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Florida tops 2026 startup rankings - In a new study, WalletHub compared all 50 states across 25 key indicators of startup success to determine the most fertile environments for launching and growing a business. The results reveal a sharp divide between the nation’s leaders and laggards, with Florida ranked No. 1. The state has the third-most startups per capita and the highest percentage of adults engaged in entrepreneurship nationwide. Between 2017 and 2023, Florida’s number of small businesses grew by nearly 16%, the fifth-highest rate in the country.
Florida beef prices have hit exorbitant levels and they aren't going down
Beef prices soared to an all-time high as 2025 drew to a close and Floridians should expect to pay even more for hamburger and steaks this year, according to experts. "For now, beef prices can be expected to remain elevated and likely increase, especially if consumer demand holds strong," wrote Hannah Baker, beef and forage extension economist at the University of Florida's cattle research and education center in Hardee County, in her December 2025 Florida Cattle Market Update report.
Florida property tax relief has support but no consensus - Property tax relief took another step forward as Florida lawmakers returned to the state Capitol to decide how to whittle down a lengthy list of proposals for voters to consider later this year. House Joint Resolution 203 cleared a key committee on Thursday, two days after the 2026 legislative session convened in Tallahassee. The legislation would phase out non-school property taxes over 10 years until homestead properties become fully exempt by 2037. It’s one of at least six proposals in the House that would reduce or eliminate the taxes, if 60% of voters agree. But while there is plenty of support for the concept, there is no consensus on the approach.
New statewide insurance trust enters 2026 with sustained growth and millions more in taxpayer savings - The Florida Educator Health Trust (FLEHT) enters 2026 less than a year old, but already with significant progress under its belt. Established to help Florida School Districts save on employee health plans without having to pass along benefit reductions, the program opened last June with just three counties on board, representing 1,671 public school employees in DeSoto, Hardee and Hendry counties. As of mid-January, more School Boards have voted to join the program at various points throughout 2026, which will bring the total counties enrolled to 15.
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