Local

Florida billionaires get richer during pandemic

Orlando, Fla. — Not everyone is feeling the pandemic’s economic fallout.

Between March 18 and June 17, Florida’s 56 billionaires increased their wealth by $15.5 billion or 8.5%, according to a report by Americans for Tax Fairness and Health Care for America Now.

To see the chart of Florida billionaires, tap here.

Americans for Tax Fairness found the trend of billionaire wealth growing inversely proportionate to state revenue in nearly half the states, reports Florida Politics.

When the study started (March 18), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had yet to order all gyms to close. The majority of the state entered ‘Phase 1′ of the reopening process more than two weeks later.

Florida billionaires Shahid Khan, Reinhold Schmieding, and Micky Arison grew their wealth by 39.5%, 34.4% and 19.4%, respectively.

Khan, the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, went from $7.8 billion in mid-March to $10.8 billion by mid-June.

Todd Wanek, CEO of Ashley Furniture, had the largest increase in wealth over the course of the study at 70.8%.

Miami Heat and CEO of Carnival Corporation Micky Arison saw his portfolio grow 19.4%, from $5.1 billion to $6.09 billion.

“It’s obvious there’s plenty of money — the problem here is Congress’ priorities,” Margarida Jorge told Florida Politics.

Jorge is the executive director of Health Care for America Now.

Read more from Florida Politics.




Listen

news

weather

traffic

mobile apps

Everything you love about wdbo.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!