AGP Executive Report

Halloween Costs: Rising candy prices are making trick-or-treating more expensive, with families cutting back or switching to cheaper treats. Seafood Labels: A proposed voluntary “U.S. Caught Seafood” label could help shoppers identify domestic catch and support Florida’s Gulf Coast fishing industry. Homeowner Warning: Michigan’s attorney general sued Florida-based MV Realty, alleging its cash offers tied homeowners to 40-year sales agreements and liens; the case involves more than 1,000 Michigan homeowners. Home Insurance: Florida’s Supreme Court ruled that the state’s 2021 10-day notice rule cannot be used to dismiss lawsuits involving policies issued before July 1, 2021, potentially reopening a path for homeowners with older claims.

Property Taxes: Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 could sharply increase homestead exemptions and save some homeowners thousands, but local governments warn of major revenue losses and possible service cuts. Health Coverage: ACA shoppers face higher premiums and more identity checks during 2027 enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 in most states; broker help may also take longer. Food Labels: At a rally in Fort Myers, federal officials announced plans for an American-made seafood label, a move they say could help Southwest Florida fishers compete with imports. Consumer Protection: Florida suspended two out-of-state companies for allegedly selling vehicle service agreements and home warranties without licenses. Local Services: New trash contracts have led to a surge in missed-pickup complaints in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Product Safety: Federal officials warn consumers to stop using certain pressure cookers over burn risks, despite no recall.

Seafood Labels: At President Trump’s Fort Myers rally, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promoted a proposed voluntary “U.S. Caught Seafood” label to help shoppers identify seafood caught by American fishermen. Beach Safety: Red tide levels have risen in Gulf County waters, prompting a health alert near Clifford G. Sims Memorial Park and cautions at nearby sites; officials advise avoiding affected water. Local Shopping: Publix opened a 50,325-square-foot store in Bradenton’s SeaFlower Village Center, with a bakery, deli, seafood counter and drive-through pharmacy. Consumer Protection: Florida ordered unlicensed home- and auto-warranty firms to stop operating, underscoring the need to check a provider’s credentials before buying coverage. Product Safety: Federal officials warned consumers to stop using a pressure cooker over burn risks, even though no recall has been issued.

Product Safety: Federal officials urge owners of nearly 400,000 Power Quick Pot pressure cookers to stop using them: lids can open under pressure, and the CPSC cites 24 reports of serious burns. Food Safety: A multistate raw-oyster outbreak has sickened 27 people and hospitalized five, prompting a recall and public health warnings. Florida Consumer Protection: The state insurance commissioner ordered unlicensed home- and auto-warranty firms to cease operations. Florida’s attorney general also widened a probe into potassium bromate, a bread additive flagged for potential cancer risks, and subpoenaed a food distributor. Health Coverage: ACA shoppers should prepare for 2027 enrollment, which starts Nov. 1 in most states; premiums may rise, and new identity checks could slow sign-ups. Data Privacy: Florida is notifying drivers affected by a license-data breach and offering free protection after information was improperly stored by a local police department.

Consumer Protection: Florida’s insurance commissioner ordered two unlicensed home- and auto-warranty firms to stop operating. Food and Product Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled raw oysters has sickened 27 people and hospitalized five; the oysters were distributed in Florida. Counterfeit eye drops found in Florida and Georgia also tested positive for bacteria, including staph. Local Oversight: Hillsborough County is considering restrictions on potent kratom products, while Florida’s attorney general has expanded a probe into potassium bromate, an additive used in bread. Retail and Dining: Whataburger opened its second Southwest Florida location in Estero, and Wayfair plans a Fort Lauderdale store next year as it expands its brick-and-mortar footprint. Consumer Data: Florida drivers affected by a state data breach are being notified and offered free protection.

Insurance Watch: Florida is investigating insurers whose policies may jeopardize claims when homeowners hire public adjusters. State regulators also ordered two unlicensed companies to stop offering auto service contracts and home warranties. Product Safety: A nationwide recall covers 1.5 million OCOOPA rechargeable hand warmers after reports of fires and burns, including one death. A separate warning flags nearly 400,000 pressure cookers linked to 24 injuries. Consumer Costs: Gas prices are squeezing household budgets and driving up road-trip costs; the national average is $4.29 a gallon, well above last year. Retail: Trader Joe’s plans three new Florida stores, including its first in South Florida, while BJ’s Wholesale Club is expanding to Ocala.

