Florida Times

Florida Roads and Airports Disrupted by Severe Flooding Across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties

Widespread flooding following heavy rainfall has led to road closures and transport disruption across South Florida. Interstate 95 has been heavily affected, while airport operations have also experienced delays and cancellations due to ...

Florida Insurance Market Sees New Entrants as Regulators Approve Additional Carriers

State officials report that new insurance companies have been licensed to operate in Florida, potentially increasing competition in the property and casualty market. Analysts say the additions may help stabilize coverage availability.

Florida Power and Light Continues Grid Modernization to Improve Storm Resilience

Florida Power and Light says ongoing upgrades to its electrical infrastructure are progressing, including reinforced poles and underground lines. The initiative is designed to reduce outage risks during extreme weather.

Miami Beach Considers New Restrictions on Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Miami Beach commissioners have debated stricter rules on short-term rental properties during a public hearing. Proposed measures aim to limit transient occupancy in residential areas amid ongoing concerns about neighborhood impacts.

Florida Agriculture Study Receives Funding to Improve Precision Farming Techniques

The University of Florida has been awarded a grant to advance precision farming tools aimed at improving efficiency for growers. The project focuses on water management and crop productivity across key agricultural sectors.

Florida State University Reports Coral Restoration Breakthrough to Support Reef Recovery

Researchers at Florida State University say a newly tested coral restoration technique could improve reef survival rates in the Florida Keys. The method is part of broader efforts to protect marine ecosystems under climate stress.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Extends Manatee Protection Measures in Crystal River

Wildlife officials have extended seasonal boating restrictions in Crystal River to safeguard migrating manatees. The measures are intended to reduce injury risks during periods of increased waterway traffic.

Florida Medical System Expands Pediatric Care Capacity in Fort Myers

A healthcare provider in Fort Myers has completed an expansion of pediatric services, adding new diagnostic and treatment facilities. The upgrade is aimed at meeting growing demand for child healthcare in Lee County.

Tallahassee Regional Airport Adds New Direct Flight to Strengthen Business Connectivity

Tallahassee Regional Airport has announced a new direct flight route launching in the autumn to improve connections to key business hubs in the Southeast. Officials say the service is intended to support regional economic development.

Florida Keys Begin Community Workshops to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Local agencies in the Florida Keys are holding preparedness workshops to help residents review evacuation routes and storm readiness plans. The sessions come ahead of what forecasters expect to be a highly active Atlantic hurricane season.

University of Florida Receives Grant to Advance Agricultural Technology for Crop Efficiency

The University of Florida has secured federal funding to develop precision agriculture technologies aimed at improving water use and crop yields. The research is expected to support citrus and vegetable growers across the state.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Awards Coastal Resilience Grants to Multiple Cities

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has awarded funding to several coastal cities for flood mitigation and beach restoration projects. Officials say the grants are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen long-term coastal re...

Florida Citrus Industry Reports Stable Harvest Despite Early-Year Weather Challenges

Florida’s citrus industry says recent harvest results have met expectations despite earlier weather disruptions. Orange and grapefruit production figures remain broadly in line with forecasts, according to industry representatives.

Florida Power and Light Advances Grid Hardening Projects Across Central Florida

Florida Power and Light says it has completed key phases of its grid hardening program, including upgraded utility infrastructure in high-risk areas. The work is aimed at improving resilience against severe weather events.

Orlando Regional Chamber Reports Record Growth in Business Formation in First Half of 2026

The Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce reports a record number of new business registrations in the region during the first half of 2026. Growth has been driven largely by activity in technology and professional services sectors.

Naples City Council Faces Debate Over Proposed Beach Access and Parking Rules

Naples officials are weighing proposed changes to beach access and parking regulations following a contentious public meeting. Residents and business owners remain divided over balancing tourism demand with neighborhood quality of life.

Florida Keys Residents Take Part in Hurricane Preparedness Workshops Ahead of Storm Season

Emergency management agencies in the Florida Keys have begun hosting community workshops to review evacuation plans and preparedness measures. Officials are encouraging residents to reinforce homes and review safety procedures ahead of p...

Panhandle Tourism Reports Higher-Than-Expected Visitor Spending in Early Summer

Tourism authorities in Florida’s Panhandle say visitor spending during May and June has exceeded expectations, signaling a strong start to the summer season. Local businesses are reporting improved revenue across hospitality and leisure ...

Florida State University Researchers Develop Coral Restoration Technique to Improve Reef Survival

Florida State University scientists have tested a new coral growth method designed to enhance reef resilience in the Florida Keys. Researchers say the approach could strengthen restoration efforts as ocean temperatures continue to rise.

Jacksonville City Council Boosts Funding for Emergency Medical and Fire Services

Jacksonville officials have approved increased funding for emergency medical and fire response services as the city experiences continued suburban growth. The budget adjustment aims to support rising call volumes and operational demand.

St. Petersburg Approves Waterfront Revitalization Project to Expand Public Access and Marina Facilities

The St. Petersburg City Council has approved a major waterfront redevelopment plan featuring upgraded marina infrastructure and new public walkways. Officials say the project is intended to improve coastal access and support tourism acti...

Florida Department of Health Issues Heatwave Food Safety Guidance for Summer Months

State health officials have released updated guidance on food handling and storage during extreme summer heat. The advisory warns that high temperatures significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness, particularly in outdoor settings.

SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Mission From Cape Canaveral Carrying Communication Satellites

SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, deploying a new batch of communication satellites into low Earth orbit. The mission continues the Space Coast’s steady cadence of commercial launches.

Florida Department of Transportation Begins Overnight Interstate 95 Maintenance Near Fort Lauderdale

Transportation officials in Florida have begun overnight lane closures on Interstate 95 in Broward County for scheduled bridge maintenance. Drivers in the Fort Lauderdale area may face delays during late-night and early-morning travel pe...

