Florida’s pandemic population boom cools
The number of people moving to Florida from other states has slowed since the pandemic, according to the latest U.S. census numbers, falling in line with estimates that the state’s population growth will moderate over the next decade. Florida experienced a boom in the early years of the decade as people sought looser Covid-19 restrictions and took advantage of remote work. But the state’s domestic migration fell from 183,646 in 2023 to 22,517 in 2025, a sharp decline from 2022 when 310,892 people moved to the Sunshine State from other U.S. locations. [Source: The Center Square]
Business Beat - Week of February 6th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Fierce competition for data centers in Florida pits secrecy for developers against public’s right to know
Hoping to position Florida as the next big destination for large and hyperscale data centers that power artificial intelligence, state lawmakers are weighing how much corporate secrecy is enough but not too much and how to manage the centers’ intensive demands for energy and water where they operate. [Source: WGCU]
Invasive termites threatening homes in Florida are spreading farther than predicted
Florida's coastal and urban counties continue to see the spread of two invasive termite species beyond South Florida. The species are now threatening structures statewide, according to a new University of Florida study. According to the study based on more than three decades of monitoring data, the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite continue to expand their range showing no signs of slowing. [Source: Phys.org]
FWC adds Florida reef gecko to threatened and endangered species list
The Florida reef gecko is now officially a protected species in the state. On Tuesday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gave final approval to designate the Florida reef gecko as a state-designated threatened species, adding it to Florida’s Threatened and Endangered Species List. The Florida reef gecko is a small lizard located in coastal south Florida, including the Florida Keys. [Source: WTSP]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› New Orange County preserve opens 241 acres of recreation space on Econ River
Hiking enthusiasts itching to get out for a walk in the woods have a new outdoor space to explore in Orange County. The 241-acre Ken Bosserman Econlockhatchee River Preserve first opened to the public in December, giving the community a new piece of riverfront property to explore. Follow blazes on a one-mile hiking trail that winds through wetland hardwoods and hydric hammock with scenic viewpoints for stopping along the river.
› First look at Rays’ proposed stadium at Hillsborough College site
Having talked extensively about their proposed Tampa stadium, the Rays on Thursday released the initial renderings of what it could look like on the Hillsborough College site. The first look is impressive, with a triangular shape and fixed roof that looks to be made, at least in part, of transparent materials.
› South Florida downtowns boom with retail as residents relocate
South Florida downtowns have become much more than areas where people just live or work. They’re fast becoming places to linger, as a multifamily development boom sparks a wave of new restaurants, boutiques and fitness centers transforming urban cores. Downtown districts in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach rank among the nation’s strongest urban cores for both residential and office demand.
› Florida map shows only 3 commercial fishing spots left on Treasure Coast
The time-honored work of commercial fishing continues in some small pockets of Florida, but the state's first industry has nearly vanished amid explosive development. The Treasure Coast once was lined with working waterfront until recreational marinas, resorts and restaurants began making commercial fishers an endangered species.
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› Audit blasts actions that resulted in bonuses for top Broward school administrators
Broward school administrators failed to adequately inform the School Board or the public of a controversial plan to give high-paid administrators bonuses of up to $14,000, a school district audit has concluded. The report, completed by the office of Chief Auditor Dave Rhodes, provides new details but doesn’t fully explain how administrators making up to $265,000 a year collected large supplements from a 2022 referendum that was pitched to voters as a way to boost teacher pay.
› Jacksonville geospatial AI firm Urban SDK lands $65M to expand traffic safety platform nationwide
A Jacksonville-based geospatial AI company that has pitched cities on doing more with less — especially in traffic safety — is landing fresh growth capital to scale nationally. Urban SDK announced a $65 million growth funding investment from Riverwood Capital, which the company said will accelerate its expansion across the public sector. Urban SDK described itself as a “system of action” used by more than 300 civic leaders in 40 states to optimize resources tied to public safety and infrastructure needs.
› Swiss aircraft maker begins work on $60M SRQ airport facility
The $60 million, 71,000-square-foot first phase, which will house its sales operations, will take approximately 18 months to complete. By the time the total project is finished, Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher told the groundbreaking audience the investment could reach upwards of $200 million.
› Time for ManateeFest 2026! Show your love for Florida’s sea cows at Saturday’s 10th annual event
The recent cold weather spell in South Florida brought out a one-day record of 230 manatees, our snowbirds of the sea, warming up in the outflow waters of Florida Power & Light Co.’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center in Palm Beach County. To celebrate the peak of manatee season, Manatee Lagoon — An FPL Eco-Discovery Center, which is adjacent to the power plant, is having its annual ManateeFest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.