Florida Politics and WJHG.
Florida’s Boater Freedom Act could harm fisheries, impede conservation, critics say
A measure prohibiting vessel searches that stem from safety inspections on the water is among a slew of new laws to be enacted in Florida this week. The law halts a long-running practice in which state and local marine law enforcement could stop boaters and board their vessels without probable cause. Opponents of the measure say it takes away a major tool for enforcing fishing rules and deterring poachers — random cooler searches. They worry that fish populations carefully monitored by state biologists could subsequently dwindle. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Are fireworks legal in Florida for Fourth of July? Buying them, when you can set them off
Noisy or projectile fireworks are illegal in Florida for 362 days out of the year. A 2020 Florida law established three fireworks “holidays” when they're allowed, subject to any grandfathered local ordinances. However, Floridians also are permitted to purchase and set off fireworks on other days provided they are used "solely and exclusively in frightening birds from agricultural works and fish hatcheries." Fireworks dealers may ask you to sign a document affirming that you're only buying fireworks to scare away crows or other agricultural use to get around the legal restriction. [Source: Naples Daily News]
Fraud, forgery on rise in Florida. How can buyers, sellers avoid title trouble?
Fraud and forgeries are on the rise in Florida. Forged deeds and mortgages are one of the biggest concerns when reviewing a title search report. While many counties are imposing regulations and penalties to deter fraudsters, it is not enough. Working with a real estate attorney is recommended for both buyers and sellers to identify and resolve title problems before closing. [Source: Florida Today]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tourism: A $4.1 billion business in Jacksonville
The tourism industry brought 8.2 million visitors to Jacksonville who booked 4.99 million room nights and spent $4.1 billion in direct spending in fiscal year 2024. Nearly half (45%) of Jacksonville’s visitors stay in paid accommodations, more than half of Jacksonville’s visitors come to the area to visit friends and relatives, and the industry supports 59,600 jobs.
› AdventHealth's largest Central Florida hospital names new CEO
AdventHealth Orlando has named its newest leader. The nonprofit health system named Abel Biri as CEO of its largest hospital, which has 1,371 licensed beds. Biri takes over for Rob Deininger, who was selected as president and CEO for the East Florida Division of AdventHealth in May. The new CEO's role will also include executive oversight of AdventHealth for Children.
› Questions surround plan to revive Miami’s historic Olympia Theater
Officials are considering transferring the aging downtown landmark to the SLAM charter school, a plan that could revive the mostly dormant theater but also is raising questions in the community about the theater’s future and transparency over the plan.
› Fare hike for Sarasota County's popular Breeze OnDemand service starts July 1
The fare hike for Sarasota County’s Breeze OnDemand service will take effect on July 1, as the program has grown increasingly popular since its launch four years ago. A one-way trip with Breeze OnDemand will now cost $3 for the first 3 miles and $1 for each additional mile. The previous base fare was $2. The OnDemand service launched in 2021 and covers three areas via a mobile app.
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› Rising Florida heat cutting into this exotic fruit’s already short and sweet season
The lychee, a rough-skinned pinkish-red fruit that cracks open to reveal its fragrant, sweet and juicy jelly-like flesh, has a notoriously short season. It’s typically available for only a few weeks in summer so South Florida growers always see a rush on the exotic treat. Increasing supply going to be an increasingly difficult challenge for farmers in large part because increasing temperatures.
› "This is not over." Developer Pat Neal could challenge denial of 440 homes in Parrish
Manatee County commissioners denied a proposal to build 440 homes in Parrish this month, but "this is not over" for developer Pat Neal. The relationship between Manatee County and local developers has become increasingly heated in recent months. It started after the 2024 election of two new county commissioners shifted the dynamics of the board from development friendly to a narrow split.
› Miami chef wins James Beard Award
For the second year in a row, a member of Miami’s Chang family has earned one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors. Nando Chang, chef and co-owner of Itamae Ao in Midtown Miami, won Best Chef: South at the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, held June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The category recognizes chefs from Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico.
› JU names Lisa Sutherland interim dean of Davis College of Business & Technology
Jacksonville University appointed Lisa Sutherland as the interim dean of the Davis College of Business & Technology, effective July 1. She succeeds Barbara Ritter, the new dean at the University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation. Sutherland has led the Honors Program since 2023. She founded the Honors Living Learning Community, expanded honors offerings, instituted dedicated academic advising and co-leads the university’s 2025-30 strategic planning process.