The state's business locations grew 21.8% from early 2020 to early 2026, with professional services expanding and more firms moving into the state than leaving.

Federal assistance has been approved for northwest Florida communities affected by Hurricane Isaias as potential insured losses reached $652 million. Individual assistance and hazard mitigation funding remain under review.

Business leaders’ expectations for hiring, sales and investment remained above year-earlier levels, despite a pullback from the previous quarter.

The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady Wednesday after last month’s increase, seeking more economic data as inflation remains above its 2% target.