A weekly alert that contains in-depth news, information, insight and analysis on the most critical real estate related issues and topics facing Florida.
Giddy up! Equestrian real estate rides Florida’s wealth boom
Florida’s ultra-luxury real estate market involves a lot of horse play. The region is attracting developers, horse owners and luxury homebuilders who are betting the equestrian lifestyle can fetch a premium. From sprawling horse farms in Wellington to emerging purpose-built communities in Ocala, demand for equestrian real estate has surged in recent years, boosting a niche market, while drawing investment to surrounding areas. [Source: The Real Deal]
Property taxes outpaced home values in 46 US metros, and Florida had the widest gaps
A new analysis found that in 46 of the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, property taxes rose faster than home values from 2022 to 2024, with Florida posting the widest gaps. ConsumerAffairs conducted its analysis using the U.S. Census Bureau figures on median home values and median property taxes. Nationally, the picture was milder than in the hardest-hit metros [Source: The Cool Down]
Florida’s luxury real estate boom is drawing buyers from these countries
International buyers are spending billions of dollars on homes across the United States, and Florida continues to stand out as a major destination for foreign real estate investment. Research from the National Association of Realtors found international buyers spent more than $45 billion on U.S. homes, with Florida recording the highest share of foreign-buyer transactions. [Source: NBC Miami]
Florida leads national snowbird rankings
Florida isn’t just welcoming snowbirds this winter. It’s practically rolling out the welcome mat across the state. A new StorageCafe study shows that inland communities, affordable housing and everyday conveniences are giving winter visitors plenty of reasons to explore more of the Sunshine State. Sixty-three Florida cities rank among the nation’s 100 best snowbird destinations for 2026-27, with Winter Haven and Lakeland claiming the top two spots. [Source: Florida Realtors]
What’s at stake for Florida’s housing market under Amendment 3
One of the many questions at the center of the debate is whether reducing property taxes could affect home prices, buyers, and renters. Amendment 3 supporters say it would offer homeowners tax relief in a state that has become so expensive to buy a home that people are being priced out. Opponents warn the proposed tax changes will have consequences beyond a homeowner’s property tax bill. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
ALSO TRENDING:
› Tampa robotics startup uses 3D-printed walls to build affordable neighborhoods
Solvenah is testing a construction model built around automation, factory production and a more predictable path from blueprint to finished home. A mix of ambition and candor runs through the founders’ plans for Solvenah, a construction company formerly called BIA Robotics. It was founded in April and specializes in concrete printing, modular fabrication and using AI to build housing and infrastructure.
› Lincoln Road ‘microdistrict’ wins final approval
A developer scored final approval for a project to redevelop a section of Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road district as a new retail, dining and lifestyle destination. At an Oct. 14 meeting, city commissioners voted unanimously to pass a resolution approving a concession agreement with affiliates of Miami Beach-based Comras Co. to make improvements to city-owned properties on North Lincoln Lane.
› Eastwood golf course housing lawsuit awaits judge’s ruling
Nearly six years after Orange County rejected plans for 200 homes on Eastwood’s former golf course property, the developers and residents at odds are awaiting a judge’s decision on whether that denial can stand. Both sides filed their final written arguments Oct. 20, bringing the long-running dispute in the east Orange community closer to a ruling. Benge Corp. and Eastwood Golf Club LLC contend commissioners rejected a project that met the county’s planning requirements.
› Empty downtown storefronts push Lake Worth to recruit new merchants
Lake Worth Beach will pay a commercial real estate brokerage to attract higher-class shops to the middle-class city’s half-vacant downtown. The Community Redevelopment Agency will contract with West Palm Beach-based Anderson & Carr to recruit “boutique entertainment,” “artisanal concepts,” shops and restaurants to Lake and Lucerne avenues. The agency will pay the firm up to $175,000. All five CRA board members approved the one-year deal on Oct. 13.
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