ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’re still looking for a gift for Valentine’s Day, prepare yourself to spend more than you expected.
If you already bought your gift, you already know that those prices are getting higher, but not just for you, but also for the businesses that create those gifts.
The national average for a dozen roses is up 2% from last year, according to Finance Buzz. Here in the Sunshine State, the prices are around $83.
“We raised them, I think $10-15, per arrangement, but it’s nothing compared to what others in the industry,” said Anastasia Maligua, owner of Le Bouquet.
The price hike is to help offset the rising costs of getting their roses through delivery, farms, refrigerated planes, and other means.
“Air transportation increases probably doubled. We used to pay four dollars per five per box now it’s $14 per box can go to the size of the box,” said Maligua.
Local sweet shop, Maitland Chocolate Factory, says the price of chocolate jumps up every three months.
Vivian Viteri, Owner of Maitland Chocolate Factory, mentions, “Actually I just had an email last week that my products, the chocolate that I use from one of the companies, are increasing the prices after February 25. Like 20%.”
Viteri says everything else they use to make their chocolate by hand is going up too. “Increases in all the products boxes, the chocolate, the bags, everything went up like 30%.”
Both owners say costs have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Maligua says getting these flowers from different countries, like Ecuador and China, are also causing problems.
“We know President Trump has put some tariffs in place, will any of them affect you at all? Tariff increases they will affect us in the end. The box price will probably go up to $45 down 14 we don’t know,” said Maligua.
The business owners say working shortages in the delivery industry is also playing a factor.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: