News

Florida Leading the Nation in Business Startups Ahead of California, Texas and Georgia

The Florida Chamber Foundation continues advancing the Florida 2030 Blueprint and its 39 goals, including Florida becoming the #1 state for business startups in the country. As we work to grow Florida to a top 10 global economy, the latest data on new business formations shows that Florida led the nation in 2020, taking the #1 spot. In 2020, Florida had 495,251 business applications— 58,521 more than second place California, 111,133 more than third place Texas, and nearly double…

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Florida lawsuits fuel insurance industry crisis

Florida is at a crossroads. Whether you are a public official, a local business owner or a Florida homeowner trying to protect your most valuable investment – your home – it comes as no surprise that Florida is facing a crisis and it’s time policymakers put homeowners ahead of billboard trial lawyers. Nothing demonstrates why Florida is in this crisis more than looking at how Florida stacks up against the nation in the number of…

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St. Johns County & Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chambers of Commerce Hosting Online Campaign School & Community Leadership Training November 16 – 18

The St. Johns County & Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, are hosting a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training November 16 – 18, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. This no-cost and nonpartisan 3-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers, and anyone interested in serving in an appointed…

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Special Session Legislation Filed – Your Feedback is Requested

The contours of next week’s Special Session took more shape today with the filing of eight pieces of legislation. The Special Session was called by Governor Ron DeSantis for the week of November 15th as a reaction to federal vaccine mandates, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Emergency Temporary Standard that was released last week. House Bill 1B and Senate Bill 2B outline a series of exemptions that must be offered to employees by…

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Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hosting Online Campaign School & Community Leadership Training November 2 – 4

MARIANNA, FL – The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training November 2 – 4, from 9:30am – 12:00pm (CST). This no-cost and nonpartisan 3-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers, and anyone interested in serving in an appointed position.…

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New Florida Chamber Statewide Poll Shows Voters Believe Florida Heading in the Right Direction

The latest Florida Chamber statewide poll shows likely Florida voters believe Florida is headed in the right direction, while recent public polls show less than a third of voters believe the country is headed in the right direction. “Florida is moving in the right direction and we need to keep the momentum going,” said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson. “As we just recently addressed Florida’s future at our Florida Chamber Foundation Annual Meeting…

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Recap of Interim Committee Week 3 in Tallahassee

During week 3 of the 6 interim committee weeks, the Florida House and Senate heard a few bills but again focused mostly on workshops and presentations during the committee hearings. This week, Senator and previous Florida Chamber Most Valuable Legislator Kathleen Passidomo was designated as Senate President beginning after the election in 2022. She has been a great friend of the Florida Chamber, Florida job creators and free enterprise, and we look forward to working…

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Autonomous Florida Partner Jacksonville Transportation Authority Wins ITS World Congress 2021 Local Government Award for the Americas

Autonomous Florida, a program of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce that one of its Steering Committee partners, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) received the Local Government Award for the Americas at the 2021 ITS World Congress in Hamburg, Germany. The Award recognizes local governments from across the world for mobility innovation and collaboration. “Now is the time to prepare Florida for the next generation of transportation, and Florida’s business community is at…

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Florida Institute for Political Leadership Hosting Online Campaign School & Community Leadership Training for Southeast Florida October 5 – 7

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training for Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade & Monroe Counties October 5 – 7, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. This no-cost and nonpartisan 3-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers, and anyone interested…

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Small Business Spotlight – Cindy Zimmerman of SS Designs

Have a Conversation with Cindy Zimmerman, President & CEO of SS Designs What does your business do? SS Designs is a woman-owned, second-generation custom apparel company specializing in designing and decorating quality Softline products. Our customers consist of international corporations, theme parks, destination events, retail and restaurant chains, financial institutions, automotive companies and more. With our large-scale production infrastructure, established global distribution channels and trendsetting in-house creative department, we partner with customers across the world…

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Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Hosting Online Campaign School & Community Leadership Training September 21-23

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL – The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), an initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training September 21 – 23, from 5:30pm – 8:00pm (CST). This no-cost and nonpartisan 3-day program is open to everyone and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers, and anyone interested in serving…

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Florida Chamber 2021 Most Valuable Legislator, Senate President Wilton Simpson, Confirmed to Speak at 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson will address Florida’s business community during his discussion on “Building a Post-Pandemic Florida” at the 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum, October 27-28 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando. Join us and don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Florida’s Senate President. “Senate President Wilton Simpson is a proven leader dedicated to championing free enterprise, planning for the opportunities and challenges that come with…

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Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Confirmed to Speak at 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum

Attorney General Ashley Moody will address Florida’s business community and share her vision for the future of Florida during her discussion on “Preserving a Crime-Free Environment for Florida Business to Thrive” at the 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum, October 27-28 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando. Join us and don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Florida’s Attorney General. “Attorney General Ashley Moody is a proven leader who…

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Florida Chamber Names Frank Walker Executive Vice President of Government & Political Relations

The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced Frank Walker has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Government & Political Relations, overseeing the Chamber’s extensive legislative and political operations. “As we ramp up the Florida business community’s advocacy efforts to continue growing Florida’s economy and investing in Florida’s future, Frank Walker is the right leader to represent the interests of Florida’s job creators in Tallahassee and D.C.,” said Florida Chamber of Commerce President & CEO…

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to Keynote Florida Chamber’s 2021 Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum

Florida became a national model to relaunching our economy in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is largely attributed to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis to follow the facts and not the fear to reopen Florida safe and smart, while protecting our most vulnerable populations. Governor DeSantis will address Florida’s business community and share his vision for the future of Florida at the 2021 Florida Chamber Annual Meeting & Future of Florida Forum, October…

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