State tax collections top projection
Driven by sales taxes, state general-revenue collections in November topped expectations by about 6 percent. General revenue is closely watched because it plays a major role in funding education, health and prison programs. Meanwhile, corporate income taxes totaled $95.7 million in November, or $24.6 million below expectations. The report also said Floridians continue to have a “subpar” personal saving rate. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida’s school choice headache: Millions of unused dollars
Florida’s aggressive expansion of school choice has left more than $400 million in taxpayer-funded education vouchers sitting unused, exposing major cracks in the state’s booming program. Some 500,000 students across Florida, which hosts the nation’s largest school choice effort, have accepted education vouchers toward home or private schooling. But thousands of these students, for one reason or another, aren’t using the money — leaving a staggering $400 million lingering in their accounts. [Source: Politico]
Florida's attorney general and business groups are fighting a pot proposal
Attorney General James Uthmeier and two major business groups have urged the Florida Supreme Court to reject a proposed recreational-marijuana constitutional amendment, arguing it is misleading and conflicts with federal law. Uthmeier, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida filed briefs Friday as the Supreme Court prepares to make a pivotal decision about whether the proposed constitutional amendment meets legal tests to go on the November ballot. [Source: WFSU]
Florida scientists make major advances in medicine, environment and public health
Florida scientists have made significant breakthroughs in multiple fields in 2025, ranging from medicine to environmental restoration. These scientific advances could directly impact human health, environmental quality and public safety in Florida. Innovations like nanoparticles and Silfoam could save lives, while restoring waterways may reduce toxic algae outbreaks that affect water supplies and ecosystems. [Source: WTVT]
These ‘potatoes’ have invaded Florida. Here’s why they’re a threat
There are plenty of invasive and toxic plants in the Sunshine State, largely thanks to its warm, humid climate. But out of all these different flora, one could be mistaken for a tasty, starchy treat: Dioscorea bulbifera, otherwise known as the “Air Potato.” Researchers say that these air potato vines can climb high into treetops to choke out sunlight, as well as blanket the understory. As such, air potatoes can have disastrous impacts on crops and native plants. [Source: Click Orlando]
Leading the next era of transplant medicine
Behind one of Miami Transplant Institute’s (MTI) many medical breakthroughs is a love story. Astrid Deitado had promised to donate her kidney to her ailing husband, Michael. Meanwhile, Enrique Gonzalez Abarca had made the same vow to save his wife, Fabiana Castro Troya. But this ultimate act of love was not meant to be — neither spouse was a compatible match for their partner. Fortunately, through MTI’s paired kidney exchange program, hope was renewed. Doctors discovered that Enrique’s kidney was a match for Astrid’s husband, and Astrid’s kidney was perfect for Fabiana. [Sponsored report]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› From hotels to parking lots: Central Florida companies grow their own food on-site
You might not expect to find fresh produce growing where you work or where you stay on vacation, but that’s exactly what’s happening at some Central Florida companies. Businesses are transforming rooftops, courtyards, parking lots, and unused land into working farms, growing their own food to reduce reliance on suppliers and serve fresher meals.
› Fort Lauderdale’s ‘plant more trees’ plan would cost up to $103 million. Vote coming Tuesday.
Want to help Fort Lauderdale? Plant a tree. Fort Lauderdale needs to plant up to 276,000 more trees by 2040 if it wants a 33% tree canopy, meaning one-third of the city would be shaded by tree cover. That ambitious goal is part of a new urban forestry master plan expected to come before the Fort Lauderdale commission Tuesday night. To reach that number, trees would need to be planted on both public and private property over the next 15 years. Getting the job done would cost between $27.6 million and $103.4 million, says RES Florida Consulting, the firm hired by Fort Lauderdale to prepare the proposed urban forestry plan.
› Developers of Nassau County auto racing park share details on next steps
Details are emerging on a proposed motorsports park in Nassau County, including land under contract, a forthcoming rezoning request, a proposed timeline for the project and the possibility of incentives. North Florida Motorsports Park, announced Dec. 10, will feature a racetrack designed by Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indy 500 winner and International Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee. Rahal is a partner in the proposed project, which includes trackside residences, a kart track, garage facilities and a private membership club.
› Coke Florida CEO refuses former exec's payout demand
Coke Florida Chairman and CEO Troy Taylor is asking the court to throw out a lawsuit filed by his former business partner, Thomas Benford, who claims he was promised equity in the billion-dollar bottling company. In a complaint filed last month, Benford alleged Taylor failed to honor an agreement to give him an 8% stake in exchange for his relocation to Tampa in 2015 and help expanding the company’s Florida business.
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› Brevard County once again leads Florida in manatee deaths
Florida’s manatee mortality count surpassed 600 deaths in 2025, with Brevard County recording the most, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Preliminary data show 628 manatee deaths in the state through Dec. 26, up from 565 in 2024, though still fewer than the 1,100 killed in 2021 alone, when manatees suffered starvation from a lack of seagrass, particularly in the Indian River Lagoon.
› Miami-Dade TV studio sold for $16M
The Blue Dolphin Studios TV production facility in Doral sold to a nonprofit organization for $15.5 million. Doral Dolphin Studios LLC, managed by Eduardo Scheuren of Cinemat USA, sold the 47,632-square-foot TV production studio to the Aera Foundation, a Doral-based nonprofit organization led by President Bernie Montero. The foundation is involved with charter schools and education.
› Art festivals set to drive visitation across Southwest Florida
A new season of creative energy is sweeping across Southwest Florida this winter and spring, as juried outdoor art festivals bring hundreds of artists — many from across the state and country — and tens of thousands of visitors to communities throughout the region. For artists, the festival circuit often represents both livelihood and opportunity. For host cities, the events serve as signature attractions that drive foot traffic and support local businesses, from restaurants to retailers.
› RYAM names Scott Sutton its president and CEO
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., or RYAM, said Jan. 5 that Scott Sutton was named president and chief executive officer. The Jacksonville-based cellulose specialties products company announced Dec. 10 that De Lyle Bloomquist planned to retire in 2026 and it began a search for a successor.