Florida gains a new taxpayer about every two minutes
Florida welcomes a new taxpayer about every two minutes while California loses one about every minute, according to new data. An analysis of data from the IRS conducted by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation found that Florida, Texas and North Carolina gain new taxpayers faster than any other state in the country. The states losing taxpayers most frequently are California, New York and Illinois. [Source: The Center Square]
In Florida, fending off federal oil drilling plan is a bipartisan cause
In just the first 24 hours after the administration unveiled its proposal to auction two oil leases in the eastern Gulf about 100 miles from Florida shores, a unified bipartisan pushback emerged with haste. Republican leaders, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, opposed the plan with a focus on the threat that new drilling could pose to military stations in Florida’s Panhandle. The Florida Democratic Party said drilling could harm the state’s natural ecosystems. But both sides agreed: New oil leases are a bad idea. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Opinion: A holiday checklist for Florida entrepreneurs
For many Florida entrepreneurs, the end of the year marks a key transition point that sets the tone for year-end performance. It’s a crucial time to assess finances and prepare to capitalize on upcoming opportunities and new cycles of customer engagement. Some local businesses may see an influx of traffic during the fall and winter, especially during the holidays. For those that experience a natural slowdown as the temperatures drop, it’s a moment to refine strategies and set the stage for future peaks. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Flying for Thanksgiving? See latest delays, cancellations in Florida
While the government shutdown has been resolved, flight delays and cancellations are happening as we enter the busiest days of the Thanksgiving travel days. More than 400 delays and almost 200 cancellations have been reported early Nov. 24, affecting flights within, in or out of the U.S. While AccuWeather predicts good travel weather in Florida, that doesn't mean clear flying, especially if your flight is heading toward one of the trouble spots. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
12 million Floridians are about to see their electricity prices spike in one of the largest utility rate increases in state history
The price hike will affect an estimated 12 million Floridians — roughly half the state's population — at a time when voters are citing economic concerns as a top issue. The Florida Public Service Commission approved the rate increase Thursday for Florida Power & Light, the state's largest power company, over the strong objections of advocates for the elderly, conservation groups, and the state-appointed advocate for Florida ratepayers, who called the proposal “disproportionately favorable” to corporate interests. [Source: AP]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tropicana Field roof finished early as Rays chase new stadium
The City of St. Petersburg has finished installing the final roof panel at Tropicana Field, marking a major milestone in the repairs needed after Hurricane Milton damaged the stadium in 2024. The work keeps the Tampa Bay Rays’ return on schedule for the 2026 season. The news comes as the Rays’ new ownership group outlines its plan for a future fixed-roof stadium and a mixed-use district spanning more than 100 acres. With construction timelines tight and Tropicana Field repairs now ahead of schedule, the city and the team are entering a critical stretch.
› 1st Starship launch on Space Coast could come mid-2026, Space Force official says
While SpaceX continues to test its Starship and Super Heavy rocket in Texas, Space Force officials in Florida are preparing for a first launch as early as mid-2026. SpaceX is awaiting the completion of a pair of environmental impact statements for its plans to launch from both Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39-A and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 37.
› Fort Lauderdale worries project on ex-Searstown site may be sidelined if property is sold
News that developer Aimco is planning to sell off real estate assets across the country has city officials wondering whether that includes the former Searstown site in Fort Lauderdale. Aimco bought the 5.7-acre property at the busy corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway for $64 million in June 2022. “The word on the street is they are going to look to sell it,” local developer Charlie Ladd told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday.
› Project Underground seeking city incentives for $10 million Northwest Jacksonville expansion
A Northwest Jacksonville manufacturer is seeking city incentives to support an expansion that would create a $10 million capital investment and up to 120 new jobs. The city Office of Economic Development is seeking approval from the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee to submit legislation to provide a 50%, five-year Recaptured Enhanced Value Grant of up to $275,000 for the company, code-named Project Underground.
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› State can’t find Hope Florida vehicles in motor pool database
Buses, vans and trucks emblazoned with the Hope Florida logo serve as backdrops to press conferences touting the welfare alternative program championed by First Lady Casey DeSantis. They also show up in communities hit by natural disasters wherever news cameras are rolling, with food, water and other supplies. And they are visible in the parking lot of the Florida Department of Children and Families’ state headquarters in Tallahassee. But they cannot be found in the database.
› Billionaire Stephen Ross ramps up West Palm Beach development, plans countywide projects
Billionaire and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross is ready to put West Palm Beach on national display as a model community for business relocation, and his development efforts will soon spread countywide. Ross spoke with the Business Journal on Nov. 20 as his Related Ross opened a 10,000-square-foot “experience center” in CityPlace to highlight its projects in West Palm Beach, along with other development in the city such as the forthcoming Vanderbilt University graduate campus and Cleveland Clinic Hospital.
› Manatee County lagoon community hits milestones
A Tampa-based developer building a lagoon-centered community in Manatee County has provided an update on the project, including an opening date for its manmade water attraction. Metro Development Group also announced it has hit some residential and commercial milestones. The 4-acre lagoon at Seaire broke ground in November 2024.
› Jacksonville-based lobbying firm The Fiorentino Group renamed The Florida Group
The Fiorentino Group, a Jacksonville-based government lobbying firm, announced Nov. 21 that it changed its name to The Florida Group. The firm said the name reflects its “growing government affairs and business development services at the local, state and federal levels.” Founded in 2002, The Florida Group says it specializes in transportation, economic development, local governmental matters, education, health care and appropriations lobbying.