ECONOMY

It can cost a lot to tie the knot.

The combination of inflation and higher mortgage interest rates is making the American dream of homeownership nearly impossible for many in Florida to afford.

In April 2023, the consumer price index rose another 0.4% — an overall increase of 4.4% since last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It’s no secret that many people have faced financial struggles over the last few years amid rising costs for simple necessities: groceries, utilities and rent, to name just a few.

The German economy has shrunk unexpectedly in the first three months of this year, marking the second quarter of contraction that is one definition of recession.

Tuesday evening, Seminole County's inspector general released a final version of an audit report that investigated Winter Springs' spending of penny sales tax revenue — totaling $19 million.

With dozens of difference currencies worldwide, it can be tough to keep track of them all. So, how do economists do it?

Retailers are awaiting action by Gov. Ron DeSantis as two of the six sales tax “holiday” periods included in a nearly $1 billion proposed tax-relief package are scheduled to begin this weekend.

Florida gas prices have continued to drop as millions are anticipated to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend.

A new travel record is anticipated Memorial Day weekend as nearly 2.4 million Floridians are forecast to travel for the holiday.

Florida gas prices continue to drop.

Preparation is the best defense against disasters, and there is no time like the present to get you and your family ready for whatever storm might threaten our shore.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718 into law on Wednesday. But how might it impact the state's economy?

Documents released on Wednesday show 52 eligible projects that could receive funding from Orange County’s tourism development tax revenue.

Florida gas prices continue to fall after hitting a 2023 high a couple weeks ago.

The government’s report Thursday that the economy grew at a 1.1% annual rate last quarter signaled that one of the most-anticipated recessions in recent U.S. history has yet to arrive.

Ivonne brown takes pride in being a school bus driver for Osceola County’s School District.

Florida gas prices jumped 15 cents last week as South Florida dealt with the aftermath of historic flooding.

A Senate committee Tuesday moved forward with a package that would provide $973 million in tax breaks next fiscal year, with proposals ranging from holding tax holidays to boosting the thoroughbred horse-racing industry.

Florida gas prices are about to pump up.

A local nonprofit is calling for community support as they fear the high cost of living and inflation may prevent them from helping families in need in the future.

Tupperware stock plunges after warning it could go out of business.

Gas prices are on the rise and now tied with the highest price of 2023.

During a shareholders meeting on Monday, Disney CEO Bob Iger said his company plans to spend several billions of dollars during the next 10 years in Florida.

Average gasoline prices in Florida went up 10 cents a gallon during the past week, and an anticipated spring increase could be exacerbated by a surprise move by OPEC to cut production.

Executive Director Peter Cranis of the Space Coast Office of Tourism said that by the time Artemis II lifts off in 2024, he hopes the county will be looking at three years of record tourism dollars.

McDonald’s has closed its U.S. offices through Wednesday and told its corporate staff to work remotely as it prepares to announce a round of layoffs.

According to STCU, members voted by 97% for ratification after the company reached out with a proposal.

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would place new restrictions on public-employee unions, including preventing dues from being deducted from workers’ paychecks.

Disney union workers are set to vote on a new contract, days after leaders reached a deal with Walt Disney World.

According to AAA, the average price per gallon is $3.37.

The Federal Reserve last week raised interest rates for the ninth time in the last year as it works to tame lingering inflation and slow down the economy.

A committee designed to review and make recommendations on Orange County's Tourist Development Tax (TDT) met for the first time on Wednesday.

While Florida gas prices rose 15 cents per gallon last week, those numbers are expected to drop soon, according to AAA.

Orlando city officials predict NCAA's March Madness basketball games could bring in $14 million of economic impact for the region.

Florida gas prices climbed last week before dropping slightly over the weekend.

Concerned community members in Orange County's Pine Hills neighborhood held a meeting on Thursday evening to tackle violence and improve the public's perception of the neighborhood.

Gas prices in Florida have dropped 8 cents within the week and are expected to possibly rise in the coming weeks, according to a news release by AAA.

Last March, the U.S. Senate passed what is known as the Sunshine Protection Act, which would end the twice-a-year ritual of changing clocks by making one set time permanent.

Ana Carolina Salazar believes that surrounding herself with women who cheer on other women has been key to her journey.

Gas prices in Florida are expected to decline even further, following an absence of high, increased prices, according to a news release from AAA.

Spoiler: It's not a symbol for the Illuminati. We think.

According to responses we’ve gotten to the idea, many are receptive to a four-day workweek.

Florida gas prices have decreased a total of 28 cents over a period of three weeks and may continue to decline further in the coming weeks, according to a news release from AAA.

There are steps people can take to help be calmer and enjoy a flight.

Gas prices in Florida have dropped 19 cents over the span of two weeks and are expected to possibly increase in the coming weeks, according to AAA.

