AGP Executive Report

AI and jobs: A Fortune review of BLS data says Florida’s creative sectors are feeling the squeeze, with about 189,000 jobs lost across film, broadcasting, and publishing as AI ramps up automation fears. Retirement access: An AARP survey finds Florida small business owners want help offering retirement plans—87% back easier state rules—because many workers are stuck relying on Social Security. Local affordability politics: Jacksonville House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan filed to run for mayor, pointing to rising utility costs and promising faster permitting and more accountability at independent authorities. Franchise growth: Batteries Plus says it signed 19 new franchise agreements in Q3 and opened 13 locations, including new Florida expansion. Healthcare business moves: Ensign Group announced it expanded into Florida via acquisitions of multiple skilled nursing and rehab facilities across the state. Small business procurement: Miami-Dade County is pushing procurement reforms through STRIP to cut delays and reduce admin burdens for vendors, including small businesses. Tech for commerce: A new review flags that industrial ecommerce conversion problems often start before product pages—buyers can’t find the right SKU fast enough. Community & culture: FloridaRAMA in St. Pete debuts a Victorian Gothic, PG-13 immersive experience built by local artist Cody Meacham.

Healthcare Expansion: The Ensign Group is expanding into Florida via acquisitions of eight post-acute and rehabilitation operations, including facilities in Sarasota, Carrabelle, Jacksonville, Davenport, Dunedin, and Port St. Joe, effective Oct. 1 under long-term triple-net leases. Big Money + Talent Pipeline: Billionaire Ken Griffin backed Carnegie Mellon University’s new Miami campus with a record donation, pitching it as an engineering, AI, and robotics hub opening in 2028, with Gov. Ron DeSantis touting Florida’s broader higher-ed ecosystem. Entrepreneurship Support: Florida State University’s entrepreneurship clinic selected WVNCC’s business program director Lyndsie Guzek for an Experiential Classroom focused on hands-on teaching methods for future founders. Workforce & Cost Pressure: Miami-Dade Democrats are calling for the Elections Supervisor to recuse herself after she publicly endorsed Amendment 3, while S&P warns the proposal could pressure local government credit ratings. Small Business + Community: Knaus Berry Farm is rolling out changes for its earlier Oct. 13 season opening, including a new purchase limit and updates aimed at cutting lines. Local Business Growth: Red Cat’s Blue Ops is partnering with Florida Atlantic University to expand maritime defense operations at FAU’s Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce. Business Finance Watch: UMH Properties and ARMOUR Residential REIT confirmed upcoming dividend payments, signaling steady income for investors tied to Florida-area real estate.

Education & Talent Pipeline: Ken Griffin’s record $2B gift is helping launch Carnegie Mellon University’s Miami campus (opening 2028) focused on engineering, AI and robotics, with Gov. Ron DeSantis touting the “ecosystem” impact. Local Elections & Governance: Miami-Dade Democrats are urging Elections Supervisor Alina Garcia to recuse herself from November canvassing after she publicly backed Amendment 3. Small Business Operations: Knaus Berry Farm is opening its 70th season Oct. 13 and adding changes aimed at shorter lines, including credit cards and online ordering. Entrepreneurship & Franchising: A 23-year-old Sarasota native, Ethan Bell, is taking over a College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving franchise in Oklahoma City after mentorship and financing support. Workplace Trends: Tampa social media agency Brick Media says its four-day workweek experiment became permanent, with revenue growth and no productivity drop. Minimum Wage: Florida’s minimum wage hits $15, but advocates argue it still isn’t “livable” for many workers. Community & Growth: Florida Tech’s weVENTURE Women’s Business Center names Liz Llinás executive director to expand support for entrepreneurs. Business Events: Lauderdale Lakes is rolling out Carnival Weekend programming for local restaurants and vendors (Oct. 9-11).

Workforce & Training: RadNet teamed with WIN-NextGen to spark early interest in radiology careers, using mentorship, digital learning, and imaging-center shadowing for ages 12–24 across parts of the region. Entrepreneurship Events: Hispanic Unity of Florida’s 13th Broward Entrepreneur Summit returns Oct. 2 with free admission, 300+ expected attendees, and a new pitch competition plus 1:1 mentoring and cash prizes. Small-Business Cost Pressure: Florida’s minimum wage hit $15/hour Sept. 30 (tipped workers $11.98), but owners say it’s not “livable” and may force price hikes. Local Food Access + Vendor Support: St. Pete launched PeliCAN, a $250,000 grant-backed pilot bringing affordable produce to South St. Pete via mobile vendors, with coaching and permit help. Housing & Real Estate Market Signals: Palm Beach County logged a record number of $10M+ home sales, while West Palm Beach luxury sales jumped 43.9%—a potential tailwind for local high-end services. Community Resilience: A Gulfport LGBTQ bottle club says it’s still recovering two years after hurricanes, despite surviving physically, highlighting how disaster finances can linger for small businesses. Business Growth & Tech: HostColor expanded to 100Gbps dedicated hosting with new U.S. and international locations, including Miami.

