business and development

Housing and rental prices continue to soar in Florida and wages are struggling to keep up. There are fewer and fewer options for affordable housing in the state. Groups like the Florida Housing Coalition are hoping lawmakers continue to put money designated for affordable housing into affordable housing. Yet legislative efforts around the issue are a mixed bag.

City Walk's permit request to operate a homeless shelter on Mahan Drive is rejected by Planning Commission, the case will now go to the Leon County Circuit Court.

Homeowners at Florida Sun Estates will now pay a lower lot rent after Legal Services of North Florida stepped in to represent them in a case against Florida Sun Estates. Renters will continue paying the increased rate.

Florida’s official state pie is key lime. Now, there’s a move in the Legislature to designate strawberry shortcake as the official state dessert.

The Florida Legislature is making a return trip to vacation rental legislation. For years, lawmakers have tried to determine how much say municipalities should have in regulating such properties.

Tax credits of up to $2 million for film, television, and digital media productions drew support from senators on Monday as part of an effort to make Florida more attractive to the entertainment industry.

Attorney General Ashley Moody has asked the Florida Supreme Court to scrutinize a proposed constitutional amendment that would open the door to casinos in North Florida. A political committee backing the measure has surpassed the required number of signatures to start the review process.

Cities and municipalities could face legal action from businesses if a local ordinance hurts their bottom line. Business groups and local governments are closely monitoring a legislative proposal approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

First-time unemployment claims in Florida rolled in last month at a pace similar to the period before the coronavirus pandemic pounded the economy.

Unemployment continues to slowly improve in Florida as the state gets closer to regaining the number of jobs lost when the COVID-19 pandemic caused business closures and layoffs last year.