Why smart automation is becoming essential for Florida businesses in the digital age
Florida’s business landscape is evolving faster than ever. From major tourism hubs to rapidly growing fintech firms and healthcare networks, organizations across the state are operating in a digital-first economy where speed, reliability, and customer experience determine success. In this environment, smart automation is no longer an optional upgrade. It has become a strategic necessity for businesses that want to remain competitive, resilient, and scalable. [Source: South Florida Reporter]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Funding the future
Valued at $3.5 billion, Lee Health is among the largest economic drivers in Southwest Florida. The private nonprofit health system staffs around 17,000 across its five hospitals, eight outpatient centers and various institutes, urgent care locations and wellness centers. It supports one of every 10 jobs in Lee County and represents two-thirds of the county’s total health care employment. Lee Health relies on philanthropic support to keep its operations going and growing. [Source: Florida Trend]
Wildlife advocates fear changes to Endangered Species Act will imperil Florida panthers, manatees
Wildlife advocates are fearful the Trump administration's plans to roll back protections in the Endangered Species Act will hinder efforts to save iconic state animals such as the Florida panther and manatee. The four proposed rule changes, announced in November by the Department of Interior, would allow economic factors to be used to consider which species should be protected. And it would eliminate "blanket rule" endangered protections to species listed as threatened. [Source: WUSF]
New consumer laws are coming soon to Florida — and they may affect you
Have you paid too much for a doctor’s bill and spent too much time waiting for a refund? Are you a pet owner confused by the insurance policy you purchased for your fur baby? Do you live in a condo and feel uninformed about what the board is doing? New Florida laws taking effect Jan. 1 will help you get through these and other consumer issues. [Source: Miami Herald]
Lost money because of Hurricane Milton? These SBA loans still available
Small business owners and private nonprofit organizations who lost money due to Hurricane Milton last year can still apply for low interest federal disaster loans, but time is running out. The disaster declaration covers 17 Florida counties for losses incurred between Oct. 9-10, 2024, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline to file is Jan. 22. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Can moviemaking thrive in Tampa Bay? This guy is trying to make it happen.
Ten years after Florida seemingly took itself out of the movie game by defunding production incentives, Tyler Martinolich remains the fixer who makes things happen in Tampa Bay. He has not given up on a Florida film renaissance. So — you want to flip a car in the middle of a Tampa intersection for your movie? That will require the cooperation of seven governmental departments, agencies and utilities, plus Martinolich’s help.
› Alico continues to reinvent itself year after it exits citrus industry
Just shy of a year after announcing it was exiting the citrus business, Alico Inc’s President and CEO John Kiernan says the Fort Myers company is well prepared to move into the next phase of its transformation. Kiernan, in a Nov. 24 statement announcing earnings for the publicly traded company for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year, says approximately 25% of the company’s land holdings have been identified for strategic development and that 75% remain in diversified agriculture.
› Miami Beach Convention Center closes 2025 with strong attendance, economic impact
The Miami Beach Convention Center closed out a milestone year on Dec. 22, capping 2025 with a packed slate of events that reinforced its role as a major economic driver for Miami Beach and the broader South Florida region. Located at 1901 Convention Center Drive, the city-owned venue hosted 143 regional, national and international events during the year, welcoming more than 537,000 attendees and more than 12,000 exhibitors.
› Record launches and new frontiers: What Space Coast can expect in 2026
The New Year is right around the corner. Aside from the parties, hangovers and resolutions never kept, the new year is a time not only for reflection but for looking ahead. On the Space Coast there was no shortage of news in 2025 and if your windows are rattling that's probably just one of the 109 launches that took pace this year.
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› Brightline kills dozens, but not in Orlando. Why?
Along a 36-mile stretch from Cocoa through verdant east Orange County, Brightline trains reach 125 miles per hour on their trek to Orlando International Airport, among the top speeds for any U.S. train line. Yet this new stretch for the privately-run railroad, long known as the nation’s most dangerous passenger train, has an even more important distinction: In 27 months since opening, its breakneck pace has not led to a single fatal accident.
› Arizona company to close Florida hubs, lay off workers
An Arizona window and door manufacturer will close its installation hubs in South Florida and lay off dozens of workers. El Mirage-based Avanti Windows & Doors will permanently shut down its installation facilities in Medley and West Palm Beach, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice filed Dec. 15.
› KnowLargo art, decor manufacturer completes $11.5 million expansion
What began as a small print shop is now a burgeoning artwork manufacturing conglomerate, with room to grow following multiple acquisitions and a $11.5 million expansion. Largo-based Wendover Art Group celebrated a 69,000-square-foot addition to its 130,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 12. The company, which boasts over 300 employees, is a leading domestic manufacturer of high-quality artwork, mirrors, lighting, textiles and decor often found in hotels.
› Florida closes recreational fishing of grouper in January
Florida recreational anglers will face seasonal fishing closures beginning Jan. 1, 2026, as part of annual marine fisheries management measures aimed at protecting spawning fish populations. The recreational fishing of shallow water grouper will close in Atlantic state waters, reopening May 1, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.