Florida Times

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.

Wildfires and Extreme Heat Trigger Air Quality Alerts Across South Florida as Temperatures Surge Above 105 Degrees

The National Weather Service issued heat advisories and air quality warnings across Miami-Dade and Broward counties as heat index values topped 105 degrees, while smoke from expanding wildfires in the Everglades worsened breathing condit...

Federal Investigation Finds Surfside Condo Collapse Developed Over Several Weeks Before Final Structural Failure

A federal engineering investigation into the Champlain Towers South disaster has concluded that the collapse unfolded gradually over a period of weeks rather than occurring suddenly, a finding that is expected to influence future inspect...

Florida Lawmakers Continue Debate Over Property Tax Changes and Local Budget Impact

State officials and stakeholders continue to debate the long-term impact of proposed property tax reforms, including potential effects on local government funding for public services such as schools and emergency response.

Florida High School Athlete Coleman Borthwick Named Prep Baseball Player of the Year

Prep Baseball Florida has named Coleman Borthwick of South Walton as its 2026 High School Player of the Year, recognising his standout performance in the state’s high school baseball season.

Florida Wildlife Officials Reissue Safety Guidance Following Recent Alligator Incidents

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has reiterated safety advice for residents following recent alligator encounters, urging the public to avoid feeding wildlife and maintain safe distances.

Experts Warn El Niño Conditions Could Intensify Heat and Severe Weather Risks in 2026

Health and meteorological experts are warning that ongoing El Niño conditions may increase the risk of extreme heat and severe thunderstorms through 2026, raising concerns for vulnerable populations.

Disney World’s Multi-Generational Workforce Highlights Longstanding Family Employment Traditions in Florida

A new report highlights how multiple generations of Florida families continue to work at Walt Disney World, underscoring the resort’s role as one of the state’s largest and most enduring employers.

Osceola County Breaks Ground on Permanent Memorial for Pulse Nightclub Victims

Osceola County has begun construction of a permanent memorial honouring the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub tragedy, marking a formal step in long-term remembrance efforts.

Titusville Authorities Investigate Paragliding Incident Near Interstate 95

Law enforcement in Titusville are reviewing a paragliding incident reported near Interstate 95, with officials assessing what occurred and ensuring safety for those involved.

Florida Reopens Marion County River After Alligator Bite Incident Prompts Temporary Closure

Authorities have reopened a Marion County river after a snorkeler was bitten by an alligator, with officials reiterating safety guidance for residents and visitors using Florida waterways.

Florida Insurance Market Strength Improves as Reinsurance Costs Fall and Capital Access Expands

Stronger reinsurance pricing and increased investor participation are improving Florida’s insurance market outlook, with analysts suggesting the trend could support long-term investment in infrastructure and flood mitigation.

Orlando Faces Mid-Nineties Heat as National Weather Service Issues Summer Heat Advisory

Meteorologists in Orlando are forecasting mid-90s temperatures, with officials urging residents to limit outdoor activity during peak hours and stay hydrated as early summer heat intensifies across central Florida.

Sanford Deputy-Involved Shooting Leaves One Dead as State Investigation Begins

A deputy-involved shooting during a local event in Sanford on Monday resulted in one fatality, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement launching an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Florida Expands Ban on High-Risk Synthetic Substances Sold in Retail Stores

Florida has extended its emergency prohibition on so-called “gas station morphine” and other synthetic substances, as state officials continue efforts to restrict access to unregulated drugs in retail outlets.

Cocoa Beach Police Resolve Armed Standoff on North Atlantic Avenue Without Injuries

Police in Cocoa Beach safely detained an armed man after an hours-long standoff on Monday morning, ending the incident without injuries following extended negotiations.

Tampa Police Investigate Fatal Downtown Shooting Near West Main Street and North Albany Avenue

Tampa police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late on June 21 in the downtown area, with detectives continuing to seek information while urging the public to rely on verified updates.

Tampa Police Swear In 22 New Officers to Strengthen City Law Enforcement Capacity

The Tampa Police Department has added 22 new officers in a swearing-in ceremony on June 22, part of efforts to maintain staffing levels and support public safety operations across the city.

Florida Reinsurance Market Sees 2.8 Billion Dollar Coverage Programme With Lower Costs for State Insurer

Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has secured a 2.8 billion dollar reinsurance and catastrophe bond programme for 2026, with costs down around 30 percent year on year amid improved market conditions and post-litigation re...

Florida Voters to Decide Major Property Tax Relief Amendment in November Ballot

Voters in Florida will consider a constitutional amendment proposing a higher homestead exemption of 250,000 dollars and a reduction in the annual assessment cap for non-homestead properties, a measure aimed at addressing housing afforda...

Florida Democrats Finalize 2026 Midterm Candidate Slate With Focus on Affordability and Housing Costs

The Florida Democratic Party has completed candidate qualifying for the 2026 midterm elections, with campaign messaging centred on cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability and a push to shift the state’s political direction ahead ...

Florida Real Estate Debate Intensifies Over Rising Insurance Costs for Homeowners Associations

Public debate continues in Florida over rising insurance premiums affecting homeowners associations, with policymakers and advocates exploring potential regulatory responses to cost pressures.

Florida Insurance Officials Continue Efforts to Attract New Private Carriers

State insurance regulators say discussions are ongoing with potential new entrants to Florida’s property insurance market, as part of broader efforts to increase competition and stabilize coverage.

South Florida Flood Recovery Efforts Continue After Heavy Rainfall

Local emergency teams in South Florida are continuing cleanup and drainage work following recent heavy rain, with officials highlighting ongoing challenges in flood-prone urban areas.

Port Everglades Approves Cruise Terminal Modernization Expansion

Port Everglades has approved additional investment to expand and modernize cruise terminal facilities, supporting larger vessels and reinforcing its role in the global cruise network.

Florida Department of Health Issues Routine Summer Mosquito Awareness Reminder

State health officials are reminding residents to take basic precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses during the summer months, including property maintenance to eliminate standing water.