How bone-chilling cold coming to Florida could affect shopping, travel, home
The state’s agriculture and tourism industries could take a hit as the thermometer goes down this weekend across the state. Some theme parks are shutting down, and farmers are on guard. Single-digit forecast temperatures in North Florida, teens in Central and near freezing in South Florida have already led to snow flurry alerts in Tampa and Cedar Key, with cold weather advisories the Miami area. More from the Miami Herald and WUSF.
Business Beat - Week of January 30th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Opinion: Florida chamber says state GDP projected to outpace U.S. — again — this year
Florida is one state among many in the U.S., but its economy continues to stand out. The Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2026 Florida Economic Outlook Report predicts another year of growth across all major economic indicators in Florida, and once again, this growth will outpace the nation. This performance is not a new trend. It reflects years of consistent investment in workforce development and economic competitiveness in Florida. [Source: Business Observer]
Judge orders Florida elections division to update pot petition numbers on website
A Leon County circuit judge Thursday ruled that the Florida Division of Elections is required to update its website to reflect the number of valid petition signatures for a proposed recreational-marijuana constitutional amendment. Judge Jonathan Sjostrom backed arguments by the Smart & Safe Florida political committee, which faces a Sunday deadline for submitting enough valid signatures to put the proposed amendment on the November ballot. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Proposed private cattle grazing on state lands moves along in first public hearing
A bill that would require managers of state-owned conservation lands such as public parks to consider cattle grazing when developing or updating land management plans was approved in the House Natural Resources & Disaster Committee on Wednesday. The proposal (HB 1421) sponsored by Rep. Jon Albert, R-Frostproof, says that any lands determined to be suitable for cattle grazing must be described in the land management plan and allowed to be leased for such purpose. If no portions of the land are deemed “suitable,” the management plan must explain that decision. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Jackson Health CEO to step down. Who will be the new leader?
Jackson Health System’s CEO Carlos Migoya is stepping down after more than a decade of leading one of the largest public health systems in the nation. Migoya made the announcement Thursday during the monthly meeting of the Public Health Trust, the governing body that oversees the Miami-Dade public hospital system.
› GRU to raise fuel adjustment again amid nationwide gas price spikes
GRU customers may see their bills rise for the second time in two months after winter storms caused nationwide gas supply shortages. Beginning Feb. 1, GRU said in a Jan. 29 press release that it will raise its electric fuel adjustment from 40 mills to 45 mills because of “skyrocketing gas pricing.” GRU previously announced on Dec. 29, 2025, that it would increase its electric fuel adjustment charge from 35 mills to 40 mills.
› Frigid weather could cut into Artemis II’s February launch chances
NASA had planned to run its wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission at Kennedy Space Center as early as Saturday, but it will have to thread the needle before temperatures drop below the agency’s limits for the tanking test. Any delays could cut into February launch opportunities for what would be the first crewed launch of the Artemis program.
› Miami’s foreign money wave pushes condo market into new territory
Miami’s role as a global safe‑haven for capital appeared to harden in 2025, with international buyers once again making the metro the top United States destination for foreign home purchases, even as Florida’s condo sector wrestled with rising costs and regulatory pressure. South Florida’s foreign buyer share – measured as residential purchases by international buyers as a slice of total dollar volume – reached 15% in 2025. That's seven times the US average of 2% and more than triple Florida’s 5% share.
More stories ...
› Jacksonville approves up to $275,000 in tax relief for manufacturer’s expansion
A Jacksonville manufacturer could receive $275,000 in property tax relief for a facility expansion under legislation approved Jan. 27 by City Council. With a 17-0 vote on Ordinance 2026-0037, Council approved the five-year, 50% Recapture Enhanced Value Grant for the code-named Project Underground.
› Largo seeks developer to build residential, retail, office spaces at city center
The city of Largo seeks a developer to redevelop its 14-acre municipal campus. The Pinellas County city, building a new city hall complex less than 2 miles away, has issued a request for proposals for the property at 201 Highland Ave. that currently houses its City Hall, police department and emergency operations center.
› Royal Caribbean confirms two ships in new Discovery class, 10 additional river vessels
Royal Caribbean is making waves in the cruise industry with big plans for the next several years, including a new class of oceangoing ships and 10 new river ships. Royal Caribbean Group announced a series of agreements with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France to secure the construction of its new Discovery class. Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s chief product innovation officer, previously noted that the new ships would be smaller than the cruise line’s gigantic Icon class ships.
› Car prices hit record highs in US, Southwest Florida
It has never been more expensive to buy a car in the U.S., and consumers are financing the higher prices through bigger monthly payments and longer loan terms, trends reflected at Southwest Florida dealerships. Industry analysts and local dealers point to rising consumer demand for high-end trucks and SUVs, electric vehicles, advanced technology and premium features.