Florida Trend Exclusive
Florida's 350 Biggest Companies
To qualify for consideration for Florida Trend's public companies list, a company must be headquartered in Florida, have its stock publicly traded on a major exchange and file regular financial reports with the U.S SEC. Private companies must be headquartered in Florida and be privately held. [Source: Florida Trend]
The Florida Bar is introducing legal AI
Continuing to lead the evaluation of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on all levels of the legal profession, Florida lawyers soon will have free access to an AI platform designed specifically for legal work, making The Florida Bar the first state Bar in the nation to offer complimentary legal AI as a member benefit. [Source: Jacksonville Daily Record]
As inflation grows, Florida residents reconsider spending habits
Rising costs from inflation and the war in Iran have left U.S. consumers at a crossroads. In Florida, residents say they are coming to terms with eye-watering bills and thinking twice before making everyday purchases. Some said they are struggling just to afford essential goods. The Consumer Price Index, used for measuring inflation, showed a 4.2% year-over-year increase across the board in May — the largest jump since April 2023. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida hospitality industry seeks transition period for TPS workers
A Florida hospitality organization is asking the federal government for leeway for Haitian and Syrian workers in the industry after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling effectively ended their legal status to remain in the country. Following the ruling that allowed the federal government’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, along with 11 other state hospitality advocacy groups, signed onto a letter June 29 asking United States Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for guidance and an “orderly runway” for employers. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Florida data center tracker tool already has over a million visits, says developer
As James Boger became aware of the proposed Project Tango data center in Palm Beach County, he wanted more information. When was the next community meeting about the proposed $2.6 billion development? Where did he need to send his concerns about the data center’s impact on water and energy resources? At the same time, he knew other projects were moving forward across Florida. Then he had a lightbulb moment. [Source: WLRN]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tampa Bay employers are optimistic about the near future
The vast majority of employers in Tampa Bay expressed optimism about the remainder of 2025. More than 92% of the companies in Tampa Bay reported being either somewhat or extremely optimistic, with only 4% reporting being somewhat or extremely pessimistic. By comparison, 88% of the companies nationally were optimistic, and more than 7% were pessimistic about the remainder of the year.
› Orange County has nearly $400M in tourist tax money — but strict rules limit how it can be spent
Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax (TDT) brought in nearly $400 million in 2025, and more is expected this year. Florida law restricts TDT spending to tourism-related uses like major venues (including the Convention Center), tourism promotion, and similar projects — not needs like transportation or emergency services. County commissioners are now starting the process of forming a citizens task force to help guide funding priorities.
› Thanks to Bootup Studios, Miami might weather the AI layoff wave better than other tech hubs
As artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce, most conversations have focused on layoffs. But Miami entrepreneur Chandler Malone thinks there’s another story worth watching: the cities best positioned to turn displaced workers into founders. For Malone, co-founder and CEO of Bootup Studios, AI is replacing jobs, sure – but it’s also making it dramatically easier to start companies.
› Port Canaveral approves new commercial fishing hub
Port Canaveral is moving forward with a $5.2 million project to improve commercial fishing facilities. The project will include a 16-slip dock with 125 feet of bulkhead space, an open-air pavilion with fish cleaning stations, office and restroom buildings, and truck and trailer parking. Construction is expected to finish in early 2027.
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› Much-hyped Sarasota restaurant closes after less than three years
For a brief period a few years ago, Sarasota went from having zero New York-style Jewish delis to three. Meshugana Deli could be found to the south on Clark Road, Palm Avenue Deli operated downtown, and the much-hyped, tongue-twistingly titled The Original Wolfie's & Rascal House occupied a prime courtyard spot just north of Main Street at 1420 Boulevard of the Arts in the Rosemary District. Meshugana Deli shuttered in the summer of 2024. The Original Wolfie's & Rascal House closed this summer — July 5, in fact.
› UF Health Shands Hospital, nurses union reach labor agreement
UF Health Shands Hospital and its nurses union, the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 713/Florida Nurses Association, have ratified a new three-year contract that will provide registered nurses with more than $18 million in wage increases and compensation enhancements.
› Broward schools to raise lunch prices to help deal with deficit
Broward school lunch prices, once known to be reliably rock-bottom, are increasing for a second year in a row. Elementary school lunches will increase from $3 to $4 for the 2026-27 school year, middle school prices will go up from $3.35 to $4.35, and high school prices will increase from $3.50 to $4.50, according to recent action taken by the School Board. Reduced-priced meals will remain at 40 cents. Breakfast will be available for free to all students, continuing a longstanding practice in the district.
› FAU plans to add AI lab, expanding 'Quantum Beach'
Artificial intelligence has continued to expand its footprint at colleges across Florida, this time revealing plans for a new laboratory in Boca Raton. State universities have embraced AI in recent years. The University of Florida has its own AI initiative starting in 2020 and the University of Central Florida announced its Institute of Artificial Intelligence last year. Now, Florida Atlantic University has revealed its plan to build its own AI engineering lab.