SWFL new-business filings hit 13-week high

New-business filings in Southwest Florida reached a 13-week high during the latest reporting period, according to an analysis of Florida Division of Corporations data. The region recorded 1,061 filings from Aug. 28 through Sept. 3, up 24.4% from the same period last year. Lee County led with 576 filings, followed by Collier with 285 and Charlotte with 108. Among cities, Naples recorded 273 filings, Cape Coral had 198 and Fort Myers had 185. Professional services led all sectors with 139 filings, while hospitality and tourism filings rose 60.8% from a year earlier to 82.