Closings, pending sales, new listings up in Florida housing market
Florida’s housing market started 2026 on an upswing, with more closed sales, more new pending sales and more new listings in January compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors’ latest housing data. “Florida’s housing market opened 2026 with solid momentum,” said 2026 Florida Realtors President Chuck Bonfiglio, broker-owner of AAA Realty Group in Plantation. “Closed sales and new listings are up, and pending sales saw a significant year-over-year jump – all encouraging signs for a sustainable market. [Source: West Orlando News]
ADU dispute could set back Florida Live Local Act expansion
Counting down to a legislative session deadline in two weeks, a new batch of updates to the state’s landmark Live Local Act may hinge on legislators resolving a dispute over provisions included in the bill to expand the scope of the strategic push for housing affordability. Local zoning provisions for accessory dwelling units – and their use as short-term rental units – in single-family neighborhoods surfaced as a chokepoint that could scuttle any new Live Local updates this session in Tallahassee. [Source: Housing Wire]
How wealthy buyers are shifting the landscape
As more wealthy people from California and New York move to Florida, the Miami Association of Realtors has declared South Florida the No. 1 ultra-luxury market in the country. The association reported that last year, South Florida had the most $20 million-and-up condo sales and the second-most $10 million-and-up total home sales in its history. [Source: Florida Realtors]
Despite modest improvements in affordability, home ownership in South Florida remains out of reach for many
Strained by a post-pandemic influx of new residents, South Florida has seen increased rates of development and gentrification, with its minority communities disproportionately affected. The cost of living in the tri-county area, already high, has continued to balloon — with the average earner in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties unable to afford buying a home. [Source: South Florida Business Journal]
Florida bill allows large developments to avoid local land-use rules
A bill moving through the Florida Legislature would allow large developers to ignore local land-use rules and protections for rural areas if a fraction of units are set aside for affordable or multifamily housing. Senate Bill 354 and its companion House Bill 299, dubbed the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, would give local governments 90 days to review development projects on 10,000 acres or more before the plans are automatically approved. [Source: TC Palm]
$2.1 billion
Total single-family real estate sales in Palm Beach hit $2.1 billion in 2025, only the third year on record to break the $2 billion threshold. [Source: Palm Beach Post]
› Why did Manatee officials reject 2,000 homes in this booming Parrish area?
Manatee County officials unanimously denied a 2,000-home project in Parrish after raising concerns about a lack of infrastructure and amenities to support new residents. At a recent land use meeting, commissioners heard arguments for and against the “Lone Valley” project proposed by Lennar Homes. It would have added up to 2,047 homes to a rapidly developing area.
› Orlando launches $750K infill housing push targeting vacant downtown parcels
The Orlando City Council has approved a new incentive program aimed at spurring housing construction on vacant lots in the downtown area. The council unanimously approved Feb. 23 the Orlando Unlocked Open Door Program. The vote allocates money for the program and makes 300 vacant lots eligible in the downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Area, which includes ZIP codes such as downtown's 32801 and Parramore's 32805. The program builds on a 2022 effort set to expire in September 2026.
› Southwest Florida home prices show signs of easing
The cost of housing remains frustratingly high, but in Southwest Florida, the market is showing signs of easing. Nationwide, the median sales price of a home was about $415,000 in October, down slightly from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com. In Southwest Florida, prices have fallen more noticeably. Median sales prices in Collier County ($628,300) and Lee County ($299,000) are both down about 7% from the same period last year.
› Florida Housing Solutions Summit again coming to St. Pete
The city of St. Petersburg will again be home to the 2026 Florida Housing Solutions Summit, which will take place April 22 at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. The summit will include discussions with policymakers, economists, developers, business leaders and community stakeholders about Florida’s most pressing housing challenges. The event is hosted by the Florida Policy Project, a nonprofit founded and run by former Sen. Jeff Brandes to research best practices on some of the state’s toughest challenges.