Will Florida’s new non-compete law attract tech companies to the Sunshine State?
Florida just enacted a game-changer of a law that makes it the friendliest state in the country for enforcing non-competes – and could also revolutionize how tech companies view the Sunshine State as a place to set up businesses. Given that the war for talent in the tech industry is red-hot, particularly among AI labs, with some reports of multimillion dollar bonuses for top talent, Florida’s new non-compete law could help pull tech companies to the Sunshine State. [Source: JD Supra]
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» In a first, Gov. DeSantis lets non-compete bill become law sans signature
Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida Icon: Tony Argiz
Tony Argiz, South Florida Managing Principal at BDO, tells us: "When I took over the firm, we were maybe less than $6 million. We grew it to $150 million, and it became Florida’s largest ever (Florida)-based accounting firm. I dedicated my adult life to this. It was, like, seven days a week." [Source: Florida Trend]
Experts predict electric bills in Florida during summer will be highest in over a decade
The temperature isn’t the only thing Florida residents will see get higher this summer; the National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicts utility bills may be the highest they've been over the past 12 years. The reason residents may see up to a 6% increase in utility bills from last summer is a combination of record-breaking heat and the rising cost of electricity, which is now outpacing inflation. [Source: First Coast News]
Florida TaxWatch: State consumers will see higher prices as a result of trade tariffs
A new analysis by Florida TaxWatch on the impact of tariffs on the Sunshine State economy concludes there could be a substantial hit to many industries and consumers. The Potential Impacts of New Tariffs on Florida’s Economy report issued by the government watchdog group raises serious concerns about President Donald Trump’s plans for increasing trade tariffs. The report concludes that Florida consumers will not be able to avoid rising costs when tariffs are implemented. [Source: Florida Politics]
This summer, food gets harder to come by for Florida families
For the third year in a row, Floridians say it’s getting harder to afford groceries, according to a statewide survey from No Kid Hungry Florida, a nonprofit that works to increase access to food for children. More than half said that rising food prices have pushed them further into debt over the past year alone. “Summer is an especially difficult time for parents to feed their kids,” said No Kid Hungry’s Director Sky Beard. Many Florida families rely on free or reduced-price school meals, which reached more than 2.2 million students in the 2024–25 school year. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Starships coming to Florida: Air Force collecting public comments during Brevard hearings
The U.S. Air Force seeks public comment on the potential environmental impacts of up to 76 Starship-Super Heavy launches per year from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Three public hearings are scheduled in Brevard County, along with a virtual hearing, to gather feedback. SpaceX is also seeking approvals for increased launch activity elsewhere at the Cape, including NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Launch Complex 40.
› Miami-based Insightec receives new FDA approval of Parkinson’s treatment
Parkinson’s Disease is expected to affect more than 1.2 million Americans by 2030. While medications remain the primary way to treat patients, many of them eventually experience side effects or diminishing effectiveness, prompting the need for more options. Insightec announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of its Exablate Neuro platform for staged bilateral pallidothalamic tractotomy treatment in patients living with advanced Parkinson’s disease.
› Rays’ St. Petersburg stadium deal will be officially over with vote
St. Petersburg officials want to make the city’s divorce from the Tampa Bay Rays official and move on. A key document governing a deal to build a $1.3 billion stadium expired March 31 when the Tampa Bay Rays decided not to move forward with those plans. While that meant that other project terms automatically ended on that date too, city attorneys have drafted a termination agreement between St. Petersburg, the Rays and the project’s development partner, Hines.
› Reports show Northeast Florida economy slowing
A monthly survey of Northeast Florida manufacturers by the University of North Florida’s Local Economic Indicators Project shows the region’s economy continuing to contract. Meanwhile, a global survey by Jacksonville-based Dun & Bradstreet showed a lack of optimism at businesses in a wide range of industries.
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› Florida’s new no-wake law targets drivers on flooded streets
A new Florida law allows cities to set up slow-speed zones when streets are flooded. If someone is driving too fast on a flooded street and creating dangerous wakes, officers now have the power to hand out citations. The new no-wake law was one of several that took effect in the state July 1st.
› FloridaCommerce now accepting applications for state funding to enhance military communities
Florida communities with military installations can now apply for grant programs being offered by the state. FloridaCommerce, the state’s economic development bureau, announced that funding is being offered through the Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant (DRG) and Florida Defense Support Commission Grant (DSC) programs. Applications are being accepted through Aug. 25 for both programs.
› New renderings showcase futuristic look for Orlando's Camping World Stadium
The city of Orlando has published new architectural renderings for the proposed Camping World Stadium upgrades. The project, which has been years in the making, would upgrade the stadium’s upper bowls, add an upper bowl on the northern side and increase seating to 65,000. Engineers say the additions will also need additional hurricane bracing, which they plan to incorporate into a new aesthetic for the exterior of the building.
› Can Santa Rosa 'override' governor's veto and save rare salt marsh for wildlife, recreation?
There has been a movement for some time to protect 27 acres of this unique ecosystem from encroaching development. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently dealt the county a huge setback by vetoing an appropriation of $850,000 that had been approved by both chambers of the Florida Legislature. "I was devastated to see that grant vetoed," County Commissioner Colten Wright commented at the board's July 7 Committee of the Whole meeting.