Florida consumer sentiment sees another notable drop in September
Consumer sentiment in Florida declined for the third consecutive month in September, falling 1.5 points to 78.7 from a revised figure of 80.2 in August. Similarly, national sentiment declined 3.1 points. “This month’s decline is driven primarily by reduced spending intentions and growing concerns about the national economy. While the steepest drop was in Floridians’ willingness to purchase big-ticket items, long-term expectations for the U.S. economy also fell," said Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. More from UF News and Florida Politics.
Florida is the fastest-growing hot spot for America's superrich
The ranks of America's ultrawealthy are surging — and the biggest winners aren't New York or California. A new report from wealth intelligence firm Altrata released on Tuesday shows that Florida, Texas, and Utah are set to experience the fastest growth in ultra-high-net-worth individuals — those worth more than $30 million — over the next five years. Florida leads the pack, with its population of the superrich projected to grow 8.8% annually through 2030. [Source: Business Insider]
Florida eliminates nation's only commercial rent tax after decade-long reduction effort
Florida will officially scrap its long-criticized “business rent tax,” a move that commercial property owners and tenants say will immediately improve the state’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining companies. The repeal, on Oct. 1, ends Florida’s status as the only state in the country taxing commercial leases, removing what real estate leaders long argued was a drag on business growth and a disincentive compared with nearby markets like Georgia. [Source: Jacksonville Business Journal]
Florida CEOs more optimistic overall about economic growth than national peers
Once again, Florida CEOs appear more optimistic than their national peers, according to the Florida Council of 100 Q3 2025 CEO Economic Outlook Index. The quarterly index is a forward-looking measure capturing expectations from top Florida CEOs on sales, capital spending, and employment. It is modeled after the nationally recognized Business Roundtable (BRT) index. [Source: Florida Council of 100]
State awards $40 million to workforce education programs
Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has allocated $40 million to school districts and colleges across the state to significantly expand programs training students for high-demand jobs. The funding, distributed through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program, or Workforce CAP, will boost the capacity of 49 workforce education programs by 59% statewide. More from Florida's Voice and First Coast News.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Amazon delivery drones have arrived in Tampa
Amazon Prime Air is bringing delivery drones to Tampa Bay by the end of the year, which means even faster delivery times for residents. By clicking the “drone delivery” option when ordering at Amazon, customers will receive their order within one hour. Josh Brundage, senior manager of commercial operations for Prime Air, said that the drones will begin operating from Amazon’s fulfillment center in Ruskin, the first in Florida.
› Baptist Health CEO announces 2026 retirement, successor search begins
Baptist Health is preparing for its next chapter of leadership as longtime health care executive Michael Mayo sets his retirement in motion. Mayo, who has led Jacksonville’s largest locally governed health system since 2021, announced Tuesday that he will step down as CEO in early 2026. The board expects to name his successor by the end of this year, with Mayo shifting into an advisory role in January before fully retiring in December 2026.
› Nonprofit behind Naples Winter Wine Festival rebrands
One of the most recognized nonprofits in Southwest Florida, Naples Children & Education Foundation, is changing its name to Naples Children Foundation. On Sept. 29, the organization behind the Naples Winter Wine Festival announced its new streamlined name, along with the launch of a new website and the creation of a new logo, all effective immediately. While the name is changing, the longstanding mission remains the same.
› Miami real estate is a tale of two markets — high-end condo sales lead the way
Miami’s luxury condo market had another hot month in August, continuing a trend that finds fancy homes attracting big spenders, according to new data from the Miami Association of Realtors. In addition to the high-end living demand — with the number of sales transactions of $5 million-and-up units jumping nearly 12% over last year — the median price of affordable older condos, considered 30 years and up, also remains strong, despite a $10,000 dip in value compared to a year ago.
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› Boca Raton startup is turning air conditioning into a climate solution
Walk into almost any building in Florida in the summer and you’ll know the routine: freezing-cold lobbies, muggy hallways, that faint smell of mold creeping in. Beyond simply being uncomfortable, it’s a sign of how badly traditional air conditioners handle humidity. For Daniel Betts, founder and CEO of Blue Frontier, that problem was the opening to build something radically better.
› Sarasota County approves $2.52B budget, with boosts for stormwater and sheriff
Sarasota County Commissioners have approved a $2.52 billion total budget, a 73% increase in spending from just three years ago, as property tax revenues have soared. “The budget, to me, is increasing rapidly, and it has my concern,” Knight said. “The sheriff's office budget is increasing rapidly – again."
› Orange County approves plan to build the largest animal shelter in Florida
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners has approved the construction of a new animal shelter, awarding a $49 million contract to The Collage Companies. The new Orange County Animal Services shelter is set to be the largest in the state, spanning 123,419 square feet and providing housing for 265 dogs and 200 cats.
› What does the average county worker earn in Miami-Dade?
Who earns the most on Miami-Dade County’s payroll? The answer continues to be lawyers, who occupied 14 of the top 20 slots in the Miami Herald’s latest ranking of Miami-Dade government compensation. That’s roughly the same as in 2023, when the County Attorney’s Office accounted for 15 of the 20 best-paid slots in the Herald analysis.