Hurricane Ian caused an estimated $1 billion in agricultural-production losses, with the biggest hits to the citrus industry, along with growers of vegetables and melons, according to a new University of Florida report.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday that if the U.S. job market further strengthens in the coming months or inflation readings accelerate, the Fed might have to raise its benchmark interest rate higher than it now projects.

Gas prices in Florida dropped by 7 cents within the past week and are expected to decline even further, according to an AAA news release.

Some might know it, but there is a rideshare for long distances that exists.

A Florida Disney workers union voted to reject a contract offer from the company on Friday, sending both groups back to the bargaining table.

Florida gas prices climbed 17 cents over the last week, though it is now on the slight decline.

Walmart CEO John Furner announced Tuesday the corporation’s minimum wage for its U.S. workforce of nearly 1.7 million will increase this year.

Party City has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after struggling with rising prices and a pullback in customer spending.

Florida gas prices recently decreased, but the drop is expected to be short-lived.

The National Park Service has announced that in 2023, there will be five days where admission to sites will be free to the public.

Meriwether Farms — among many other farms in Florida — has had a tough few years.

After more than 50 years, this Merritt Island Dairy Queen is set to close its doors for good this February.

Florida gas prices continue on its roller coaster ride and are dropping once again.

From Wall Street to Main Street, 2022 was a rough economic year for Americans.

As fans made their way from all over the country to cheer on their favorite team at the Citrus Bowl, the impact on the local economy could be felt by business owners in Orlando's downtown.

Fuel prices are on the rise once again, and in Florida, there’s been a sharp increase in just the last week.

Many stores offer to make jewelry from scratch based on your preference.

Whether it’s coming up with a wedding theme, colors, or just managing the guests while getting ready on the big day, there are advantages to having a planner/coordinator on hand.

As average gasoline prices have moved back above $3 a gallon in Florida, a tech company that monitors the fuel industry foresees prices above $4 a gallon in 2023.

Shrugging off rampant inflation and rising interest rates, the U.S. economy grew at an unexpectedly strong 3.2% annual pace from July through September, the government reported Thursday in a healthy upgrade from its earlier estimate of third-quarter growth.

Americans may have getting their finances in order as one of their resolutions, and financial experts say it’s one they should start working on now.

Rent prices in Orlando are on the decline, and Zillow experts say that's because people can't afford the bill.

Florida gas prices have fallen for five weeks straight.

Important dates to know if you plan on sending packages to loved ones for holiday season.

Here are three reasons to use transport for your pets, whether it’s dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, fish, or other types of animals.

Many pet daycare locations offer a chance for their dogs to be more active while they are away from home.

The biggest reason is that it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to rely on companies to provide a pension or 401K.

Retirement planning might not be on the minds of many young adults who are just trying to get careers or families started.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida said it has seen a double-digit percentage increase in the number of people searching for food banks in our area.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the launch of the Unite Florida Recovery Portal to connect Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian to important recovery resources, including housing support.

The once red-hot housing market is starting to cool off.

Walt Disney World has picked a developer to construct and operate an affordable housing development for which the entertainment company is donating 80 acres of land.

Lake County voters will soon get to decide on whether to keep a school safety tax in place.

Central Florida has long labored under a shortage of affordable housing and the area's most populous county, Orange, has seen some of the worst effects of that shortage.

For the fourth year in a row, Covenant Roofing and Construction is conducting a November food pantry drive to benefit local food banks.

With the amount continuing to climb, estimated insured losses from Hurricane Ian neared $8.44 billion, according to data posted on the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website.

September 2022 TDT collections show 48.6% increase over 2021.

Percentage change of food at home outpaced food away from home in ‘21, CPI data shows

Airbnb is reporting a $1.2 billion profit for the third quarter but giving a cautious outlook for the fourth quarter.

How backlogged are window companies? When should you file an insurance claim?

Shares of Uber are surging after the company said there is little evidence that Americans are pulling back on hailing rides or ordering food deliveries despite soaring inflation.

Florida drivers will notice a higher price at the gas pump as the state’s tax holiday ended.

Florida gas prices are set to increase 25 cents per gallon.

Will there be relief forthcoming for homeowners when it comes to PITI payments?

JetBlue completed a move-in to become the anchor tenant at Orlando International Airport's new Terminal C.

The days of sharing a Netflix account at no additional cost are coming to an end.

Lake County voters will soon get to decide on whether to keep a school safety tax in place.

Central Florida has long labored under a shortage of affordable housing and the area's most populous county, Orange, has seen some of the worst effects of that shortage.

Tesla has reported that its third-quarter profit more than doubled from a year ago, fueled by higher vehicle sales.

United Airlines has reported a $942 million profit for the third quarter after a strong summer travel season.

The housing market was red-hot earlier this year, though it's begun to cool down as interest rates skyrocket.

Florida gas prices continue to climb, increasing by 7 cents per gallon since last week when OPEC announced it would cut oil production.

H-2A visas are designated for people to come to the U.S. and temporarily work in agriculture.