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As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, the dream of owning a home remains one of the country's defining aspirations. This historical look explores the laws, programs, and milestones that transformed homeownership from a privilege for a few into an attainable goal for millions of Americans.
250 Years of the American Dream: History of Homeownership in America 
As the United States marks 250 years since its founding, the dream of owning a home remains one of the country's defining aspirations. This historical look explores the laws, programs, and milestones that transformed homeownership from a privilege for a few into an attainable goal for millions of Americans. more
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What Florida Commercial Property Owners Should Check After a Hurricane, Even When a Building Looks Fine
Learn how Florida commercial property owners can spot hidden hurricane damage, inspect key areas, and know when to call a structural engineer. more
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Florida recorded more foreclosure filings than any other state in June, according to new data from ATTOM. The report shows foreclosure activity continued to rise year over year.
Florida leads nation in foreclosures as filings climb in June
Florida recorded more foreclosure filings than any other state in June, according to new data from ATTOM. The report shows foreclosure activity continued to rise year over year, with Charlotte, Polk, Okeechobee and Osceola counties reporting the highest filing rates in the state. more
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A Well system with tank
Free UF/IFAS webinars will help homeowners protect wells and septic systems
UF/IFAS Extension is offering a free webinar series to help Florida homeowners safeguard private wells and septic systems. The four-part program will provide research-based guidance on routine maintenance, water treatment, and preparing household systems for hurricanes and flooding. more
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A water tower looms over the small town of Bowling Green, Florida on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The community would see 98% of its primary residences taken off the tax rolls, if voters approve the proposed property tax rollback on the ballot in November.
What Florida’s tax rollback looks like through the eyes of one small town
Florida's proposed property tax amendment promises homeowners a tax break, but critics warn it could have devastating consequences for hundreds of small municipalities. A new report explores how communities like Bowling Green fear the measure could undermine local services and erode local control. more
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Florida’s population continues to grow, but the current growth rate may not be enough to support the state budget if the proposed amendment to property taxes passes.
Florida’s proposed property tax cuts rely on a population boom that has slowed dramatically
Florida is still growing, but not nearly as fast as it was just a few years ago. Researchers say slowing migration, an aging population, and declining immigration could reshape the state's economy, housing market, and public finances. more
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After surviving breast cancer and overcoming years of financial and personal challenges, Apopka resident LaTonya Riley achieved her dream of homeownership through Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. Her story highlights how Orange County's investment in affordable housing is helping families build long-term stability.
From cancer survivor to homeowner: Apopka woman's journey reflects Orange County's affordable housing mission
After surviving breast cancer and overcoming years of financial and personal challenges, Apopka resident LaTonya Riley achieved her dream of homeownership through Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. Her story highlights how Orange County's investment in affordable housing is helping families build long-term stability. more
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Orange County Utilities is encouraging residents to adopt smarter irrigation practices during July's Smart Irrigation Month, when outdoor watering accounts for the majority of residential water use.
Orange County Utilities encourages smart irrigation as summer watering peaks
Orange County Utilities is encouraging residents to adopt smarter irrigation practices during July's Smart Irrigation Month, when outdoor watering accounts for the majority of residential water use. Officials say following watering restrictions, checking irrigation systems, and using rain sensors can reduce water waste while keeping landscapes healthy. more
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Three weeks after the Florida Legislature placed a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would increase the state’s homestead property tax exemption, a political committee has launched a campaign opposing the measure.
Committee launches campaign opposing Florida's proposed property tax amendment
A newly formed political committee has launched a campaign opposing Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly expand Florida's homestead property tax exemption. The group argues the measure would reduce local government revenues by billions of dollars while shifting costs to renters, businesses, and consumers. more
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Orange County has introduced Building Affordable Orange, a training and technical assistance program designed to help nonprofit and faith-based organizations navigate the affordable housing development process.
Orange County launches training program to help nonprofits and churches build affordable housing
Orange County has launched a new training program aimed at helping nonprofit and faith-based organizations develop affordable housing projects. The initiative supports the County’s goal of producing or preserving 11,000 affordable housing units by 2030. more
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In fall 2024, Tampa and other Florida cities on the Gulf coast were hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton within 13 days of each other.
Home insurance and the unraveling of Florida communities
As hurricanes intensify and insurance costs continue to rise, some Florida homeowners are finding it increasingly difficult to afford life in the state's most vulnerable coastal areas. A new analysis explores how climate risk, insurance markets, and housing affordability are combining to reshape communities across the Sunshine State. more
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Planning a Backyard Wedding in Florida: What Local Couples Often Forget
Planning a Florida backyard wedding? Discover the often-overlooked details—from weather and parking to power, permits, and guest comfort—that can make your big day a success. more
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An Amazon data center sits next to a neighborhood in northern Virginia.
