AGP Executive Report

Florida Property Tax Ballot Fight: A judge-backed lawsuit over misleading ballot language for Amendment 3 is prompting a rewrite. Florida AG James Uthmeier has proposed new wording, shifting the summary to “Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments,” after plaintiffs argued the original title/summary was defective. Local Tourism Governance: Lee County commissioners appointed Darla Bonk and Sandra Stilwell Youngquist to the Lee County Tourist Development Council, filling a city revenue seat and a new seventh industry seat—an SMB-relevant move for visitor-driven local spending. Political Travel Tech Deal: Flyte partnered with FullPAC to become the recommended regional aviation partner for statewide campaigns, aiming to streamline candidate travel across the 2026 cycle. Business & Finance: Toll Brothers reported weaker FY 2026 third-quarter results, with lower net income and home sales revenue versus last year. Investor Legal Watch: Pomerantz announced a class action filing for Avis Budget Group investors, with a Sept. 29, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline. Healthcare Education: Ultimate Medical Academy named Shanequa Banks as Florida’s Educator of the Year for her Pharmacy Technician program work. Sports Media Legacy: ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen died at 93 in Florida after Parkinson’s disease complications.

Broadband Boost for Small Business: Spectrum says its Seminole County buildout now serves 900+ homes and small businesses with up to 1 Gig speeds, plus a $15,000 “Beyond the Build” digital education grant for Christian Tech Center Ministries. Workforce Pipeline for Manufacturers: The SBA announced its first-ever Manufacturing Workforce Expo on Aug. 26 at Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek, co-hosted with the U.S. Department of Labor and OpenAI, aimed at connecting students to apprenticeships and jobs with small manufacturers. Franchise Growth in Central Florida: Potbelly signed a 10-shop franchise development deal for Central Florida with BD Patel and his nephews, Bhavesh and Mihir, targeting high-visibility trade areas first and expanding toward neighborhoods and universities. Local Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Three FIU football players are building apparel brands off the field, showing how student-athletes are turning NIL and campus visibility into small-business momentum. Policy Watch—Amendment 3: Florida AG James Uthmeier rewrote the Amendment 3 ballot language after a judge ordered changes, keeping the homestead exemption increase plan but altering the ballot’s framing. Election-Year Business Climate: In Florida’s 7th Congressional District GOP primary, candidates are centering affordability, federal spending, and taxes—issues that directly shape costs for small businesses.

AI & Data Center Deals: Duos Technologies says it’s signed five-year, 55 MW hosting agreements with Axe Compute valued at over $500M, with readiness targeted for late 2026 into early 2027, as the pair also expands AI data center capacity across multiple U.S. locations. Cybersecurity Growth: Ridge IT Cyber, now based in the Tampa Bay area, earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 for a fourth straight year after 181% three-year growth, and expects about 20 more local hires in 2026. Local Business Expansion: PatchMaster Southwest Florida opened under local owner George Doulos, bringing mobile drywall repair and interior painting across Naples/Fort Myers and nearby communities. Construction & Jobs: AECOM Hunt Turner was selected to lead construction of the new Tampa Bay Rays stadium on the Hillsborough College campus, a $2.3B project aimed at a 2029 opening. Small Business Leadership: Accountit CPA founder Vyju Narendra was named treasurer of NAWBO South Florida, expanding support for women entrepreneurs. Election Watch (Business Impact): Florida’s Aug. 18 primary is set to decide nominations for governor, U.S. Senate, and key seats, with prediction markets heavily favoring Byron Donalds in the GOP governor race.

Cybersecurity Growth: Ridge IT Cyber, based in the Tampa Bay area, landed on the Inc. 5000 for a fourth straight year, citing 181% three-year revenue growth and plans to add about 20 local jobs in 2026. Local Land-Use Fight: A Crestview council is weighing an ordinance that would block new data center development, citing land, water, and sewer pressure as the city plans around a major bypass corridor. Small-Business Tech: A Florida-focused opinion piece says AI is already helping small businesses handle routine tasks and customer responses, but stresses training and safe use. Fraud Case: A former Sweetwater commissioner was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for nearly $950K in PPP fraud using falsified payroll and tax documents. Tax Prep Help: A bookkeeping story argues year-round bookkeeping can help local owners avoid last-minute tax-season misses on deductions. Restaurant Expansion: Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings are opening Florida’s first co-branded location in Palmetto, aiming to serve game-day crowds under one roof. Policy Watch: Florida’s Amendment 3 debate continues, with critics warning it could open the door to a state income tax and pointing to unclear fiscal impacts.

