Florida insurance costs 14.5% lower than they would be without reforms
Florida’s landmark 2022 and 2023 legislative changes have had a big impact on the state’s economy, thanks to lowered insurance costs that have freed up money for other investments and have attracted new companies to the state, says a report by an economic analysis firm. The Perryman Group calculated that property-casualty insurance costs in Florida are now about 14.5% lower than what they would have been if the historic reforms had not been enacted. More from Insurance Journal and Florida Politics.
Daimler Coaches opens U.S. headquarters in Jacksonville
Daimler Coaches North America, a major German bus manufacturer, has opened its U.S. headquarters in Jacksonville, calling the 11-acre site its “first real footprint in the U.S.” CEO Dietrich Müller said the 43,000-square-foot building is large enough to park more than 100 of the 45-foot-long, 12-foot-tall buses. Daimler aims to process and sell about 300 or more of their huge Tourrider motor coaches annually, Müller said. More from Jacksonville Today.
Blocked by lawmakers, South Florida plant nursery workers turn to retailers on heat safety
Workers at plant nurseries in Homestead who spend countless hours in the sweltering summer sun are calling for powerful growers and major retailers to do what legislators failed to do — guarantee safe working conditions. Their new campaign asks growers and retailers to sign a legally binding contract that would require employers to provide water, rest and shade, follow a code of conduct, offer paid sick days, among other protections. More from the Miami Herald.
Elon Musk’s tunneling company tapped to link Universal parks
Elon Musk’s tunneling firm The Boring Company was tapped Wednesday to plow connections among Universal’s Orlando theme parks. The board of the Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District, a special purpose district encompassing Universal properties, voted to begin contract negotiations with Musk’s firm to design and build the infrastructure improvements, following a monthslong competition. More from the Orlando Sentinel.
High-tech Israeli medical firm opens Manatee facility, plans 100 jobs
A fast-growing medtech firm based in Israel recently celebrated the opening of its new U.S. headquarters in north Manatee County. The group of officials and business leaders at the opening event, held Feb. 2, included Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. The firm, Ossio, makes metal-free fixation implants out of a proprietary material that allows for bone regeneration. Fixation implants — which usually include things like screws, plates and pins — are designed to set and stabilize bones. More from the Business Observer.
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Real Estate
South Florida dominates list of slowest housing markets, despite growth in sales
South Florida homes have been sitting on the market for longer than nearly anywhere else in the country, even as closures on sales have climbed. According to a recent Redfin report analyzing MLS data from December 2025, the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area tied with the San Antonio metro area for the second-slowest housing market in the country that month, with the Miami and West Palm Beach metro areas taking the next two spots in the top five.
» More from the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Profile
Food fest honors a Miami chef for the first time — but she’d rather be cooking
When it comes to tribute dinners, chef Michelle Bernstein would rather be in the kitchen cooking for the honoree than sitting at the head of the table being praised. Even at her Coral Gables restaurant Sra. Martinez, she prefers to be among the pots and pans, chopping and stirring and sauteing, leaving the greeting of the guests to her husband and partner David Martinez. But hiding in the back is not an option for Bernstein at this year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary Feb. 19-22.
» Read more from the Miami Herald.