Florida tops 2026 startup rankings
In a new study, WalletHub compared all 50 states across 25 key indicators of startup success to determine the most fertile environments for launching and growing a business. The results reveal a sharp divide between the nation’s leaders and laggards, with Florida ranked No. 1. The state has the third-most startups per capita and the highest percentage of adults engaged in entrepreneurship nationwide. Between 2017 and 2023, Florida’s number of small businesses grew by nearly 16%, the fifth-highest rate in the country. More from Newport Buzz and Gulfshore Business.
Florida beef prices have hit exorbitant levels and they aren't going down
Beef prices soared to an all-time high as 2025 drew to a close and Floridians should expect to pay even more for hamburger and steaks this year, according to experts. "For now, beef prices can be expected to remain elevated and likely increase, especially if consumer demand holds strong," wrote Hannah Baker, beef and forage extension economist at the University of Florida's cattle research and education center in Hardee County, in her December 2025 Florida Cattle Market Update report. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
Commentary: If Florida wants data centers, we need a smarter water plan
Florida is preparing for a wave of new data centers driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. These facilities bring new jobs and investment, but they also come with infrastructure demands that require careful planning. The enormous electric load data centers require is always top of mind. Less discussed are the major water resources needed. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Florida property tax relief has support but no consensus
Property tax relief took another step forward as Florida lawmakers returned to the state Capitol to decide how to whittle down a lengthy list of proposals for voters to consider later this year. House Joint Resolution 203 cleared a key committee on Thursday, two days after the 2026 legislative session convened in Tallahassee. The legislation would phase out non-school property taxes over 10 years until homestead properties become fully exempt by 2037. It’s one of at least six proposals in the House that would reduce or eliminate the taxes, if 60% of voters agree. But while there is plenty of support for the concept, there is no consensus on the approach. [Source: The Center Square]
New statewide insurance trust enters 2026 with sustained growth and millions more in taxpayer savings
The Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT) enters 2026 less than a year old, but already with significant progress under its belt. Established to help Florida School Districts save on employee health plans without having to pass along benefit reductions, the program opened last June with just three counties on board, representing 1,671 public school employees in DeSoto, Hardee and Hendry counties. As of mid-January, more School Boards have voted to join the program at various points throughout 2026, which will bring the total counties enrolled to 15. [Source: Florida Politics]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Silicon Valley in West Palm Beach? What Stephen Ross plans for the city
Real estate mogul Stephen Ross sees Palm Beach County becoming akin to Silicon Valley, filled with technology and engineering professionals, including those fleeing California's high taxes, he told a small group in Palm Beach on Jan. 14. During an event hosted by Bloomberg at the Brazilian Court hotel, Ross gushed about West Palm Beach's rising status as a "model city," even as he mostly stayed mum about his Miami Dolphins football team, which just wrapped up a losing season.
› Can Capitol Police clean up downtown Tallahassee? Business association weighs in
Downtown Tallahassee business owners say broken windows, public drunkenness and bodily fluids on sidewalks have become the cost of doing business. Now, a proposed expansion of the Capitol's security perimeter could push those problems straight into the hands of Capitol Police.
› Fort Gatlin site set to become a public park thanks to mystery buyer
The site of what is thought to be Orlando’s first settlement was for decades used as a Navy sonar lab, then housed school administration offices and could soon get new life thanks to a mystery buyer who plans to turn the property into a public park. The Fort Gatlin site in south Orange County is now owned by the Orange County School Board, which last week approved the sale to an anonymous new owner.
› How Tampa sells itself to tourists
Sunshine and palm trees are not Tampa’s primary selling points. As snowbird season settles in, traffic slows, reservations fill faster and locals feel the pressure of a growing influx of visitors. While residents may bristle at the inconvenience, Tampa’s economy depends on it. Tourism is no longer a seasonal boost. It is a core economic engine.
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› South Florida housing market sees sales spike as sellers forced to cut asking prices
South Florida home sales were up in December, but prices fell as many buyers had to lower their asking prices, according to data from Florida Realtors. The data shows that while lower interest rates have spurred more buyers to enter the market, they are still price sensitive. Single-family home sales in the tri-county region surged 13.1% to 3,180, compared the same month a year ago. The median sales price slipped 0.3% to $628,250.
› Why a new cruise port could be built near Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Over 300 acres of land near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge could soon become home to cruise ship terminal. The new owner of Rattlesnake Key announced plans Friday to develop a cruise port on the Knott-Cowen Tract, a nearby 328-acre piece of land. Key. Building a cruise terminal would allow larger cruise ships to visit Tampa Bay, the company said.
› Bradenton Area EDC names interim CEO
A new leader has taken the helm of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. Amanda Parrish has been named interim CEO, overseeing the nonprofit organization while it searches for its next chief executive officer. Parrish is the COO for Lakewood Ranch-based Fawley Bryant Architecture, where she is also a partner.
› JEA disapproves first cycle, requests more information for ‘significant user’ at Cecil Commerce Center
City power provider JEA has disapproved the first review cycle for the “Significant Industrial User” that is exploring about 300 acres at AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center for a manufacturing facility that would use an average of up to 600,000 gallons of water a day. JEA updated the status Jan. 15 and requests that applicant BGE Inc., a civil engineering firm, schedule a meeting with the city utility to discuss project details.