Free Speech & Media: Bogus copyright takedown claims are reportedly scrubbing dozens of stories from Google search results ahead of Florida’s primaries, raising alarms that automated, anonymous complaints are being used to suppress political coverage. AI for SMBs: A new opinion piece says Florida small businesses are increasingly using AI for routine work and customer responses, but owners need training to use it safely. Local Business & Growth: The Tallahassee Chamber is pushing a more unified regional plan to boost growth, with FSU Health positioned as a potential anchor—while affordable housing remains a sticking point. Community Commerce: In Fort Myers, “Pilates on the Field” at Hammond Stadium paired local studios with the Mighty Mussels to spotlight Southwest Florida’s small wellness businesses. Entrepreneurship Support: The College of the Florida Keys opened applications for a free Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab for Upper Keys, Homestead, and Florida City founders, with mentorship and a pitch showcase. Banking Shift: BayFirst Financial says it’s moving away from troubled small-dollar SBA lending and targeting larger commercial customers as it works toward profitability.

Health & Workforce Growth: Tallahassee Chamber leaders say the near-final FSU Health merger could be a unifying economic engine, but they’re calling for a more regional, coordinated strategy for recruitment and community engagement. Community Business Spotlight: Fort Myers’ Hammond Stadium hosted “Pilates on the Field,” pairing local studios and vendors with the Mighty Mussels to boost Southwest Florida’s wellness small-business ecosystem. Policy Watch (Amendment 3): An opinion piece warns Florida’s Amendment 3 could open the door to a state income tax and criticizes the lack of clear fiscal analysis; meanwhile, revised ballot language is moving forward after a judge ordered changes. Education & STEM Access: Jacksonville educator Dr. Cynthia Smith’s tuition-free Minds of the Future Academy earned full accreditation July 17, expanding K-12 STEM and workforce prep in the East Side. Local Economy & Lending: BayFirst Financial says it’s shifting toward larger commercial customers to unwind SBA-related problems after a second-quarter loss. Business Growth Signals: Planet Fitness signed three Florida development agreements to expand along the west coast. Startup/Entrepreneur Support: College of the Florida Keys opened applications for a free Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab in the Upper Keys, Homestead and Florida City, with pitch awards at the end.

Local Business & Finance: BayFirst Financial says it’s trying to fix its SBA-related mess by shifting toward larger commercial customers after a second-quarter loss tied to legacy small-dollar SBA lending. Education & Workforce: Jacksonville educator Dr. Cynthia Smith’s tuition-free K-12 STEM school, Minds of the Future Academy, earned full accreditation July 17 and is expanding access through a nonprofit model and community funding. Policy & Taxes: Florida voters will see rewritten Amendment 3 ballot language after a judge found the original summary defective; the updated wording clarifies homestead exemption and caps for non-school taxes. Small-Business Growth: CFK’s Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab is taking applications through Sept. 25 for an eight-week, free program in the Upper Keys/Homestead/Florida City, with $7,500 in awards at Pitch Night. Retail & Consumer Costs: NYC is moving ahead with city-run grocery stores aimed at mandated affordability (30% discounts) via subsidies to private operators—an approach other cities have struggled to sustain. Franchising: Planet Fitness signed three area development agreements in Florida to expand along the west coast. Tech/Defense: Safe Pro reported record Q2 AI revenue and 75% AI gross margins, citing momentum from U.S. government contracts. Aerospace Spotlight: NASA’s MAX POWER expo and air show is set for Nov. 6-7 at Kennedy Space Center, highlighting companies and entrepreneurs behind next-gen aerospace.

SBA shake-up at a Florida bank: BayFirst Financial says it’s unwinding a failed small-dollar SBA lending strategy after years of losses, and plans to shift toward larger commercial customers as it targets a return to profitability. Local business growth via training: The College of the Florida Keys opened applications for its free Entrepreneurship Incubator Lab (8 weeks, starting Oct. 5) with mentorship, workshops, and a $7,500 pitch showcase. Defense AI revenue surge: Aventura-based Safe Pro Group reported record Q2 2026 revenue growth (+1,336%) and 75% AI gross margins, citing new U.S. Army-contracted sales. Franchise momentum: Planet Fitness announced three Florida development agreements, while Slutty Vegan signed new franchise deals and is planning its first Miami location. Policy that hits small business costs: Florida’s Attorney General released revised Amendment 3 ballot language after a judge found the original wording defective, including changes to homestead exemption details that could affect local tax revenue. STEM access for families: Jacksonville’s tuition-free Minds of the Future Academy reached full accreditation, expanding K-12 STEM and workforce prep. Big-ticket deal in auto logistics: Proficient Auto Logistics completed its acquisition of Hansen & Adkins, aiming to build a larger North American auto hauling operation. Aerospace event in Brevard: NASA announced MAX POWER at Kennedy Space Center (Nov. 6-7), positioning the expo/airshow as a bridge between innovators and entrepreneurs.