5 ways data centers endanger their local communities and the country as a whole
Data centers have become essential infrastructure for the digital economy, but researchers say their growth carries significant consequences for nearby communities. A new analysis highlights concerns ranging from air and water pollution to noise, rising electricity costs, and the loss of open space. more
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UF/IFAS experts have released a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for what forecasters expect to be an active hurricane season.
UF/IFAS shares hurricane preparedness checklist as forecasters predict active season
UF/IFAS experts have released a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for what forecasters expect to be an active hurricane season. The guidance covers disaster supplies, communication plans, food storage, generator safety, pet preparedness, and private well protection.   Now that Hurricane Season is here, it’s best to get your home and business ready for one of the fierce storms before … more
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Subsidized flood insurance lowers the cost of living in coastal waterfront homes at high risk of flooding.
Hurricane season is here: Federal flood insurance carries 2 moral hazards – which you face depends largely on how wealthy you are
Flood insurance was designed to help Americans recover from disasters, but critics say the system creates unequal outcomes. While some homeowners benefit from subsidized coverage, many lower-income families remain uninsured or underinsured and struggle to recover after major floods. more
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Floor Tiles for Family Homes
Discover how to choose the best floor tiles for a family home, comparing porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone options for durability, safety, style, and long-term value. more
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Sen. Bryan Avila closes on the resolution he sponsored to reduce property taxes during a special session on June 2, 2026.
It’s up to the voters now: Legislature OKs DeSantis property tax proposal
Florida lawmakers have approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly restrict how local governments use property tax revenue, sending the issue to voters in November. The measure was revised to protect public school funding but continues to draw criticism from local governments and policy groups that warn it could force cuts to essential services. more
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The initial $250,000 property tax exemption would cost counties an average of $4.8 billion annually, or $8.65 billion if homestead taxes are fully eliminated by fiscal year 2030-31, according to the Florida Policy Institute.
Florida cities, counties warn DeSantis property tax plan could slash local revenues
Local government leaders across Florida are sounding alarms over a proposed property tax overhaul backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. They warn that the measure could significantly reduce revenues for cities and counties while creating uncertainty about how essential services would be funded in the future. more
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Gov. Ron DeSantis announces his proposal to provide property tax relief in Tampa on May 27, 2026.
Schools, health care, and public safety could be hit under the property tax plan released by DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposal Wednesday that could eliminate homestead property taxes for millions of Florida homeowners. The plan, which would require legislative and voter approval, has already sparked debate over how local governments would fund schools, healthcare, and public safety. more
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Florida Power & Light is encouraging residents to prepare now for the six-month hurricane season by creating emergency plans and assembling storm kits. The utility emphasized evacuation readiness, generator safety, power line awareness, and keeping important documents accessible before severe weather arrives. FPL also urged customers to stay informed through local emergency management agencies and outage updates after storms.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Safety tips from FPL
Hurricane season is nearly here, and FPL is urging Floridians to prepare before the next storm forms. The utility shared tips on evacuation planning, emergency kits, generator safety, and staying informed during power outages and severe weather.     At Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), safety is the cornerstone of our commitment to … more
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Orange County encourages seniors and their families to begin planning early so they can remain safe, comfortable, and connected if severe weather impacts the region.
Orange County urges seniors to prepare early for hurricane season
Orange County is encouraging older adults and their families to begin hurricane preparations early ahead of the 2026 storm season. Officials say advance planning can help seniors maintain access to medications, medical equipment, transportation, and caregiver support during emergencies. more
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The American Public Gas Association recognized Lake Apopka Natural Gas District with its Gold-level System Operational Achievement Recognition award for excellence in natural gas utility operations.
Lake Apopka Natural Gas District earns national gold-level operational excellence award
The American Public Gas Association has awarded the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District its Gold-level System Operational Achievement Recognition award for excellence in operating a natural gas utility. The national honor recognizes outstanding performance in system integrity, employee safety, system improvement, and workforce development. more
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Matthew’s Hope challenges myths and misconceptions about homelessness
Matthew's Hope is working to dispel common misconceptions about homelessness, arguing that many stereotypes fail to reflect the realities people face. Executive Director Scott Billue says solutions centered on training, shelter, and support are more effective than punishment or stigma. more
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Orange County launches “OC Loves Trees” initiative
Orange County has launched its “OC Loves Trees” initiative, a long-term effort to plant hundreds of native trees and expand the region’s urban canopy. Officials say the program will improve air quality, reduce heat, and create more sustainable, livable neighborhoods. more
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Hurricane Humberto.
Winn-Dixie urges early storm preparation, announces $150,000 Red Cross donation ahead of hurricane season
With National Hurricane Preparedness Week beginning, Winn-Dixie is encouraging residents to prepare early for storms and other emergencies. The company also announced a $150,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts. more
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