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Social media, utility rates, marijuana & more: 10 legal issues to watch in Florida in 2026 - From Alligator Alcatraz to guns, social media to recreational marijuana, and utility rates and immigration, legal battles about those and myriad other Florida issues remain unresolved heading into 2026. Here are 10 big legal issues to watch in the coming year.
The year ahead in Florida sports betting: Seminoles retain sole control - Legalizing sports betting in Florida opened the industry’s doors to one of the largest markets in America. However, the state’s unique setup has controversially separated it from many other top gaming states. Heading into 2026, the Florida sports betting market is still under a gaming monopoly controlled by the Seminole Tribe, which is in a partnership with Hard Rock Bet.
Does Florida's minimum wage go up again in 2026? Here's when, how much - This year, minimum wage workers in Florida got an extra buck an hour in their paychecks. In 2026, it will go up again, but that may be it for a while. Thanks to the "Fair Wage" constitutional amendment voters narrowly passed in 2020, minimum wage in the state will increase by $1 every year until it reaches $15 an hour in 2026.
SoftBank to buy Boca Raton-based DigitalBridge in $4 billion deal to bolster AI infrastructure push - A Japanese investment holding company has agreed to buy a publicly traded South Florida private equity firm for $4 billion. Tokyo-based SoftBank Group Corp. said Monday it would acquire Boca Raton-based DigitalBridge Group Inc. Closing would be subject to regulatory approval and is expected in the second half of 2026. SoftBank said taking over DigitalBridge would boost its ability to create the infrastructure needed to support artificial intelligence-powered technologies.
Mayor Jane Castor highlights economic growth, public works as Tampa heads into 2026 - As 2025 comes to a close, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor says the city is entering the new year with momentum built on economic growth, major infrastructure investments and continued recovery from last year’s hurricanes. Castor outlined the city’s progress in her year-end remarks, pointing to national recognition for Tampa’s economy and a slate of public works projects completed or launched over the past year. Tampa ranked second among mid-sized U.S. cities for economic growth, with the local economy expanding 43% and paychecks rising 38%.
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