Florida Insurance Market Shows Signs of Stabilization as New Carriers Enter State

State regulators say several new property and casualty insurers have been approved to operate in Florida, adding fresh capacity to a market that has faced prolonged volatility. Industry observers say the new entrants could help ease pres...

Orlando International Airport Sets Record Passenger Volumes During Peak June Weekend

Orlando International Airport reported its highest-ever June weekend passenger throughput, surpassing previous records and prompting temporary operational adjustments. Airport officials say security and terminal flow measures were adapte...

South Florida Flooding Disrupts Highways and Miami International Airport Operations Amid Severe Rainfall

Heavy rainfall across Miami-Dade and Broward counties has caused widespread flooding, closing sections of Interstate 95 and disrupting traffic across major corridors. Miami International Airport has also reported delays and cancellations...

Florida Eliminates Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday in Favor of Permanent Disaster Preparedness Exemptions

Florida has replaced its annual hurricane sales tax holiday with permanent tax exemptions on emergency supplies, shifting away from limited-time discounts toward year-round disaster preparedness support.

Florida Eliminates Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday in Favor of Permanent Disaster Preparedness Exemptions

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Prepares Crackdown on PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’

Florida environmental regulators are preparing new rules to phase out firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals, part of a broader effort to reduce long-term groundwater contamination risks across the state.

Florida Property Insurer Safepoint Plans Initial Public Offering After Market Stabilization

Tampa-based Safepoint Insurance is preparing an initial public offering, citing improved conditions in Florida’s property insurance market and growing investor confidence after several years of volatility and insurer exits.

Senator Rick Scott Urges Tampa Authority to Cancel Kanye West Concerts Over Antisemitic Remarks

U.S. Senator Rick Scott has called on the Tampa Sports Authority to cancel two scheduled concerts by Kanye West at Raymond James Stadium, citing past antisemitic comments, though venue operators have said the events are still planned to ...

Florida Reports Nearly 100 Million Dollars in Annual Household Losses From Power Outages

A new study estimates Florida households collectively lose about $97.8 million each year due to electricity outages and grid failures, increasing pressure on utilities to strengthen infrastructure against severe weather and demand spikes.

Central Florida Contractor Arrested in Roofing Fraud Investigation Targeting Homeowners

Authorities in Central Florida have arrested a roofing contractor accused of collecting payments for residential roof repairs and failing to complete the work, following a lengthy consumer protection investigation into alleged fraud.

Tampa Police Swear In 22 New Officers With Strong Representation of Military Veterans

Tampa has sworn in 22 new police officers, including six military veterans and multiple experienced law enforcement recruits, as the city expands its public safety workforce under Police Chief Lee Bercaw and Mayor Jane Castor.

Scottish World Cup Fans Transform Miami Stadium Atmosphere During Pre-Match Baseball Event

Thousands of Scottish supporters, known as the Tartan Army, filled loanDepot Park in Miami with bagpipes, kilts and coordinated chants during a Marlins game, creating a surge in tourism activity ahead of an upcoming World Cup match again...

Orlando Approves Major Downtown Zoning Overhaul to Accelerate High-Density Development

The Orlando City Council has approved sweeping changes to downtown zoning rules, streamlining approvals and removing some historic preservation reviews in an effort to speed up large-scale residential and commercial development in the ci...

Florida Eliminates Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday in Shift Toward Permanent Disaster Preparedness Exemptions

Florida has discontinued its high-profile hurricane sales tax holiday and replaced it with year-round tax exemptions on key emergency supplies, including generators and batteries, as part of a broader disaster preparedness policy shift.

ReliaQuest Warns Artificial Intelligence is Accelerating Cyberattacks Against Florida Businesses

Tampa-based cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest says artificial intelligence is enabling faster and more sophisticated cyberattacks, including deepfakes and automated phishing campaigns, prompting companies across Florida to upgrade digital de...

Federal Authorities Arraign Dual Citizen in Orlando Over Alleged Florida-Wide Bomb Threat Campaign

A 27-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen has been arraigned in Orlando on federal charges linked to an alleged campaign of bomb threats and hoax attacks targeting Jewish community centers and schools across Florida, following extradition ...

Florida Insurance Market Stabilizes as Citizens Property Insurance Secures 30 Percent Drop in Reinsurance Costs

Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has finalized a $2.8 billion reinsurance program at costs 30 percent lower than last year, signaling renewed stability in the state’s property insurance market following years of volatility.

Florida State University Approves Record 3.2 Billion Dollar Budget for Expansion of Aid, Salaries and Capital Projects

The Florida State University Board of Trustees has approved a $3.2 billion operating budget for the upcoming academic year, supported by state funding and earmarked for expanded student financial aid, higher faculty salaries and major in...

Florida Eliminates Hurricane Sales Tax Holiday and Shifts to Permanent Year-Round Disaster Supply Exemptions

Florida has ended its widely used hurricane sales tax holiday program and replaced it with permanent tax exemptions on essential preparedness items such as batteries and generators, changing how residents prepare for annual storm season.

Florida Legislature Advances 250,000 Dollar Property Tax Exemption Proposal to November Ballot

Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide on a $250,000 homestead exemption for non-school property taxes in November, a measure intended to reduce housing costs for permanent residents acros...

SpaceX Conducts Cargo Reentry Test and Secures 20 Billion Dollar Bond Offering in Major Cape Canaveral Milestone

SpaceX launched its Starfall cargo reentry vehicle for orbital transport testing from Cape Canaveral while also completing a $20 billion public bond offering aimed at funding the expansion of its Florida-based spaceflight operations.