Florida Minimum Wage: Florida’s final scheduled minimum wage hike took effect Sept. 30, bringing the statewide rate to $15/hour (tipped workers to $11.98), but workers and small business owners say it still doesn’t match local living costs and could force price increases. Local Food Access & Small Business: St. Petersburg launched PeliCAN, a $250,000 grant-backed program sending mobile produce vendors into South St. Pete, pairing sales with permits help and business coaching to grow local microbusinesses. Healthcare Entrepreneurship: A new look at “silver tsunami” succession highlights how healthcare practice ownership is shifting, with more non-traditional paths emerging as older owners retire. Tech & Hosting Expansion: HostColor expanded its dedicated hosting to 100Gbps across major U.S. and international locations, including Miami, aiming at higher-bandwidth business needs. Banking Updates: Several Florida-linked banks posted earnings call dates and merger news, including BayFirst Financial in Tampa Bay and broader banking consolidation activity. Community & Commerce: Pecan Park Flea & Farmers Market in Jacksonville closed after 40 years as the site sold for redevelopment into a car dealership, ending a long-running vendor economy. Policy Fight Over Property Taxes: Common Cause Florida joined opposition to Amendment 3, warning it could cut local services and raise costs for small businesses and residents. School Safety Tech: A Winter Springs charter school piloted CENTEGIX CrisisAlert wearable panic buttons and alert-activated video to strengthen campus safety. Business Spotlight: eMaxx named Rob Gronkowski as spokesperson to boost awareness of its commercial property and casualty programs for business owners and agents.

Veteran Business Support: Louisiana is set to launch a new Veterans Business Outreach Center after the SBA awarded nearly $175,000 a year for five years, with The Boot leading no-cost entrepreneurship training, counseling, and capital/contracting help for veterans and military families. Local Chamber Leadership: Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce announced board and staff changes for 2027, including Andrea Smallwood continuing as chair through 2026/into 2027, Mark Burns stepping in as incoming chair, and new board and membership leadership. EV Charging Rules in Florida: A Miami-focused update explains how Florida condo boards can bill residents per unit for EV charging under state law, including options that avoid new hardware and per-port monthly fees. Business Growth in Central Florida: Batteries Plus is expanding in Lake County with a four-store franchise deal, while ALEXIS LAUREN is preparing its first Orlando-area location in Winter Park with reported Florida revenue momentum. Tech & Finance Moves: CyberFOX signed a distribution deal with TD SYNNEX for its security portfolio, and Greystone backed a Miami affordable housing development with a $167M loan package. Real Estate & Community Impact: Osceola residents are raising concerns about a proposed 2,000+ acre hyperscale data center near Canoe Creek Road. Legal Watch: New class actions were filed in Florida federal courts involving Avis Budget Group and Celsius Holdings, with lead-plaintiff deadlines noted.

Local Business Spotlight: Sanford’s Awe Glammed Up is ready to grow its bridal hair and makeup operation while leaning hard into community partnerships and local vendor collaborations. Small-Business Cybersecurity: A new look at cyber risk argues attacks are now an economic and operational threat for small firms, with Washington pushing measures like the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026. Veterans Entrepreneurship: The SBA announced nearly $4.9M in grants to expand Veterans Business Outreach Centers in Alaska and Florida (plus Louisiana), offering free training and counseling for veteran entrepreneurs. Banking Deal for SMBs: Valley National Bancorp agreed to buy Bluevine for about $340M, aiming to boost Valley’s small-business funding and digital/AI capabilities. Florida Legal/Consumer Impact: Florida AG sued a roofing firm after dozens of complaints about unfinished work. Community & Growth: Santa Rosa County commissioners rejected a large subdivision citing traffic impacts, including strain on Berryhill Road. Entrepreneurship on TV: Ocala’s Fundelivered mystery-box business is set for ABC’s Shark Tank with MrBeast as a guest investor. Space-Economy Angle: Florida Tech honored Carol Craig (Craig Technologies and Sidus Space) as a Panther-owned business awardee.

