CAR INSURANCE According to FINN, a car subscription service, Florida drivers pay an average of $2,560 per year for auto insurance, an amount higher than any other state. The national average is $1,682. Further increases are expected.
BRIGHTLINE Brightline is planning a new station between Orlando and South Florida. The rail company is seeking proposals for a new station in either St. Lucie or Martin counties. Proposals may be from private or public landowners along its shared railway corridor through the Treasure Coast area. The goal is for the new station to open by the first quarter of 2028.
PHOSPHOGYPSUM ROADS Mosaic Company, citing advice from the Florida Department of Transportation, is seeking to double the size of its controversial proposal to test radioactive phosphate manufacturing waste as an ingredient in road building. The company has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow it to test the material on a new road construction project in Florida.
SUNRAIL EXPANSION The Florida Department of Transportation has scheduled three public meetings seeking input for the future expansion of SunRail, the commuter rail service in Orlando. The nearest existing stop for the airport is over 3 miles away and the Department is considering expansion that would stretch from the international airport to International Drive near the convention center. The first meeting is scheduled for December 5th.
SPORTS BETTING After both the U.S. and the Florida Supreme Court refused to issue a stay, the Seminole Tribe announced it will commence in-person sports betting at its casinos in December. They will begin rolling out online sports betting for a limited number of gamblers shortly thereafter. It is worth noting that the underlying issue regarding the legality of sports betting has not been resolved. More court battles lie ahead.