Got hurricane insurance from Citizens? Here’s a new reason your bill may rise in Florida

A little-noticed line in the Florida Legislature’s latest attempt to fix the state’s fractured home insurance market promises to have big impacts on more than a million Floridians. It will force them to also buy flood insurance — even if their homes aren’t in designated flood zones. The provision, included in a sweeping insurance bill passed late last year, will make flood insurance mandatory for any homeowners with hurricane wind policies from Citizens Insurance, the state-run insurer of last resort. At minimum, that’s likely to add hundreds of dollars a year to the insurance bill. More from WUSF and the Miami Herald.

UES buys Tampa engineering firm, expands its Florida expertise

Central Florida engineering and consulting firm UES is expanding its portfolio, buying Tampa-based Faulkner Engineering Services. Orlando-based UES announced its Florida portfolio now includes Faulkner Engineering, a 17-year-old environmental services, geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing firm. Faulkner Engineering will join UES's Florida Region, and its existing leadership team will continue to operate its day-to-day business, said a news release. More from the Orlando Business Journal.

Jacksonville backs $20 million for UF campus in downtown. What's at stake for city?

Jacksonville took its first step toward paying for a potential University of Florida graduate campus whose impact has brought comparisons to the city landing the Jaguars franchise and Mayo Clinic, even though the exact details of the school's academic programs and research activities remain to be determined. City Council voted 16-1 on Tuesday for the city's commitment of $20 million, which would be the first installment of $50 million from the city over three years. Council member Al Ferraro voted in opposition. More from the Florida Times Union.

Bradenton training program addresses nursing shortage

With a number of hospitals and health care systems popping up in the area, now is the worst time to have a nursing shortage. A training program in Bradenton is taking steps to address the state’s issue. Premier Nursing Academy has set out to provide students free training to become a nursing assistant. Employers in need of nurse aides pay for the program, according to a press release. Additionally, Tampa-based nonprofit Gale Healthcare Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the program to extend its reach. More from the Business Observer.

Miami-Dade recycling, once a profit center, swings to big loss

Soaring inflation coupled with China’s policy reverse are blamed for a 28% jump in Miami-Dade recycling collection costs while turning recycled materials from a county profit center into a $17 million loss for the next two years. The county, which for three years had sought new recycling contracts, faced a time crunch last week as three 15-year deals neared an end. It approved no-bid renewals with current vendors while it hunts for better deals and plans a no-waste future. More from Miami Today.