Cybersecurity Policy Watch: A new federal push is putting small-business cyber risk front and center, with Washington weighing the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026 and pointing to how attacks like ransomware and business email scams can hit far beyond the first victim. Local Business Spotlight: Ocala’s “Fundelivered” is headed to ABC’s “Shark Tank” on Sept. 30, turning unclaimed mail, returns, and liquidation goods into a mystery-box business pitched to MrBeast and the panel. Fraud & Enforcement: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Evolve Construction & Restoration, alleging door-to-door tactics after Hurricanes Ian and Milton, about $1M taken from at least 80 homeowners, and unfinished work—many complaints involve seniors. Business Banking Deal: Valley National Bancorp agreed to buy Bluevine for about $340M, adding $2.1B in deposits and a digital small-business platform as Valley accelerates its AI and tech strategy. Small-Biz Funding for Veterans: SBA awarded nearly $4.9M to expand Veterans Business Outreach Centers, including $400,000 grants to Florida’s Veterans Florida. Startup/Innovation Recognition: Ravin Consultants was named a 2026 Industry Icon in Healthcare & Wellness for its 340B program expertise. Florida Business Crime Case: A “smart rings” CEO, Michelle Bisnoff of Boca Raton, was found guilty in a near-$2M Ponzi scheme and COVID loan fraud.

Local Business Spotlight: Tarpon Springs’ Sponge Docks small shops are using playful social videos to keep energy up during the slower season, turning foot traffic dips into community buzz. Community & Small Business Growth: The Pensacola Seafood Festival drew thousands over the weekend, with vendors saying it signals the start of their fall season and boosts sales for traveling small businesses. Entrepreneurship in Action: Mr. Handyman serving Greater Jacksonville has new leadership, with Bryant and Jordan Whelan taking over as founders retire—keeping the Orange Park shop and local crew in place. Fraud & Compliance Watch: A federal jury convicted Boca Raton wearable-tech CEO Michelle Bisnoff in a near-$2 million smart-ring Ponzi scheme and COVID-relief fraud case, a reminder for Florida SMBs to tighten investor and IP checks. Disaster Costs for Homeowners: A St. Petersburg couple says the disaster system left them stuck in rebuilding delays and “duplication of benefits” issues after Hurricane Helene and Milton—an indirect hit to local small contractors. Workforce & Youth Programs: Duke Energy Foundation awarded $100,000 to Central Florida nonprofits backing career readiness, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Local Business Spotlight: On Florida’s Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, two neighboring shops (Salty Sponge and Rebranding Earth) are leaning into slow-season creativity—posting playful skits and jokes to keep foot traffic energy up and build community. Fraud & Enforcement: A federal jury convicted Boca Raton wearable-tech CEO Michelle Bisnoff in a near-$2 million smart-ring Ponzi scheme and COVID-relief fraud, after claims she falsely owned key patents and misled investors. Small-Business Disaster Reality: A St. Petersburg couple say Florida’s disaster payouts and SBA disaster-loan process left them stuck—insurance and FEMA money got delayed by permits and “duplication of benefits” rules, forcing them to keep paying rent while rebuilding costs climb. Business Risk Watch: Tim Tebow is pausing his Life Surge relationship while his team investigates serious sales-practices allegations reported by Pablo Torre Finds Out and Mother Jones. Workforce & Growth: Duke Energy Foundation awarded $100,000 to Central Florida nonprofits for career readiness, leadership, and entrepreneurship support.

Leadership Change: Mr. Handyman serving Greater Jacksonville has new owners, Bryant and Jordan Whelan, as founders Mike and Libby McCalley retire—keeping the Orange Park shop and crew in place. Fraud & Compliance: A former tech executive, Michelle Bisnoff, was convicted in a near-$2M Ponzi scheme and COVID loan fraud case, while a separate federal case in San Diego targets scaffolding executives accused of defrauding the U.S. Navy via alleged small-business eligibility tricks. Local Business Pressure: A Village Inn franchisee in Oldsmar filed Chapter 11 with about $554,000 in liabilities, citing lingering hurricane impacts, weaker sales, and rising costs. Workforce Costs: Florida’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15 an hour (and $11.98 for tipped workers) after Sept. 30, with future increases tied to inflation. Tech & Connectivity: Spectrum expanded internet service to 10,000+ homes and businesses in Polk County and backed digital education grants for students. Community & Growth: Duke Energy Foundation awarded $100,000 to Central Florida nonprofits supporting career readiness and entrepreneurship. Health & Ethics: Tim Tebow is pausing his Life Surge relationship amid serious sales-practices allegations, while the company disputes the claims.

Fraud & Enforcement: A former tech CEO, Michelle Bisnoff (Esos Rings), was convicted on 16 federal counts tied to a near-$2M Ponzi scheme, including securities and wire fraud, plus COVID relief fraud. Small-Business Legal Risk: In San Diego, former Kentucky Derby trainer Mick Ruis was indicted in an alleged U.S. Navy scaffolding contracting scheme that prosecutors say used small-business eligibility tricks. Florida Consumer & Workforce: Florida’s minimum wage is set to hit $15 an hour after Sept. 30 (with a lower tipped rate), with future increases tied to inflation. Local Economy & Jobs: Duke Energy Foundation awarded $100,000 in Central Florida grants to nonprofits focused on career readiness, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Retail & Community: Dade City’s long-running Book Shack celebrates decades as a family-run used-book hub. Business Distress: A Village Inn franchisee in Oldsmar filed Chapter 11 with about $554K in liabilities, citing hurricane aftereffects, weaker sales, and higher costs. Digital Access: Spectrum expanded internet service to 10,000+ homes and businesses in Polk County and backed a digital education grant. Real Estate Migration: Luxury agent reports Washington high earners increasingly buying Florida homes to escape higher state taxes.

