As Florida considers regulating AI, insurers say rules already exist
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis for months has hinted at legislation addressing the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, insurance lobbyists argued before a Florida House panel Tuesday that state law already regulates AI in the insurance sphere. The four witnesses plus an AI subject-matter expert spoke to the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee during a panel discussion about AI use in the insurance industry. The meeting followed DeSantis’ months-long push to address the skyrocketing energy costs of artificial intelligence and the growing concern over AI taking human jobsMore from the News Service of Florida and Click Orlando.
Florida Trend Exclusive
‘A group of warriors’
Lonni Alameda, the head softball coach for Florida State University, was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer in late February just as her team’s 2025 season was getting underway. The beloved coach’s diagnosis sent shock waves through team members, her support staff and the entire FSU athletic community. During her busy summer recruiting throughout the country, while continuing chemotherapy treatments, she took time to describe for FLORIDA TREND her ordeal, and the physical and emotional journey brought on by the disease. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida’s 1,100 natural springs are under threat — a geographer explains how to restore them
Springs are points where groundwater emerges at the earth’s surface, and Florida boasts more than 1,100 of them. North and central Florida comprise one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs in the world. Many of these springs provide a home to a variety of wild animals and plants. But they are also canaries in the coal mine for Florida’s groundwater system, because they draw upon the same groundwater that many Floridians depend on for drinking water, farm irrigation and industrial use. [Source: WLRN]
The famous Michelin Guide will open to the entire state of Florida in 2026
For lovers of food and travel, Michelin has been a guiding star for more than a century, highlighting chefs and restaurants that are at the pinnacle of their craft. While only a select few restaurants obtain a coveted Michelin star rating, over 30,000 establishments in over 30 territories across three continents—each offering unique, innovative and unforgettable experiences—have been spotlighted in the Michelin Guide. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]
Florida lands USDA program to speed up crop innovation
The University of Florida is the new home for Breeding Insight, a USDA-Agricultural Research Service-funded program that supports more than 61 public breeding programs at USDA and university partners across the country. The initiative provides tools, expertise, and advanced technologies to accelerate the development of crops that are more resilient, pest- and disease-resistant, and nutritious. Breeding Insight scientists use high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and custom software to speed up the breeding process. [Source: Seed World]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Canadian travel intentions show signs of a rebound in Central Florida
Visit Orlando has been closely tracking travel trends from the Canadian market after political concerns and boycotts tied to U.S. tariffs caused travel to slow. After months of decline, interest in U.S. travel among Canadians is beginning to rebound. “We’re seeing kind of a renewed energy, renewed interest from the Canadian market,” Cassandra Matej, Visit Orlando’s President and CEO, said.
› Duval Schools reject proposals to sell Downtown HQ, buy building in Baymeadows
With a pair of 0-7 votes, the Duval County School Board rejected a proposal Oct. 7 to sell its administration building and property at 1701 Prudential Drive on the Southbank Downtown and another proposal to buy an office building at 8928 Prominence Parkway in Baymeadows. Retirement community developer Fleet Landing proposed to acquire the Duval County Public Schools’ riverfront headquarters for $20 million, demolish the building and build a high-rise senior living community on the site.
› New Rays owners envision 100-acre mixed-use stadium development like Atlanta's Battery
The new owners of the Tampa Bay Rays envision a 100-acre mixed-use district similar to The Battery, the home of the Atlanta Braves. Where that development might land in Tampa Bay — and how much of it will be publicly funded — remains to be seen. Rays co-chairperson Patrick Zalupski, who led the investor group that paid a reported $1.7 billion for the team on Sept. 30, made his first public appearance on Tuesday.
› Spirit wants to cut number of airplanes in a bid to keep flying. See the plans
Broward-based Spirit Airlines has reduced destinations and furloughed flight attendants, many in South Florida. Now it’s cutting the number of airplanes it flies in its ongoing quest to survive. The Dania Beach-headquartered carrier wants to void lease agreements for 87 airplanes, Spirit said in a request last week with a federal bankruptcy court in New York. The court needs to approve this as it does other parts of the company’s restructuring plan.
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› Miami companies shine among Florida’s most reputable firms
A new study by Merco, the international corporate reputation monitor, highlights the top companies in Florida for 2025, with some of Miami-based best known firms ranking among the state’s most respected names. According to the Merco ranking, the retail sector dominates the list, with eight of the top 30 companies operating in consumer goods and retail, led by Publix who ranks as #1 in the State.
› Jacksonville's Trailer Bridge divests logistics arm to longtime partner, refocuses on core business
Effective Nov. 1, the agreement transfers Trailer Bridge’s U.S. brokerage and intermodal rail operations — including offices in Jacksonville, Raleigh, Dallas and Kansas City — to ATS Logistics Services the logistics arm of Anderson Trucking Service. Trailer Bridge is a staple of the Jacksonville transportation industry with services like barge shipments to Puerto Rico under the Jones Act and military contracts.
› Orlando gives shelter $150,000 to help keep homeless out of jail
With demand for its services spiking, the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida will receive a $150,000 grant from Orlando to expand its temporary shelter program. The money will allow the coalition to expand a program that keeps its doors open overnight so law enforcement has a place to take people in crisis when most other shelters are closed. Orlando’s city council approved the grant Monday.
› Hoffmann acquires Naples-based Pure Florida maritime tourism business
Pure Florida, a longtime maritime tourism business in Naples, has been acquired by the Hoffmann Family of Companies. Focused on hospitality, adventure and relaxation, Pure Florida provides water-based attractions for both residents and seasonal visitors in Naples. Founded in 2009 by father-and-son captains Lance and Harry Julian, Pure Florida comprises five generations of maritime expertise and more than 25 years of industry experience.