How the 'most expensive scam in real estate' happens. And how to protect yourself
Criminals quietly break into the email accounts of title companies or lenders, learn the deal details, and send a convincing last-minute message telling you the bank account has changed. The funds leave the country immediately. The key protection: call the title company directly using a number you already have — not the one in the email — or go in person to verify before wiring a single dollar. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida poll shows major property tax cut could pass in November
A survey of 850 Floridians found 64% support the constitutional amendment backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, though support was heavily partisan — 87% among Republicans, 62% among independents and just 35% among Democrats. The measure, passed by the Legislature June 2, would impose a $150,000 homestead exemption in 2027, rising to $250,000 in 2028. Most respondents — 54% — said they expected passage would have no impact on home values. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]
If Florida Slashes Property Taxes, Where Will the Money Come From?
Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed for a proposal to slash property taxes in Florida, but after some local Republican officials protested, he backpedaled, sort of. A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at reducing soaring property tax bills has drawn considerable pushback from fellow Republicans, including local officials facing billions in lost revenue that would force cuts to services. [Source: New York Times]
Redfin: Tampa leads nation in luxury home price growth as affluent buyers fuel demand
Tampa is leading the nation in luxury home price growth, according to a new Redfin report, highlighting a widening divide between Florida's high-end housing market and the rest of the market. Luxury home prices nationwide increased 4.7% year over year in May, compared with a 1.5% increase for non-luxury homes. Florida dominated the rankings, with Tampa posting the fastest luxury home price growth in the country, followed by Miami. Affluent buyers have remained active despite elevated mortgage rates because they are generally less sensitive to borrowing costs and are more likely to pay cash or make substantial down payments. [Source: Bay News 9]
Florida leads the nation in homes for sale. Should buyers worry?
Florida now accounts for one in seven of all homes for sale in America even though the Sunshine State only has 8% of the nation's housing stock, a new national report has found. The Florida for-sale market is "flashing warning signs," according to Jason Lewris, chief data officer and co-founder of Parcl Labs, a New York-based housing data analytics firm, citing findings from his company's "Motivated Seller Index" report. [Source: News-Journal Online]
1 in 7
Florida accounts for one in seven of all homes for sale in America — even though the state has just 8% of the nation's housing stock. [Source: News-Journal Online]
› Northeast Florida home prices rise in June as inventory gives buyers more choices
The regionwide median price for single-family homes in Northeast Florida rose 2.4% from May to $420,000 in June, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors. There were 2,100 closed sales, up 3.3% from May, while pending sales fell 32.5% to 1,301 following a strong spring market. Active inventory totaled 7,216 homes — about a 3.4-month supply. The Home Affordability Index fell to 79.
› Joint venture buys Naples Bay Resort & Marina for $41.3M
Pyramid Global Hospitality, in a joint venture with Western & Southern Financial Group, bought Naples Bay Resort & Marina on June 30 in back-to-back transactions totaling $41.25 million. The 16-acre property includes 85 hotel units, a 97-slip marina, the Shoppes at Naples Bay shopping center and the 450-member Naples Bay Club. The resort will be incorporated into Pyramid's Benchmark Resorts & Hotels collection.
› Collier Company legacy office building sells for $23.26M in Naples
A pair of four-story office buildings developed by Barron Collier Companies as its headquarters in downtown Naples — known as Collier Place I and II — sold for $23.26 million to Collier Place Owner LLC. The 60,000-square-foot complex is 97% leased with 15 tenants including Cummings & Lockwood law firm, Fifth Avenue Family Office and Lake Michigan Credit Union. The buildings previously traded for $12.85 million in 2019.
› Median sale price of Northeast Florida homes rises to $420,000 in June
NEFAR reported the median price of Northeast Florida homes in June was $420,000, an increase of 2.4% over May and 7.9% over the June 2025 price of $389,000. Closed sales increased 1.7% to 2,100, while pending sales dropped 32.3% to 1,301 following what NEFAR described as a strong spring market. Of the 2,100 closed sales, 13.9% of buyers paid more than the list price.