How Florida property insurers keep secrets from policyholders — with the state’s help
Florida property insurers are keeping secrets. Empowered by industry-friendly state statutes and court rulings, they’re blocking access to information about how their firms set premiums, handle claims, and shift profits out of the reach of regulators. They insist it wouldn’t be fair for their competitors to learn these critical “trade secrets.” But Florida’s trade secrets shield also blocks homeowners from comparing insurance companies, and keeps information from policy holders that could bolster claim payouts for repairs. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Business Beat - Week of February 27th
Get top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
Column: Who carries Florida? The tax fight that pits big counties against small
For decades, the state’s largest counties have helped support the smaller ones. Economists call them the haves and the have-nots. In Florida, the official term is “fiscally constrained.” Most Floridians accept the relationship, at least in theory. Rural counties provide open spaces, environmental protection and much of our food supply. Helping sustain them has long been part of the bargain. Now that the bargain is about to be tested. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Canadian visitors to Florida's Grapefruit League decline 15%
For decades, Canadian visitors have been one of the Grapefruit League’s most dependable economic engines, particularly in markets anchored by the Toronto Blue Jays. State data shows why the concern is real. Florida welcomed about 507,000 Canadian visitors in the third quarter of 2025, down from roughly 597,000 a year earlier — a decline of about 15%, according to Visit Florida. The drop stands in contrast to overall tourism growth driven largely by domestic travelers. Before the pandemic, Q3 Canadian visitation peaked at 703,000 in 2019. [Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal]
Jobless claims down in Florida
An estimated 5,384 first-time unemployment claims were filed in Florida last week, a drop of 500 from the prior week, according to a U.S. Department of Labor estimate on Thursday. The estimate covers a period shortened by the President’s Day holiday and is the lowest weekly figure for the year. The total also ends a two-week uptick in claims, with 5,800 initial claims reported the week ending Feb. 7 and 5,884 the week ending Feb. 14. [Source: News Service of Florida]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› The mood at FVCC: Investor optimism about Florida’s tech trajectory
This week’s Florida Venture Capital Conference at the Loew’s Coral Gables attracted about 800 people, including more than 200 investors from about 100 firms. Kevin Burgoyne, CEO of the Florida Venture Forum that produces the annual conference, said the Forum focused on ensuring the event had representation from both the established Florida VC community and the newer entrants to the Florida ecosystem.
› Florida's largest homebuilder group opens $7.5M headquarters with apprenticeship center
The Northeast Florida Builders Association is starting a new chapter — with enough square footage to host its members and growing apprenticeship program. After months of packed general meetings and full parking lots, fundraising for an approximately $7.5 million capital campaign and renovations to a former call center, March 2 will mark the organization's first day of operation at its new 43,000-square-foot headquarters.
› Florida's 1st nonstop charter flight arrives from Japan
A nonstop charter flight from Tokyo on Japanese low-cost airline ZIPAIR Tokyo Inc. touched down at Orlando International Airport (MCO) Monday, Feb. 23. It marked the first nonstop commercial charter flight between Florida and the Asia Pacific region, strengthening both tourism and business ties between two major global destinations.
› Sarasota EDC earns 'gold standard' of industry recognition
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County recently scored a big win, earning accreditation from a leading worldwide industry association. The recognition, a measure of excellence formally named an Accredited Economic Development Organization, comes from the International Economic Development Council. The Sarasota EDC is one of 95 global economic development organizations to earn the accreditation.
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› Florida crypto firm CEO arrested in $328 million Ponzi scheme
The CEO of a Florida cryptocurrency firm is accused of operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of at least $328 million, federal prosecutors have announced. Christopher Alexander Delgado, 34, of Apopka, was arrested Tuesday on charges of wire fraud and money laundering, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. He is the founder, president and CEO of the blockchain firm Goliath Ventures, formerly known as Gen Z Venture Firm, which is headquartered in Orlando.
› Sarasota protests potential New College takeover of nearby USF campus
About 300 students, alumni, professors, business owners and concerned residents gathered at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to protest a potential takeover from less than a mile away, at New College of Florida. The concerns come after the Florida House of Representatives passed HB 5601, which would transfer USFSM’s 32-acre campus, including 11 buildings and $53 million in dorm debt, to New College.
› Residents sue Coral Gables over new controversial dog park. Here’s why
A group of disgruntled neighbors are taking the city of Coral Gables to court over an already-approved dog park that they say will negatively impact property values, reduce access to green space and cause parking chaos. The group claims that the city, through Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, worked “behind the scenes” to ensure that only supporters would be present for the Nov. 18 dog park approval vote and that it sidestepped existing city and county zoning laws.
› Tampa investment firm adds United Soccer League to growing sports portfolio
A Tampa private equity firm has closed on a minority investment in the United Soccer League, the sports organization announced Thursday morning. Weatherford Capital has joined BellTowers Partners’ strategic investment in the league, a partnership that brings “deep sports expertise, a broad national network and operational insight” to the USL’s multi-tier men’s and women’s soccer organization, the release says.