Florida Times

Florida Investors Closely Watch Effects of New Tax and Insurance Regulations

Business leaders are assessing how regulatory changes due to take effect in July may influence corporate relocations and the continued migration of high-net-worth individuals into the state during the remainder of 2026.

Florida Introduces New Restrictions on Artificial Intelligence in Insurance Claim Decisions

Legislation taking effect on July 1 will prohibit property insurers from using artificial intelligence as the sole basis for denying or reducing claims, adding new consumer protections.

Florida Property Insurance Market Shows Signs of Stabilization After Legislative Reforms

AM Best analysts said reinsurance pricing has softened ahead of June renewals, citing recent tort reforms and a decline in litigation-driven claims activity.

Florida Legislative Session Ends With Property Insurance and Education Funding at the Forefront

The 2026 legislative session concluded with lawmakers balancing efforts to cut property taxes against the need to maintain funding for Florida's growing public education system.

Local Governments Raise Concerns Over Expanded Homestead Exemptions

Municipal and county officials are warning state lawmakers that increasing homestead exemptions could reduce funding for police, fire protection and other essential public services.

Florida School Districts Pursue Local Property Tax Increases Despite Statewide Tax Relief Efforts

Nearly half of Florida's 67 school districts are moving ahead with property tax referendums to close budget gaps and support school operations and teacher pay even as state leaders push for broader tax reductions.

S&P Global Ratings Warns Florida Property Tax Cut Proposal Could Strain Local Government Finances

Analysts said Governor Ron DeSantis's proposal to raise homestead exemptions to $250,000 could create material revenue shortfalls for municipalities, potentially leading to new fees or higher borrowing costs.

Byron Donalds Builds Commanding Fundraising Lead in Race to Succeed Ron DeSantis as Florida Governor

Republican candidate Byron Donalds reported $65.8 million in cash on hand as of June 1, significantly outpacing his primary rivals and Democratic contender David Jolly as the gubernatorial race intensifies.

Candidates Shift Toward General Election Messaging After Democratic Primary Changes in Florida

Florida gubernatorial candidates are increasingly focusing on general election messaging following recent shifts in the Democratic primary field. The evolving race is setting up a more competitive statewide contest heading into November.

Florida Beach Conditions Remain Open Despite Weekend Rain Chances and Rising Humidity

Beach and boating conditions across South Florida remain open with no active advisories, even as forecasters warn of increased rain chances and higher humidity. Officials recommend residents stay updated on daily weather changes.

Northeast Florida Storm Patterns Expected to Intensify With Afternoon Heat-Driven Activity

Meteorologists expect scattered thunderstorms to develop inland around 2 p.m. across Northeast Florida as daytime heating increases atmospheric instability. Morning conditions may remain clear before storm activity shifts later in the day.

Monroe County Expands Focus on Affordable Housing Support in Federal Legislative Agenda

Monroe County’s 2026 priorities include continued support for affordable housing programs such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Officials say rising housing costs across the Florida Keys remain a key policy challenge.

Jacksonville Restaurant Closures Reflect Shifting Business Conditions in Riverside District

Two long-standing restaurants in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood have announced permanent closures, prompting local discussion about changing commercial conditions in the area. The developments add to broader concerns over shifting...

Federal Funding Secured for Key West International Airport Infrastructure Upgrades

Key West International Airport is set to receive federal funding for infrastructure hardening and transportation improvements following advocacy by Florida officials. The investment aims to strengthen airport operations in the face of ex...

Monroe County Seeks Continued Federal Support for Everglades Restoration and Coastal Resilience

Monroe County officials are urging sustained federal investment in Everglades restoration and coastal resilience projects, citing their importance to Florida Bay’s ecological health and long-term regional protection. The funding push is ...

David Jolly Selects Gwen Graham as Running Mate in Florida Democratic Gubernatorial Bid

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly has chosen former U.S. Representative Gwen Graham as his running mate, consolidating support within the party ahead of the general election. The move signals an early attempt to unify Democr...