Property Tax Ballot Update: Florida has submitted court-ordered revised ballot language for Amendment 3 after a judge said the original wording was “clearly and conclusively defective,” including a new, more neutral title and a clearer breakdown of how the non-school homestead exemption would rise to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 (with inflation adjustments). Charter School Fight: Sarasota County Schools is still pushing back against a charter takeover under the Schools of Hope law, while planning a multi-million-dollar facility overhaul and a new South County high school. Franchise Growth in Florida: Slutty Vegan is making its Florida debut with a planned Miami location after signing multiple franchise deals, while Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings are opening a co-branded site in Palmetto on Aug. 18. Business Momentum & Recognition: Joymind hit No. 785 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list on 441% three-year revenue growth, and Construction Corps was named a finalist for GrowFL’s Companies to Watch awards. Local Business Spotlight: Three Kings Auto Spa in Kosciusko highlighted its mobile detailing and paint-correction/ceramic-coating services at a ribbon cutting. Tech & Capital Markets: Proficient Auto Logistics completed its acquisition of Hansen & Adkins, and Safe Pro Group reported record AI revenue growth tied to U.S. government contracts. Small-Business Risk Watch: A new report from Bagen Law highlights how Florida’s limited auto insurance requirements can leave drivers exposed without uninsured motorist coverage.

Property Tax Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier has rewritten the ballot language for Amendment 3 after a judge said the original wording was misleading and too slogan-like, swapping in a more mechanical title (“Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homesteaded Property Assessments”) and removing claims about “protecting small businesses” and other promises. Local Impact: The revised measure would raise the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 (with inflation), while lowering the annual growth cap on non-homestead property assessments from 10% to 5%. Small-Business Relief: The Glazer Family Small Business Fund hit 350 supported businesses across Tampa Bay and West Central Florida, adding 52 new grant recipients as applications remain open. Business Growth Wins: Inc. 5000 spotlight: Commas (Coral Gables) landed No. 2 nationally for growth, and other Florida firms also made the fast-growing list. Hurricane Readiness: A new survey highlights a cash-reserve gap for Florida small businesses heading into hurricane season, with many reporting six months or less in emergency savings. Payments & Banking: Western Union and Intermex updated regulators on the pending acquisition, while United Community Banks raised its quarterly dividend by 4%.

Local Politics: Collier County Commission Chairman Dan Kowal endorsed Michael Carbonara for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, adding a high-profile law-enforcement voice to the race. Inc. 5000 Spotlight: Three Florida companies landed in Inc.’s top 20 fastest-growing private firms, including Coral Gables’ Commas at No. 2. Med Spa Marketing: Jacksonville’s CTRL+ALT Digital expanded its medical spa client roster after a website redesign for Botox’d Beauty Company. AI for SMBs: Miami-area businesses are leaning on tech advisory as AI adoption grows, but owners say they still need more training to implement it well. Hurricane Readiness: A new survey highlights a cash-reserve gap for Florida small businesses heading into hurricane season. Community & Tourism Research: CHTA selected FIU to run a Caribbean-wide tourism demand study aimed at boosting local economic linkages. Real Estate Development: Toll Brothers announced Maris Cove, a new waterfront luxury community coming soon to Yulee. Workforce & Immigration Pressure: Miami-Dade plant nursery owners warn that deportation and TPS changes are driving labor shortages and could force closures. Weekend Picks: WUSF rounded up Tampa Bay events including Dome After Dark and Artists in Wonderland.

Tourism & Research: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association picked Florida International University to run a Caribbean-wide Tourism Demand Study, aiming to map demand for goods and services, quantify economic “leakages,” and find investment opportunities that keep more tourism dollars circulating locally. AI for SMBs: Miami businesses are pushing beyond hype as more owners adopt AI, but many say they need practical training; local tech advisory is positioning itself as the bridge from AI tools to real workflows. Fraud & Real Estate: A Boca Raton man was sentenced to four years after a $13M real estate fraud scheme that prosecutors say used investor money for personal expenses and gambling. Local Budget Pressure: Miami-Dade’s proposed $14.3B budget includes “do more with less” moves and transit service cuts, with residents warning about impacts on small businesses and daily commutes. Labor Crunch: Miami-Dade plant nursery owners say deportation policy and the end of TPS are driving a labor shortage that could force some to close. Payments Growth: Tampa fintech Payzli landed on the Inc. 5000 list (No. 1183) after 297% revenue growth, highlighting partner-first underwriting. Property Tax Ballot Fix: Gov. DeSantis says Florida won’t appeal a judge’s order to rewrite the homestead exemption ballot language ahead of the November vote. Business Expansion: Sarasota is set to welcome Balos Restaurant’s first Florida location, with a spring 2027 opening planned.

