Florida property tax relief plans take step forward
Eight plans to offer property tax relief in Florida have taken a step forward in the state legislature. All but one are constitutional amendments that would need 60% of voter approval to go into effect. They all cleared the House Select Committee on Property Taxes on Thursday and now move to the State Affairs Committee for consideration. The Republican-led legislation aims to lower or eliminate most property taxes without affecting funding for law enforcement. It has drawn opposition from Democrats, local governments that depend on property tax revenue and GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis. [Source: Th Center Square]
Florida bear hunt moves forward after court ruling
A Florida judge denied an emergency request to block a December bear hunt but will allow a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality to proceed. The lawsuit questions whether the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) used proper scientific data to approve the hunt. Opponents argue the FWC relied on obsolete data, while the FWC maintains it has exclusive authority to manage wildlife. [Source: Sarasota Herald Tribune]
Where New Yorkers and other new Florida arrivals might live — and work — in 2026
If there is to be a repeat of the COVID-era New York-to-Florida migration in 2026, it is more likely to come in small increments as opposed to a thundering herd. Now that Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist, has been elected mayor of New York City, Palm Beach and Broward counties — as well as their friendly neighbor to the south, Miami-Dade County — are again viewed as potential landing spots for out-of-state residents and business operators in search of lower tax bills and living costs and more friendly business climates. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Column: When lawsuit abuse hurts small businesses, entire communities pay
Even the most careful business owner can find themselves targeted by claims designed not to seek justice, but to squeeze a settlement. From slip-and-fall cases to inflated injury claims, the system has become a cash cow for predatory billboard layers. These lawsuits don’t just hurt one business — they raise insurance premiums across the board, drive up consumer costs, and discourage job creation. [Source: Florida Today]
Families face long waitlist for Florida’s subsidized childcare program
The number of children waiting for subsidized childcare in Florida has ballooned to nearly 26,000 this year as federal COVID-era funding ended and the state made more youngsters eligible for the help but chipped in no extra money. As a result, many low-income families, already struggling with rising rents and food costs, cannot get assistance paying for childcare, a service they need to hold down jobs. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Florida launches task force to crack down on organized retail theft
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the creation of the Retail Theft Investigative Special Task Force to combat organized retail crime in Florida. The task force equips law enforcement with tools and resources, removes jurisdictional barriers, and lets investigators close cases with stronger charges. Officials say the goal of the task force is to ensure action against organized theft rings and take down repeat offenders.
› 'A growth cycle: Panama City Beach tourism market stabilizes after post COVID-19 pandemic surges
Councilman Michael Jarman believes the local tourism market has stabilized following post-pandemic surges. According to information from Visit Panama City Beach's website, the city collected more than $36.564 million in bed taxes during the 2025 fiscal year, which spanned from October 2024 to September 2025. While this is about 2.9% lower than fiscal year 2024 collections, it is substantially higher than collections from years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
› County opposes Broward sheriff’s bid for additional funding
Law enforcement is the number one priority of the Broward County budget, and the state should not force county government to increase funding for the Sheriff’s Office, local officials said last week. In a 71-page response to the State of Florida Administration Commission, Broward County Attorney Andrew Meyers said the Broward Sheriff’s Office is adequately funded, pointing out a decade-long trend of steady funding increases from 2017 through the current fiscal year, which started Oct. 1.
› Flood-prone Miami-Dade County is losing residents
Miami-Dade County lost more than 67,000 residents in 2024 – and it could be tied to the region’s penchant for flooding. High-flood-risk counties saw more people move out than in last year, according to a study from Redfin. By comparison, low-flood-risk counties gained more residents last year. Miami-Dade had the largest net outflow out of the 310 high-flood-risk areas analyzed. About 36% of homes in the county face high flood risk.
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› From tech hub to the tennis court, Nikki Cabus is rallying South Florida’s innovation scene in a new way
When you’ve led one of South Florida’s biggest tech organizations, people naturally wonder what comes next. For Nikki Cabus, the longtime CEO of South Florida Tech Hub, the answer came from the community itself. “After I left Tech Hub, I started having members and partners reach out to ask what was next,” Cabus told Refresh Miami. “It was really the community that pushed me to start my own thing.” That “thing” is Studio Solian, a consultancy that helps nonprofits and small to mid-sized businesses sharpen their sales, marketing, internal operations, and event planning.
› University selects St. Petersburg for first physical location
An online education pioneer has selected St. Petersburg for its first standalone, immersive in-person learning site in the institution’s 54-year history. Albany, New York-based Excelsior University opened its St. Petersburg campus Oct. 20 at 9400 4th Street N. Students can now enroll in hybrid Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology degree programs, with classes beginning Jan. 5.
› Past, present, proposed: How Duval school closures have created community skepticism
Duval County Schools Superintendent Christopher Bernier will recommend that a 108-year tradition of educating elementary students on the Eastside end. Long Branch Elementary has educated students Out East since 1917. The intention to consolidate it into Richard Lewis Brown Gifted and Talented Academy has evoked questions from Eastside residents and concern from education advocates.
› Nicklaus Cos. files for bankruptcy after $50 million loss in court
In the wake of a $50 million judgment in favor of legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, his former company, Nicklaus Cos. LLC, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company announced Nov. 21 that it had submitted the filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. In October, a Palm Beach County jury awarded damages to Nicklaus in a civil lawsuit in which Nicklaus alleged that the company and company executives were involved in the publishing of articles that damaged his reputation.