Florida remains a top state for franchisors and franchisees

Florida is a fine state for franchisors and franchisees. Franchise-based businesses in the state rank No. 2 nationally in economic output growth, at 5.3%, behind only Texas, at 7.1%, according to new report from the International Franchise Association. Florida’s franchisee business produced an economic output of $63.5 billion in fiscal 2020, up from $60.2 billion in 2019. More from the Business Observer.

Coronavirus in Florida: The latest and all your questions answered

Florida health officials are mobilizing to address coronavirus. Though state officials say the threat to the public remains low, public interest in learning about the disease — how it works and who is most at risk — is high. Here are the answers to some common questions. More from the Tampa Bay Times

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Florida Trend -- In Focus

Are you a Florida business professional with some tried and true insight to share? Florida Trend wants to hear from you! This year we’re debuting a new question and answer series called In Focus asking experts and professionals in Florida's business community to share real life lessons, tips and experiences they’ve learned along the way. Click to submit your answer to this week's question: When did you know you achieved success?

 

Tax break would save millions for companies that rent bulldozers, backhoes and other construction equipment

United Rentals, HercRentals and other companies that rent out construction equipment like bulldozers and backhoes could save millions of dollars a year in property taxes under a tax break the industry is lobbying for in Tallahassee. The tax break, which has been tucked into a $100-plus million package of tax cuts and tax breaks that the Florida House of Representatives tentatively approved Thursday, is expected to save heavy equipment rental companies more than $20 million a year. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Study shows Florida could lose more than 22,000 jobs if DACA ends

If the Supreme Court allows worker authorization for Dreamers to cease, Florida could pay a steep price. That’s according to a new study from FWD.us, which shows some 24,040 jobs could be lost each month if President Donald Trump’s administration is allowed to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Three quarters of those jobs will be concentrated in 12 states, the study said. More from Florida Politics