Economic Development: Palm Beach County is in a high-stakes race for corporate headquarters and high-paying jobs, with its top pitch centered on talent and nearby skills—not just beaches and lifestyle. Franchise Growth: Slutty Vegan is building momentum after a turnaround, signing new franchise deals and officially entering Florida with Miami agreements. Local Business Expansion: Another Broken Egg Cafe keeps rolling with multiple new openings, including a Naples location set for Aug. 31. Business Recognition: Jacksonville’s Sophros Recovery earned a spot on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting continued growth in outpatient addiction treatment. Commercial Real Estate: FPL’s former Pensacola HQ, One Energy Place, sold for $41M after a confidential, multi-year process—an indicator of how office financing remains tricky post-pandemic. Workforce & Growth Support: The Center by Lendistry is launching a nationwide Contractors Accelerator for climate resilience, aiming to help small contractors win bigger projects. Policy & Immigration Impact: Haitian residents in Florida face uncertainty after a TPS ruling, raising concerns for jobs and stability. Infrastructure & Procurement: A Florida-related contractor story shows how public bidding can stall for months before a small business wins a roadway mowing contract. Travel & Consumer Access: New flights are coming to Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, expanding nonstop options for residents.

Succession Planning: Orlando-area small-business owners are being pushed to act on leadership handoffs as a wave of retirements spotlights gaps in succession plans. Local Business & Growth: The Rise Collective, a Florida-based real estate and hospitality parent company, was named a finalist for GrowFL’s “Companies to Watch,” with its vertically integrated model now operating across 31 states. Franchise Expansion: Twisted Egg Shack is signing an area development push for Texas—over 60 planned locations—signaling continued appetite for quick-service concepts. Funding & Markets: Proficient Auto Logistics priced a $75M convertible bond offering, a reminder that Florida’s logistics firms are still tapping capital markets. Legal Watch: New class-action filings tied to Avis Budget and Hertz deadlines are in play in federal courts in Florida, with investor lead-plaintiff application windows approaching. Tech & Jobs: HighSpeedInternet.com ranks Florida among the top states for internet speeds in 2026, a practical signal for SMBs relying on connectivity. Health Care Training: A Fort Lauderdale-based rehab podcast and local dental leadership highlight ongoing demand for specialized continuing education.

Franchise Growth & Awards: VIO Med Spa says it signed 15 new franchise owners in the first half of 2026 and earned Inc. 5000 recognition as it rolls out a lower-cost store design and a membership model to support recurring revenue. Local Business Recognition: The Rise Collective, a Florida parent company spanning real estate, hospitality, investing and lending, was named a finalist for GrowFL’s Companies to Watch awards. Workforce & Skills: Applied Technology Academy (ATA) landed on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, ranking No. 36 among education companies, after 141% growth over three years. AI for SMBs: The Collaboratory in Fort Myers will host “AI Fridays” workshops starting Aug. 14, aimed at giving Southwest Florida business owners practical tools. Tech & Healthcare Expansion: Microbot Medical filed its 10-Q showing revenue and customer growth, while PinkStar signed a data-sharing deal with Mount Sinai to advance breast MRI AI. Community & Local Giving: Custom Air Conditioning & Air Quality wrapped up its 2026 Teacher HVAC Giveaway, donating five home cooling systems to educators in Zephyrhills. Internet Access Watch: HighSpeedInternet.com released its 2026 state speed rankings, with Florida listed among the top performers.

AI Training for SMBs: Collaboratory is hosting “AI Fridays” for Southwest Florida business owners on Aug. 14 in Fort Myers, with beginner guidance on safe, responsible AI use and how to keep sensitive data in private networks. Local Business Growth: Tampa small businesses are expanding as downtown applications hit a record high, including Sparkman Wharf retailers that grew from small starts into storefronts. Broadband Expansion: Comcast Business and Xfinity are now available to more than 2,400 homes and businesses in Putnam County, with fiber buildout continuing to reach 3,500 more locations by end of 2026. School Bus Safety & Compliance: Broward schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn says a stop-arm camera program is coming, with enforcement starting Sept. 9 and a $225 civil penalty for violations. Insolvency Rules Shift: Florida lenders and trade creditors are adjusting to a surge in Subchapter V small business bankruptcy elections, which is changing how quickly creditors must act. Franchise Expansion: Earn Your Stripes is signing a new Orlando (Baldwin Park) franchise agreement, targeting a Fall 2026 opening. Business Finance Watch: Proficient Auto Logistics agreed to acquire Hansen & Adkins, aiming to build North America’s largest finished vehicle logistics platform. Stock/Capital Markets: Ryman Hospitality priced a common stock offering to help fund its $1.38B Grande Lakes Orlando resort acquisition.