Florida's office space race
With companies flocking to Florida, the result is a feeding frenzy for high-end, amenity-rich office space in the top markets. And, with the recent repeal of the state’s tax on commercial leases, Florida seems poised for even more growth. While a region’s office market might seem like a strictly C-suite concern, it carries wider economic implications. “A healthy office market signals business confidence and stability,” said Charlotte County Economic Development Director Kay Tracy. “It also helps diversify the local economy beyond retail and hospitality, which is a priority for long-term resilience." [Source: Florida Weekly]
Iran conflict disrupts fertilizer shipments, raising concerns for Florida farmers
While gas prices are climbing, there is another ripple effect from the war with Iran. The conflict is now hitting the agriculture industry, putting pressure on fertilizer companies and the farmers who depend on them to keep crops growing. Farmers also rely on diesel to run irrigation equipment; driving costs even higher and eventually consumers could feel it. [Source: Tampa Bay 28]
Could Cuban Americans invest and own businesses in Cuba soon? Not so fast. Here’s why
The possibility that Cubans in South Florida and elsewhere outside the island might soon be able to invest in and own businesses in Cuba may amount to little more than an invitation and a fantasy. Standing in the way of any investments and businesses that Cuban exiles may want to start on the island, experts say, are U.S. government sanctions and the massive — and tortuously slow — Cuban government bureaucracy. [Source: Miami Herald]
Hurricane cones may get bigger...and better
One of the most famous and feared weather graphics in history is undergoing a fundamental redo aimed at making it more accurate, easier to understand and potentially customizable when hurricanes threaten. An experimental cone of uncertainty will debut during the 2026 hurricane season that changes the underpinnings of how the track forecast is created, resulting in a slightly larger and more elliptical shape rather than being built on static circles. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
New penalties for contractors who don’t pay subcontractors take effect July 1
As part of the sweeping Florida Farm Bill he signed on Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a provision that includes new accountability measures for state contractors. Senate Bill 290 and all its changes take effect on July 1. According to Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the element of the farm bill focused on contractors is designed to protect small businesses and suppliers who rely on timely payments to keep projects moving. [Source: News 4 Jax]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Jabil raises AI revenue target by $1B as data centers surge
The return on major investments Jabil is making to keep up with surging demand from AI data centers is already beating expectations. The St. Petersburg electronics manufacturing giant saw net revenue for its intelligent infrastructure division soar by more than 50% year-over-year to $4 billion last quarter, nearly $300 million higher than initial forecasts, financial statements show. The company is raising full-year expectations for its AI-related businesses by an additional $1.1 billion compared to previous forecasts in December, placing its annual target at $13.1 billion for 2026.
› This new art and retail district aims to ‘make Fort Lauderdale cool again’
A vintage store next to a matcha cafe next to a romance bookstore across the street from a brewery next to a pilates studio. Crisp white walls decorated in murals you’d expect to find in Wynwood. A shiny skyline in the distance. For the trend-seeking 20-something-year-olds of Fort Lauderdale, Thrive Art District, a commerce and arts hub near downtown, may be their new oasis.
› Tampa makes top 10 for women-owned businesses in large metros
A new analysis of more than 200 large metropolitan areas across the U.S. has named the Tampa area No. 9 for women-owned businesses to launch and grow in 2026. The ranking, based on a range of economic, workforce and entrepreneurship metrics, highlights the Tampa area’s strong environment for female entrepreneurs and was conducted by Coworking Cafe, an online marketplace and directory for flexible working spaces.
› Aerospace firm plans new warehouse in Edgewater, will close Titusville facility
Incertec will close its Titusville facility after completing the Edgewater expansion in August. The aerospace metal finishing company will relocate 60 employees and hire 110 new workers. Incertec purchased the Edgewater site in 2025 for $3.486 million and is investing $5.5 million in renovations.
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› Electric air taxis closer to taking off in South Florida skies
Archer Aviation has been selected to participate in a federal program to bring electric air taxis to South Florida. The company's "Midnight" aircraft is designed to carry four passengers on short flights, reducing traffic congestion. A trip from West Palm Beach to Miami could take as little as 20 minutes, with initial costs similar to premium ridesharing. Archer will work with Florida's Department of Transportation and local partners to develop routes and landing sites.
› Savannah Bananas ‘historic appearance’ at Doak Campbell Stadium generates $10M in economic impact
Tallahassee went bananas for the Banana Ball nearly a month ago, generating millions of dollars in economic impact for the capital city and the surrounding region. The Savannah Bananas’ “historic appearance” at Doak Campbell Stadium generated an estimated $10.1 million, Florida State University revealed Tuesday afternoon. An independent analysis revealed a nearly 40% increase in visitors from outside the market to the capital city during the event period, with almost 50% of attendees traveling over 50 miles to attend.
› Former JEA exec: Water fees have been an issue for years
JEA’s former chief of staff says the public utility’s management has been trying for years to resolve its lax policy that’s caused the under collection of what are called capacity fees from several commercial water customers for decades. Kurt Wilson, whose position was eliminated in February by JEA CEO Vickie Cavey, testified under oath during a hearing in front of the Jacksonville City Council’s Special Investigatory Committee on JEA.
› Federal court preserves UF faculty right to appeal workplace disputes
A federal court has blocked a Florida law that gave university presidents the final say in faculty workplace disputes. The ruling restores the right for University of Florida faculty to appeal employment decisions to a neutral arbitrator. This injunction currently applies only to members of the United Faculty of Florida at the University of Florida.