Florida Chamber of Commerce

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is holding a news conference in Sweetwater at 10 a.m. at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Miami Regional Operations Center. He will be joined by representatives from law enforcement, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, and Uber.

The Florida Legislature approved a $114.5 billion budget for fiscal years 2026-27, with Republicans highlighting reduced spending and Democrats criticizing insufficient support for schools, healthcare, and the environment. The budget includes a $300 million tax cut package, $4 million for the Groveland Four, and $250 million for an emergency fund linked to immigration enforcement. A property tax debate is set for a special session, with Governor Ron DeSantis proposing increased homestead exemptions facing opposition from local governments, education groups, and businesses.

South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the U.S., with a 1.5% population increase between July 2024 and July 2025, driven by domestic migration to its climate, economy, and lower cost of living. The state gained 66,622 net domestic migrants in the year, with growth concentrated in 10 counties. Economists attribute the trend to expanding healthcare and technology sectors, reflecting a broader shift of residents from high-tax states to more tax-friendly environments.