Mass Candidate Field Emerges in U.S. House Race After Byron Donalds Enters Governor’s Contest

A wide field of candidates has entered the race for Byron Donalds’ former U.S. House seat following his decision to run for Florida governor. The contest is expected to become one of the most competitive congressional races in the state.

Legal Challenge Targets Florida Property Tax Ballot Language Ahead of Vote

A court challenge has been filed over the wording of proposed property tax cut ballot measures, with opponents arguing the language may mislead voters. The case adds legal uncertainty to one of Florida’s closely watched fiscal policy deb...

Florida Infrastructure Funding Outlook Strengthens Under Proposed Federal Transportation Legislation

Proposed federal measures, including the BUILD America 250 Act, could provide up to $14 billion in surface transportation funding for Florida’s highway network. The support comes as the state manages long-term infrastructure demands acro...

Breeze Airways Expands International Growth Strategy at Tampa International Airport

Beyond its new Nassau route, Breeze Airways says it plans to serve five international destinations from Tampa by the end of 2026, including locations in Central America and the Caribbean. The expansion reflects growing competition among ...

Monroe County Pushes Federal Funding for Water Quality, Housing and Coastal Protection in Florida Keys

Monroe County’s federal priorities include expanded support for water quality programs, affordable housing initiatives and coastal resilience funding. Officials say these measures are central to protecting both the environment and the lo...

Hillsborough County Hosts Hurricane Preparedness Expo as Officials Push Emergency Shelter Sign-Ups

Hillsborough County held a disaster preparedness expo on June 13, bringing together 40 agencies to guide residents on evacuation planning, safety measures and recovery resources. Officials also urged people with medical or functional nee...

Monroe County Sets 2026 Federal Agenda Focused on Hurricane Resilience and Everglades Restoration

Monroe County commissioners have approved a federal legislative agenda prioritizing disaster recovery reform, flood insurance affordability and Everglades restoration funding. The plan also calls for more than $5 million in infrastructur...

Breeze Airways Launches First International Flights From Tampa to Nassau With Wider Expansion Planned

Breeze Airways has launched its first nonstop international service from Tampa International Airport to Nassau in the Bahamas, marking the return of the route after two decades. The airline also plans to expand its international network ...

South Florida and Northeast Florida Brace for Heat, Storms and Unstable Weekend Weather

Meteorologists are warning of heat index values reaching up to 107 degrees in Northeast Florida, while South Florida faces rising humidity and the return of scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Officials say conditions remain suitable for ...

Byron Donalds Leads Fundraising Race as Florida Governor Contest Intensifies

U.S. Representative Byron Donalds has raised $14 million over the past two months, significantly outpacing both Republican and Democratic rivals in the race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. The fundraising lead is reshaping...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Complete Organized Team Activities With Focus on Defense

Head coach Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers wrapped up organized team activities after concentrating on integrating new defensive players ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

Tampa Advances Rome Yards Redevelopment Project With Major Construction Milestone

City officials announced progress at the Rome Yards development, a large-scale project intended to transform West Tampa’s waterfront with housing, commercial space, and public green areas.

Walt Disney World Removed More Than 400 Alligators Over the Past Decade

Florida wildlife officials say 414 alligators have been removed from Walt Disney World property during the last ten years as part of expanded wildlife management efforts following a fatal 2016 attack.

Florida Conservation Program Targets Recovery of Roseate Spoonbill Populations

Wildlife agencies and conservation groups have launched a broad habitat protection initiative aimed at strengthening populations of the roseate spoonbill, a distinctive coastal bird once pushed close to extinction.

Florida Homeowners Association Withdraws Firearms Restriction After Legal Pressure

A residential community association has rescinded a policy limiting firearm possession in common areas after the Florida Attorney General threatened legal action over potential constitutional violations.