Florida’s ‘green industry’ cranks $42B into state economy
A new report shows the “green industry” is generating plenty of green for the Florida economy. The study from the Farm Credit of Central Florida and Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) defines green industries as organic farming, agricultural nurseries and lawn services, among others. Per the report, those businesses amounted to a $42 billion economic impact in the Sunshine State in 2023 alone. Green businesses also support an estimated 279,000 jobs for Floridians and account for about $14 billion in labor income. More from Florida Politics.
Jacksonville hurricane-shutter manufacturer reaches growth milestone on Inc. 5000
Fenetex, a Westside-based company specializing in motorized screens, has turned a niche product into a national growth story. Ranked No. 89 in the manufacturing sector on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies, the company has surged past $10 million in revenue and nearly doubled its workforce. More from the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Allstate takes Florida clinics to court over sweeping fraud claims
Allstate is taking two Florida chiropractic clinics to court, claiming they orchestrated a sweeping insurance fraud that cost the company hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to the complaint, the defendants used predetermined treatment protocols that included excessive and unnecessary chiropractic services. Allstate claims that, regardless of a patient’s actual needs, the clinics billed for a set routine of services - sometimes for treatments that never occurred at all. More from Insurance Business Magazine.
Tampa Bay is a hot spot for Israeli companies
The ribbon-cutting for Xtend in early July marks another success for the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator, which since 2017 has attracted Israeli tech companies seeking to expand into the U.S. to Florida. Forty-six businesses now have a presence across the state, with 17 setting up shop in Tampa Bay, according to Pam Miniati, an executive director for the program. More from the Tampa Bay Times.
Businesses want to act more like banks, and this Miami CEO has the tech they need to do it
When Starbucks sells you a latte, it’s not merely selling coffee: it’s sitting on one of the largest unofficial bank accounts in the country, thanks to the billions loaded onto its gift cards and app balances. That’s the kind of “bank-like” thinking Miles Schwartz wants every business to be able to do. His company, Zūm Rails, is building the tech to make it happen. Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of Zūm Rails, has seen his team grow from just six people last year to around 75 today, with about 20 based in the U.S. More from Refresh Miami.
Florida Nature
Florida wildlife officials urge public to report rare rainbow snake sightings
Florida is plagued by invasive creatures, but it’s the native rainbow snake that state officials are asking people to report on sight. The reason: The snakes are increasingly tough to find, giving rise to fears the species is dying out, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says.
» More from the Miami Herald and the Economic Times.
Florida Trend Exclusive
Gene therapy pioneer
Skeletal muscle weakness, heart problems and breathing difficulties are typically part of life for children living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other inherited muscular disorders. Although many inherited muscular disorders don’t have a cure, researchers like Dr. Barry J. Byrne from the University of Florida are finding treatments to improve their quality of life. Byrne is professor and associate chair for the Department of Pediatrics at UF’s College of Medicine as well as director of the Powell Gene Therapy Center.
» Read more from Florida Trend.