Local Business & Jobs: Florida’s minimum wage is set to jump to $15 an hour for non-tipped workers (and $11.98 for tipped) after Sept. 30, with future increases tied to inflation—another cost shift for small employers. Retail & Hospitality Distress: A Village Inn franchisee in Oldsmar filed Chapter 11 under Subchapter V, listing about $554,000 in liabilities, citing lingering hurricane impacts, weaker sales, and higher operating costs. Banking & Community Impact: FDIC-assisted acquisition: Sunwest Bank will take over Nano Banc, with customers getting immediate deposit access as the bank reopens under the new name. Broadband Expansion: Spectrum expanded internet service to 10,000+ homes and businesses in Polk County, pairing the buildout with a $50,000 digital education grant for local students. Small Business Legal/Compliance Watch: A Florida court filing alleges X Strategies’ co-founder embezzled and gambled away millions, spotlighting financial controls for SMBs. Policy & Cost of Living: Florida TaxWatch recommends a “No” vote on Amendment 3, warning of budget impacts tied to homestead and property assessment changes.

Minimum Wage Update: Florida’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15 an hour after Sept. 30, with tipped workers moving to $11.98, and future annual increases tied to inflation—so small businesses should double-check payroll rates, tip credits, posters, and any pay periods that straddle the change date. Restaurant Stress Signals: A Village Inn franchisee in Oldsmar filed for Chapter 11 under Subchapter V, listing about $554,000 in liabilities, citing lingering hurricane effects, weaker sales, and higher operating costs—another reminder that cost pressure is still hitting local operators. Broadband Expansion: Spectrum expanded internet service to more than 10,000 homes and businesses in Polk County as part of a rural fiber push, with a $50,000 donation to Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay for digital education and career readiness. Legal/Compliance for SMBs: A GovCon FAQ explains how foreign-owned firms can still qualify as “small businesses” under SBA rules if they meet SBA size and business-eligibility requirements. Business Ops & Hiring: MGMA coverage highlights rising staff turnover in medical practices and points to compensation strategies like career ladders, skills-based pay, retention bonuses, and profit sharing aimed at keeping key staff. Tech for Growth: A B2B e-commerce piece warns that growing online shops can outgrow spreadsheets and need consistent order/product rules before building analytics dashboards. Local Business Community: UF’s new president shared a “recipe for excellence” focused on strengthening ties with the Gainesville community, signaling more collaboration opportunities for local partners.

Visa Screening Push: Sen. Rick Scott introduced the SCREEN Act to expand DHS and State Department access to missing-children data, aiming to stop foreign child predators from getting U.S. visas. Workforce Pay & Retention: MGMA reports medical practices are struggling to hire medical assistants, while practices with lower turnover point to pay adjustments, better onboarding, scheduling, and clearer career paths. Local Business Growth: JAG Plumbing Services launched a new Palm Beach County-focused website to make it easier for homeowners to request service. Franchise Spotlight: Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii named Florida multi-unit owner Allen Stanczak IFA Franchisee of the Year for community and workforce efforts. Small-Business Finance: The Street Sheet hit 130,000 subscribers for its free daily investing newsletter. Retirement Plans: Strongpoint Partners added Bates & Company, its first Florida-headquartered partner, expanding retirement-plan admin for small and mid-sized firms. Real Estate & Costs: A Florida lawmaker warned Amendment 3’s property tax cut could strain city and county budgets, with knock-on effects for renters, development, and small businesses.

Small-Business Paperwork Reality Check: A new report warns that forming an LLC is only the start for foreign founders in the U.S., with EIN delays and extra steps often stalling real operations. Local Business & Home Services: JAG Plumbing Services launched a new Palm Beach County-focused website to make it easier for homeowners to request repairs like water heaters, slab leaks, sewer camera inspections, and leak detection. Retail & Consumer Costs: A Guardian investigation says major convenience chains are charging customers more than shelf prices, raising questions for Florida shoppers and small retailers about pricing transparency. State Money for Residents: Florida rolled out “Claim Your Cash Florida” (formerly Florida Treasure Chest), urging people to check for unclaimed property held by the state—potentially including deposits, dividends, and paychecks. Workforce & Affordability: Florida’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15 for non-tipped workers and $11.98 for tipped workers, with ripple effects for small employers. Community & Growth: Van Wezel’s free Family Fest spotlights young entrepreneurs via a Kids Market, plus sensory-friendly performances and family activities.