The 2026 Future of Florida Summit will feature four key breakout topics—public health, environment, economic development, and culture. To deepen discussion, the 2026 FOF Summit will host panels of industry leaders and experts who will share their insights and engage directly with students in a dynamic Q&A format.
Culture:
Guiding Question: How can Florida balance tradition and progress when integrating new communities into Florida?
Florida has many different cultural groups, each with its own traditions and languages. These influences have spread across the state, shaping the character of its regions. As Florida’s population grows, planners and developers face the challenge of balancing cultural preservation with ongoing development. Historic landmarks and long-standing communities are at risk of gentrification, displacement, and changes to their cultural identity. At the same time, thoughtful planning can create opportunities to protect traditions and strengthen neighborhoods. This panel will explore how development and preservation interact to shape cultural identity and heritage in Florida.
Economic Development:
Guiding Question: How can Florida harness the opportunities of rapid economic growth while addressing the pressures it creates for residents, communities, and the environment?
Growth in Florida fuels economic vitality and attracts new businesses and talent, yet it also raises important questions about affordability, infrastructure, and quality of life. This panel will invite us to weigh the benefits and challenges of economic development and explore how policy can guide growth that serves all Floridians.
Public Health:
Guiding Question: What strategies can policymakers pursue to mitigate healthcare challenges that come with increased population growth and development?
Rapid growth brings both opportunities and challenges for public health. Expanding populations can support new hospitals, services, and healthier economies, but they also put pressure on food and healthcare systems. Socioeconomic status, geographical distribution, and cultural identity often affect differential access to opportunities and resources. Rapid development can contribute to environmental pressures such as extreme heat or polluted waterways, creating new challenges for public health systems. This panel will explore how leaders can manage growth and development in ways that strengthen health systems, reduce disparities, and build more resilient communities across the state.
Environment:
Guiding Question: How can Florida’s environmental resources be protected while ensuring development appropriately meets the needs of an increasing population?
Finally, with increased population growth, Florida’s land is in high demand. This expansion can bring opportunities, but it also puts pressure on natural systems through habitat loss, pollution, and impacts on water quality and quantity. Balancing the needs of people with the protection of ecosystems is one of the state’s most pressing challenges. This panel will explore strategies and policies to manage growth in ways that safeguard Florida’s environment while meeting the demands of its growing population.