Florida Insurance: Attorney General James Uthmeier is investigating policy clauses that could void a homeowner’s entire claim for hiring a public adjuster; his office subpoenaed Velocity Risk Underwriters. Food Safety: The FDA issued its highest-risk warning for recalled raw-milk cheeses distributed in Florida after 13 people across nine states fell ill with E. coli. Consumer Debt: Snap Finance reached a nearly $664 million multistate settlement over lease-to-own practices, including canceled payments for affected customers. Product Safety: A warning covers about 400,000 pressure cookers linked to 24 injuries; owners should check whether their model is affected. Florida Retail: Trader Joe’s plans three new Florida stores, including its first in South Florida. Travel: Airbnb says hosts generally can’t require checkout chores for reservations booked from Nov. 20.

Product Safety: A warning covers nearly 400,000 pressure cookers after 24 burn injuries; OCOOPA has recalled 1.5 million rechargeable hand warmers after fires, burns and one reported death. Kayem also recalled nearly 1.6 million pounds of meat over refrigeration failures. Florida Shopping: Trader Joe’s plans three new Florida stores, including its first in a South Florida community, while BJ’s Wholesale Club is expanding into Ocala. Food Safety: Florida’s attorney general is investigating a bread additive flagged as a possible carcinogen; recalled oysters sold at Publix have been linked to a multistate salmonella outbreak. Insurance Watch: Florida is investigating insurers accused of denying claims because customers hired public adjusters, and ordered one insurer to surrender its license after more than 1,100 policies were canceled before hurricane season. Scam Alert: Osceola County officials warn that fraudsters are cloning a sheriff’s captain’s voice to target residents with fake arrest-warrant and jury-duty claims.

Product Safety: The CPSC urges owners of Power Quick Pot pressure cookers, model Y6D-36, to stop using them: lids can open under pressure, causing burns. The warning covers about 393,000 cookers and 24 reported injuries; the Florida importer declined to recall them. OCOOPA has recalled about 1.5 million rechargeable hand warmers after reports of 350 burns, 15 fires and one death. Insurance Watch: Florida is investigating policy clauses that may let insurers deny claims when homeowners hire public adjusters, and has subpoenaed one insurer for records. Shopping: BJ’s Ocala club opens Oct. 23, while Trader Joe’s plans stores in Boynton Beach, Orlando and Sarasota. Bank Security: A Central Florida businessman says scammers drained $6.5 million from his First Horizon account; he is suing the bank and remains out more than $4 million. Food Safety: Florida’s attorney general is probing potassium bromate, a bread additive, and has subpoenaed a food distributor.

Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak has sickened 27 people across 12 states, and recalled Little Wicomico River oysters were distributed to Florida. Don’t eat them; retailers and restaurants should stop selling or serving them. Grocery Expansion: Trader Joe’s plans 30 new stores in 16 states, including locations in Orlando and Boynton Beach; opening dates for the Florida stores have not been announced. Data Breach: Florida is notifying drivers whose license data was exposed after a local police department improperly stored it, and is offering free protection. Food Additive Probe: Florida’s attorney general has subpoenaed a food distributor as the state investigates potassium bromate, an additive flagged for possible cancer risks. Health Coverage: Oscar unveiled its 2027 plans, including a RetireEase option for early retirees in Florida with set prices for some care and $0 generic medications. Utility Concerns: Martin County commissioners are considering a one-year pause on new large data center proposals, citing potential strain on electricity, water and other local resources.

Tow Fees: Hillsborough County is reviewing industry requests to raise caps on some police-ordered and trespass tows, add recovery fees and allow a fuel surcharge. No vote is scheduled yet. Data Security: Florida is notifying drivers affected by a motor vehicle data breach and offering free protection as officials assess its reach. Food Safety: A smoked salmon recall over possible Listeria contamination includes products distributed in Florida; a separate nationwide recall covers 1.58 million pounds of meat after improper storage temperatures. Food Additives: Florida’s attorney general has expanded an investigation into potassium bromate, a potentially cancer-linked bread additive, and subpoenaed a distributor. Online Safety: Florida’s attorney general sued Discord, alleging the messaging platform failed to protect children. Florida Products: Ocala-based Kawaii Lab Games is taking its first two card-game commercials to streaming TV nationwide for the holiday season.

