Longtime Florida housing developer tests a shift toward data centers
After decades of transforming swamp land into subdivisions, a longtime Florida developer tested a new venture: data centers. The Deltona Corporation was behind a rezoning proposal in Citrus County, seeking to more than double the size of an existing industrial park in hopes of attracting data centers and heavy manufacturing. Industrial development is unusual territory for Deltona, which helped to engineer some of Florida’s trademark suburban sprawl when it began building residential communities more than 50 years ago.[Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Meet the quieter beach attracting millionaires along South Florida’s coast
Hillsboro Beach may stretch just around 3 miles from end to end, but the tiny South Florida town packs a staggering amount of wealth into a narrow strip of oceanfront real estate. Known as Millionaires’ Mile, the barrier island enclave in Broward County, about 40 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, is home to some of the region’s most impressive waterfront estates. Recent sales underscore the high prices homes here command. [Source: Mansion Global]
Gov. DeSantis signs third revision of Live Local Act
It’s the third time the Live Local Act has been revised since it was originally approved three years ago. The measure will allow more types of dwelling units, limit local restrictions and protect financial sources for buying homes. While the Live Local Act seeks to bolster affordable residential housing, the latest revision would “exclude farms and farm operations” from the land-use categories eligible for its development preemptions. The original iteration of the law drew criticism from watchdog groups such as Florida TaxWatch for falling short for “missing middle” renters. [Source: Florida Politics]
It’s been 5 years since the deadly Surfside condo collapse. What’s changed?
In the five years since the Surfside tragedy, the condo market has faced significant turbulence as owners, lenders, insurance providers and property managers all adjust to the new reality. Experts agree, condos will be better off in the long-term thanks to the lessons learned from Surfside. But the road to a safer, more sustainable future will be paved with sacrifices for some condo owners. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
What should Floridians know about Lady Bird deeds in estate planning?
One of the most common questions estate planning attorneys hear from Florida homeowners is whether a Lady Bird deed can help them avoid probate. The answer is often yes — but that does not necessarily mean it is the best solution for every situation. A Lady Bird deed, formally known as an enhanced life estate deed, is a uniquely Florida estate planning tool that allows a homeowner to transfer real property upon death without the need for probate. [Source: Florida Today]
$85 million
Listed at $85 Million, real-estate developer Aldo Stark’s latest spec project in Delray Beach was inspired by Skyfall — both the 2012 movie, and the fictional spy character’s childhood home in Scotland. [Source: Realtor.com]
› Homes atop suspected cemetery in West Tampa? City gives go-ahead
Adrianne Rodriguez stood before the Tampa City Council, the packed chambers hushed. Ten seconds, fifteen, half a minute went by. A moment of silence, she said, to honor the many who may be buried in unmarked graves beside West Tampa’s Martí-Colón Cemetery. Advocates have long said bodies may be buried on the strip of private land abutting the cemetery. Its owner, architect Patrick Thorpe, purchased the property years ago with vows to protect it from development. Now, he plans to build houses there.
› Florida homebuyers sue Compass over transaction fee
Homebuyers in Florida have filed a lawsuit against Compass challenging a transaction fee the brokerage charged them upon the close of their August 2024 home purchase. The case seeks class status for Florida buyers charged similar fees from June 2022 to June 2026.
› Central Florida real estate pros say high interest rates force tighter margins, creative deals
Central Florida's commercial real estate sector remains red hot — though not without challenges — fueled by a growing population and continued interest in Florida, experts said during Orlando Business Journal's private People to Know in Commercial Real Estate panel on June 4. The event was an in-house, invitation-only discussion featuring several honorees from this year's People to Know in Commercial Real Estate. The feature highlights professionals across the region, including decision-makers, rising stars and newcomers helping shape Central Florida's real estate landscape.
› Florida developer accused of running ‘zombie HOA’ for 20 years
omeowners at a townhome complex in Homestead are taking the developer of the complex to court for allegedly failing to transfer HOA control over to the homeowners. In fact, homeowners in the Villa Portofino East complex—which consists of 117 townhomes—claim that the developer has been in control of the HOA for 20 years after the units were sold, collecting dues from residents but holding an iron grip on the HOA's governance.