Rising costs, hurricanes push more U.S. homebuyers out of Florida
Florida was the fastest-growing state from 2021 to 2022 as more domestic transplants flocked to the area during the pandemic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But new Census migration data shows that growth has slowed significantly — a shift Redfin attributes to rising housing costs and increased hurricane risk, both of which are "eating into homebuyer demand." More from the South Florida Business Journal and Newsweek.
Florida’s push to cut licensing oversight draws Realtor pushback
A sweeping deregulatory bill in Florida that would dismantle dozens of professional oversight boards — including the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) — cleared a second state House committee on Tuesday, drawing sharp criticism from Realtors. The legislation did not originally propose the elimination of the FREC. But a 389-page amendment filed April 7 added the controversial provision, according to Florida Realtors. [Source: Housing Wire]
259 homes proposed for Florida reserve. Some say that’s too many.
Some Palm Beach County residents are balking at yet another residential project proposed for the county’s Agricultural Reserve, not wanting a plan for 259 homes in West Boynton to move forward. The project, dubbed West Boynton Ranches, is being proposed for a plot of land directly south of Boynton Beach Boulevard and to the east of Lyons Road. Sixty-five of the homes would be considered workforce housing. More from the Tampa Bay Times and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
This Florida metro is the foreclosure capital of the US — here's what is behind the crisis
One metro area in Florida has attracted attention as the leader of a particular housing category in the U.S. — but it’s no cause for cheer. The state’s Lakeland region had the nation’s highest foreclosure rate in 2024 among metro areas with at least 200,000 residents, according to real estate data firm ATTOM. One out of every 172 housing units had foreclosure filings. [Source: Yahoo Finance]
Home values have plunged in this area near Tampa Bay. What happened?
Angie Ramos is concerned. The Coldwell Banker Realtor has five listings that have sat for months. Buyer interest is at a minimum. And the stock market has been turbulent. “We are just flooded with inventory,” Ramos said. What she’s experiencing isn’t uncommon along the Suncoast. Home values in Sarasota and Manatee counties are falling faster than almost anywhere else in the country, signaling a sharp reversal in one of the nation’s most overheated housing markets and raising concerns about the broader economic health of the Suncoast. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
$1.695 million
A historic and unique home has hit the market in downtown Orlando. The residence is one of five units in a converted Pentecostal church which was built in 1928. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
› Daytona housing fair aims to help first-time buyers, those seeking to avoid foreclosure
With potentially massive budget cuts looming for federal programs that help first-time homebuyers as well as struggling homeowners seeking to avoid foreclosure, the annual Daytona Beach Housing Fair & Financial Wellness Clinic is needed more than ever, its organizers say.
› New housing is coming: Seven ways Miami real estate is changing in 2025
Miami's real estate landscape highlights is shifting, with urban growth, luxury developments and affordable housing. Iconic rebuilds include the Deauville Hotel in Miami Beach and other luxury high-rises. And workforce housing developments are addressing affordability through public-private partnerships, offering subsidized units and proximity to transit to serve middle-income residents and essential employees.
› Demand for storage space surges as Jacksonville sees 38% increase in new units
Jacksonville is cementing its status as one of the most active self storage markets in the country, driven by population growth, life transitions and shifting housing trends that are fueling a need for extra space. The city ranked third nationally in building permits per capita — at 121 per 10,000 residents — underscoring a development boom that frequently pushes residents into temporary housing and smaller apartments.
› Storm-damaged St. Petersburg tower could become boutique hotel
A vacant tower in downtown St. Petersburg has gained notoriety since Hurricane Milton tore a gaping hole in its facade. It could soon become a boutique hotel. Gianco Companies plans to demolish the decaying 11-story building at 300 Central Ave. and build a 73-key branded hotel. The Tampa-based development and investment firm acquired the property in 2017.