Iran conflict dims Florida growth outlook
Florida’s short-term economic outlook has taken a “severe shift” due to the U.S. conflict with Iran, according to a new report. Florida TaxWatch’s economic forecast released this month showed that while 2026 was already anticipated to see slower growth, the Iran conflict exacerbated already rising unemployment rates. Florida TaxWatch is a nonpartisan research institute that analyzes state fiscal policy and government accountability issues. [Source: The Center Square]
Florida Trend Exclusive
H-1B workaround?
While Florida's H-1B ban is set to expire in January, some faculty have inquired about alternative pathways — such as O-1 visas — as potential workarounds. Sometimes called "genius" or "Einstein" visas, O-1 visas are reserved for those in the top percentage of fields such as the sciences, education, business, athletics, motion pictures or television. The visas last up to three years and can be extended in one-year increments indefinitely. [Source: Florida Trend]
Food assistance losses hit 277K in Florida as costs keep climbing
Over 277,000 Floridians lost federal nutrition benefits following recent congressional legislation. The cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have led to a surge in demand at local food pantries. That comes to 277,513 Floridians, according to the Florida Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research and advocacy group. It’s the lowest SNAP participation rate in Florida in 15 years. [Source: Gainesville Sun]
Citizens policy count hits all-time low
Efforts to shrink Citizens Property Insurance have brought the policy count for the state-run insurer to what officials herald as a record low. But they also caution that an upturn is bound to occur, though it shouldn’t be as dramatic as ones in the past due to new laws approved in 2022 and 2023. Citizens Property Insurance President and CEO Tim Cerio told board members Tuesday in a conference call that depopulation strategies over the past couple of years put the policy count under Citizens at 278,662 as of last Friday. [Source: News Service of Florida]
No fireworks ban planned in Florida, but officials recommend ‘responsible’ use
There won’t be any fireworks ban imposed by the state for Independence Day, but because of lingering drought conditions Floridians and guests are being advised to be “responsible” when lighting devices that fly and explode. With 2,440 wildfires occurring across the state since the start of the year, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson on Tuesday urged caution with fireworks and asked people to follow local burn regulations. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Star Catcher Industries tripling space in HQ move in South Jacksonville
Star Catcher Industries Inc., the 2-year-old Jacksonville-based company formed to build the first power grid in space, is relocating its headquarters to the Merritt at Gate Parkway office park in South Jacksonville. Star Catcher says it is building the first power grid in space to beam concentrated solar energy on demand to satellites in orbit with no retrofit required.
› Sarasota area beaches rank among America’s best for dolphins
Three Sarasota-Manatee communities ranked among America’s Best Coastal Cities for Dolphin Sightings in 2026, a distinction that may come as little surprise to longtime local beachgoers, boaters and waterfront homeowners. However, Sarasota residents may be tempted to travel north to this Manatee County beach for a chance to spot bottlenose dolphins.
› 'Project Forge' company eyeing Titusville airport land to build facilities
Project Forge, an unidentified aerospace company, is eyeing Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville as it considers building up to $350 million in Florida facilities for research, development and launch operations. Three weeks ago, Space Florida's board of directors approved a request for conduit financing for the code-named aerospace initiative.
› Hut 8 is betting Miami can become an AI talent powerhouse
The AI boom has sparked a modern-day gold rush for computing power. But inside Hut 8, one of the companies helping build the infrastructure behind that demand, executives are focused on a different scarce resource: people. As the company races to expand its AI data center footprint, it’s also expanding its Miami presence, hiring aggressively and moving into a new Brickell office roughly five times larger than its current space.
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› Tampa Bay officials extend watering restrictions amid ongoing drought
Tightened watering restrictions stemming from a drought that has gripped Tampa Bay for months will continue through Oct.1, extending an order that would have expired July 1. On Tuesday, the governing board for the Southwest Florida Water Management District approved prolonging the “Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage” order that began in April.
› Founders Rise Miami launches free workshops for women and minority founders
When Nao Madison moved from London to Miami last year to build a boutique recruitment firm, she found a tech community with momentum and a barrier she could not ignore. While there were plenty of conferences, meetups and founder events, they also cost money to attend, and some of the most practical sessions, the ones built around training, tools and access, were among the most expensive.
› Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association installs 2026-27 leaders
The Jacksonville Bankruptcy Bar Association elected officers and board members June 17 for the 2026-27 year, which is July 1 through June 30. The 126-member group’s purpose is to provide a platform for legal professionals and individuals interested in bankruptcy law to connect, share knowledge and foster discussions to stay updated on the latest developments in the field.
› National chocolatier with deep Paris roots opens first Sarasota shop
A candy maker with roots dating to 1668 in Paris and nearly a century in the United States recently opened its first Sarasota County shop. Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier will celebrate its grand opening at University Town Center (UTC) on July 23 and 24. The store is located at 40 University Town Center Drive on the main level outside Saks Fifth Avenue and across from the Apple Store. The UTC location marks the company’s fourth Florida store.