Law seen as helping developers could stay on the books, despite outcry
After cities and counties were forced to shelve new planning regulations for months under a developer-friendly new state law, Florida legislators promised a fix. But as the Legislature lurches into its final scheduled weeks, the move to repair last year's controversial measure looks doomed, those involved said. Planning chaos may endure for at least another year, they say. The law has halted numerous local efforts, from comprehensive plans to building moratoriums and even rooster limits. More from Florida Today and the Tallahassee Democrat.
Florida House moves to rein in emergency fund spending
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, created in 2022, is the state’s main source of funding for preparations and responses to disasters declared by the governor as a state of emergency. The legislature has transferred $3.4 billion to the fund as of 2025, according to the state Department of Financial Services. The House Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee voted unanimously to limit how DeSantis spends the money. [Source: The Center Square]
Women more likely to own their homes and plan to stay in Florida, poll finds
Florida continues to rank among the least affordable housing markets in the nation but the state’s women are unmoved by the phenomenon — literally. According to a new poll commissioned by Florida Atlantic University’s MediaLab and conducted by Mainstreet Research, a whopping 91% of voters feel that housing in Florida is unaffordable. When asked, however, if Florida is so expensive that they will leave the state for cheaper pastures, women were 21% more likely than men to say they intend to stay in Florida despite rising costs. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
Proposal could add more nuclear power to Florida’s energy resources
A Florida House committee has advanced a proposal that could ultimately add more nuclear power to the state’s energy portfolio. Under the measure (HB 1461), sponsored by Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) would gain power to regulate advanced nuclear reactors (ANRs). Advocates argue advanced reactors promise greater safety, quicker deployment, and less cost than traditional nuclear generation. However, the technology has not yet been implemented in the United States. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Florida cities top list of most termite-infested
Florida cities dominate Orkin's list of most termite-infested locations, with Miami ranking number one. Two of the most destructive termite species, the Asian and Formosan subterranean termites, are spreading throughout Florida. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to U.S. homes annually, often without visible signs until significant structural harm has occurred. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Public company moves headquarters from Canada to South Florida
A Canadian waste management company that trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges has moved its corporate headquarters to South Florida. GFL Environmental Inc. shifted its executive office to Miami Beach after nearly two decades in Vaughan, Ontario. The shift “aligns with our expanding presence” in the Southeastern United States, founder and CEO Patrick Dovigi said in a release last month that announced the move.
› Dignitas Technologies sold as Orlando's $7B defense training sector grows
One of the region's largest modeling and simulation firms has been acquired. Orlando-based Dignitas Technologies was bought for an undisclosed amount by By Light Professional IT Services LLC. The McLean, Virginia-based company is owned by private equity firm Sagewind Capital LLC Dignitas Technologies was founded in 2004 and provides training systems and tools for the U.S. military. It is the fourth-largest firm in modeling and simulation in the region with 211 employees.
› Miami Beach puts delivery robots on shorter leash
Miami Beach commissioners have adopted regulations that require enhanced visibility measures, active monitoring, adequate insurance and proper documentation from operators of personal delivery devices and mobile carriers. As part of the required visibility enhancements, devices operating on public sidewalks or crosswalks must be equipped with a vertical safety flag or pennant, emit a periodic audible sound when in motion and be equipped with forward and rear-facing lights or reflectors.
› Tampa-based XTEND to go public in $1.5B merger
XTEND, a defense technology company that opened its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation in Tampa last year, plans to go public in a $1.5B merger with JFB Construction Holdings. JFB said Tuesday it signed a definitive agreement to combine with XTEND in an all-stock transaction. The new company is expected to be named XTEND AI Robotics and list on Nasdaq under the ticker XTND after the deal closes.
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› How Blue Zones Jacksonville fosters community amid financial pessimism
Financial well-being has declined in some of Jacksonville’s historically under-resourced ZIP codes. Those findings were part of a 2026 Well-Being Index that Blue Zones Jacksonville released during a town hall meeting this month. Pride and safety in community within the 32206, 32208, 32209, 32210 and 32244 ZIP codes has all increased over the last three years; however, that has been offset by reduced confidence in financial well-being amid respondents on the Eastside and Northside.
› Universal CityWalk: Luke Combs’ Category 10 debuts in 2027
Universal CityWalk will be adding Category 10, a Luke Combs-driven entertainment venue, in late 2027, the country singer and Opry Entertainment Group announced Tuesday. Groundbreaking is set for this summer, they said, on a three-story, 33,000-square-foot experience at Universal Orlando. It will be the third Category 10 in existence, following the Nashville location that opened in 2024 and one in Las Vegas due to open this fall.
› Want to meet Guy Fieri? Mayor of Flavortown heading to Boca Raton
Guy Fieri is bringing his super-duper-celeb-chef heat to SoFlo, but the visit doesn’t have anything to do with cuisine or his star status on the Food Network. Fieri will be here promoting his new Santo Tequila at a meet-and-greet, bottle-signing appearance on Friday, Feb. 27, in Boca Raton.
› Jacksonville's first lagoon community welcomes its first homeowner
Duval County’s first lagoon community welcomed its first homeowner this week, marking a milestone for a 2,700-home master-planned development taking shape on Jacksonville’s Westside. The move-in officially launched life inside Diamond Springs, a residential community developed by Metro Development Group at the intersection of Normandy Boulevard and Bright Lagoon Boulevard.