No special session next week to work on budget, Florida lawmakers announce
When the regular session ended March 13 without a budget deal, “mid-April” was eyed as a likely time to return for lawmakers. But discussions between the chambers on allocations – top line budget numbers – that are needed to embark on formal negotiations on the final spending plan, have so far failed to result in an agreement. During the regular session budget talks stalemated largely on the overall size of the spending plan.[Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida Trend Exclusive
Two roads diverged
Unanimity was a common feature in the early days of condos in Florida, but no longer. The Florida statutory default for nearly the last 20 years has been 80%. Some older condos have governing language that automatically incorporates changes in state condo law like the move to 80%. The Florida Chamber of Commerce, in a court filing, said the stakes "in this case could scarcely be higher for Florida's businesses and the contracts that sustain them." [Source: Florida Trend]
Fraud remains a top concern for Florida residents, new AARP research shows
New AARP research shows fraud is a widespread and growing concern. Nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults—about 103 million people—have already experienced fraud, and an estimated 159 million are worried about becoming victims. A little under one-third (30%) of adults says their biggest fear is being targeted themselves, followed by losing money with no way to recover it (21%) and seeing a loved one victimized (15%). These concerns highlight both the financial and emotional toll of these crimes and reflect how pervasive and personal the threat has become. [Source: Florida Trend]
Florida economist warns about Iran war uncertainty affecting state's economy
The “biggest cloud of uncertainty” facing Florida’s economy is the Iran war, as some prices are already rising and affecting consumers, a University of Central Florida economist warned. “What happens with the Iran conflict is going to sort of shift the path that we’re on, for better or for worse,” said Sean Snaith, the Director of the Institute for Economic Forecasting, as he gave an economic update during Tuesday’s Orange County Commission meeting. [Source: Florida Politics]
Patient advocates: They help untangle complex world of Florida health care
Amanda Millman knows who to call when someone receives a breast cancer diagnosis and needs an appointment as soon as possible. She also knows how to cut through the long wait times to see a specialist or how to get prior authorization for surgery. A year ago, Millman combined her hospitality background with her medical experience to create a South Florida business that navigates and advocates for people in need of health services. In Florida’s complex and frustrating health care environment, a profession has cropped up of people who work independently on behalf of clients to coordinate their medical care. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Brevard County rejects tax breaks for AI data centers
Any artificial intelligence data centers coming to Brevard likely won't be eligible for tax breaks form Brevard County. Concerns around water and power usage and a lack of return on investment prompted county commissioners to unanimously vote to prohibit any property tax abatement for AI data centers. The county must draft an ordinance on the matter and hold anther hearing. No date for that has been set.
› Guy Fieri to visit iconic Sarasota restaurant for 'Diners' show
One of Sarasota’s most iconic restaurants — recently named one of Florida’s best steakhouses — is set to welcome one of the nation’s most famous TV personalities. Guy Fieri is swinging by Alpine Steakhouse and Butcher Shop this week and next, as his crew updates the most memorable dining spots in the region for "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network.
› Ocean Alliance shipping collective to begin JaxPort operations in May
The Ocean Alliance, a collective of four shipping companies, will begin operations in Jacksonville beginning in May, the Jacksonville Port Authority announced April 8. The Ocean Alliance, formed in 2017 and committed to operate until at least 2032, says that it is the world’s largest operational shipping network. It connects Asia to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and North America’s east and west coasts.
› Miami’s downtown bridge project is delayed — again. Why is it taking so long?
The chaos starts as soon as you approach either end of Interstate 395, the critical downtown Miami highway link whose insanely complex, seemingly endless reconstruction has become a mirthless joke for the tens of thousands of drivers who are forced daily to navigate its ever-changing twists and turns. It’s been like that for seven years. And there’s no end in sight to the hazards and aggravation.
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› Fewer South Florida workers affected by layoffs in first quarter of 2026
The year is off to a positive start in South Florida – at least, when it comes to layoffs. Half as many South Florida employees were affected by mass layoffs in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to an analysis of Florida's Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices. The notices show 902 employees across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties were impacted by job cuts between Jan. 1 and March 31, down 56% from 2025.
› Solar-powered and storm-ready: Inside Cortez’s resilient new community
In Cortez, where hurricanes have left entire neighborhoods underwater, a new kind of community is taking shape — built higher, stronger, and smarter. At Hunters Point, the focus isn’t just on recovery, but on rethinking how homes are built along Florida’s vulnerable coastlines. For Director of Construction Alex Velichko, the mission is deeply personal. “I love it out here," he said. Velichko says his passion for the work comes from lived experience.
› New 'Everlands West' development with over 2,300 homes planned for Palm Bay
Another massive new development called Everlands West is being planned for South Palm Bay as growth around the St. Johns Heritage Parkway extension continues to attract homebuilders and buyers. Millrose Properties Florida was approved this past week for a zoning change that will allow them to build 1,600 homes and 760 multifamily units on 1,200 acres near St. Johns Heritage Parkway. The final project will include 145,000 square feet of non-residential use property for commercial real estate for a planned town center.
› Fort Myers seeks yacht basin payments amid delay
Fort Myers is asking the company redeveloping the downtown yacht basin to pay the city $250,000 annually until the project is completed. City Council on April 6 also agreed to extend the ground lease agreement between the city and developer Suntex Marina for another year while Suntex awaits federal approval to dredge and fill part of the basin.