Florida Data Breach: The state is notifying drivers affected by a security breach and offering free protection. Food Safety: A smoked salmon recall over Listeria concerns includes products distributed in Florida; check your refrigerator before eating. Miami Shopping: Instamall launches a fashion-delivery app with live inventory from 80 local brands and a promised 60- to 90-minute delivery. Online Retail: Jacksonville-based Priority Tire was named America’s top online tire shop in its category for 2027. Travel: JetBlue has added daily nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale to Cali, Colombia, as it expands its South Florida schedule.

Food Recall: Starfish Seafood’s frozen smoked salmon is recalled in Florida over possible Listeria contamination. The affected 8-ounce packages carry lot D080-148; no illnesses have been reported. Digital Safety: Florida is among four states suing TP-Link, alleging it misled customers about router security and data collection. The claims have not been proven in court. Retail: Toys “R” Us has reopened at Ellenton Premium Outlets, part of a nationwide expansion ahead of the holiday shopping season. Travel Costs: A Coral Springs couple says Holland America raised their cruise bill by $1,530 after accepting full payment for a fare. They canceled and received a refund; a consumer columnist says the cruise line should have honored its advertised price. Homeowner Rights: An East Tampa retiree won a $193,000 judgment over an unfinished home but says she has yet to collect. Energy Bills: Florida EV drivers can earn $7.50 a month for charging during off-peak hours, with total credits now topping $1.5 million.

Food Safety: A nationwide recall covers 1.58 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry from Kayem Foods after products may have been stored at unsafe temperatures. The items were sold in Florida, including at Publix; check the USDA’s recall list before eating them. Seafood Recall: Starfish Seafood’s frozen, 8-ounce smoked salmon packs were recalled over possible Listeria contamination. They were distributed in Florida and five other states; people at higher risk of serious illness should take particular care. Water Conservation: Southwest Florida’s strict watering limits remain in place through March 31, 2027. Residents in affected areas are restricted to one day of lawn watering a week, despite recent rain, because supplies remain low after a 15.4-inch rainfall deficit over the past year. Data Centers: At a West Palm Beach town hall, Vice President JD Vance defended data centers but said they should be “good citizens.” Growing concerns nationwide include heavy power and water use, higher utility bills and noise.

Food Recall: Starfish Seafood’s frozen smoked Norwegian salmon was recalled over possible Listeria contamination after distribution in Florida and five other states. Consumers can return it for a refund. Product Safety: Federal regulators say about 393,000 Tristar Power Quick Pot pressure cookers can release hot contents while pressurized. The Altamonte Springs company has refused a recall or remedy; owners are urged to stop using and dispose of them. Food Safety Probe: Florida’s attorney general subpoenaed a food distributor as the state investigates potassium bromate, a bread additive linked to cancer concerns. Data Breach: Florida’s motor vehicle agency says compromised credentials were used to access records, potentially exposing license and vehicle data. Affected customers will be offered free credit monitoring and identity-theft insurance. Medical Cannabis: Florida’s Office of Compassionate Use warned patients about unsafe mold, bacteria and yeast levels in a company’s product.

Data Security: Florida’s highway safety agency says hackers accessed records that may include driver’s-license and vehicle data, including document images. It found no evidence of misuse and is offering affected people free credit monitoring and identity-theft insurance. Food Safety: Florida’s attorney general subpoenaed Performance Food Group for records from its Miami and Orlando distribution centers as part of a probe into potassium bromate, an additive used in some bread products. Recall Alert: Cold-smoked seafood was recalled in six states over possible Listeria contamination; shoppers should check product and retailer notices. Storm Recovery: FPL expects to restore remaining Hurricane Isaias outages within 24 hours, while Fort Pierce Utilities sent crews to help restore power in the Panhandle. Travel & Products: JetBlue’s new Florida–Cali route starts at $139 one-way, and a new sunscreen ingredient—the first new type in 25 years—is now on U.S. store shelves.