SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - May, 2025

Top 10 South Florida Luxury Homes

South Florida luxury homes continue to set the standard for upscale living in the United States. With pristine beaches, high-end shopping, world-class dining, and a vibrant cultural scene, it's no surprise that ultra-wealthy buyers from around the world are investing heavily in the region's most prestigious addresses.

In 2025, the luxury real estate market in South Florida showed no signs of slowing down. Demand surged for elite properties across coastal cities like Miami Beach, Boca Raton, Manalapan, Palm Beach, and Delray Beach. These buyers weren’t just seeking square footage, they wanted privacy, exclusivity, architectural distinction, and top-tier amenities like private docks, oceanfront pools, in-home theaters, and smart technology integration.

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Palm Beach County Sees $5B Boost in Property Value

Palm Beach County’s tax rolls surged by $5 billion, marking a major milestone driven by new construction and rising property values in 2025. According to the Palm Beach Post, this increase results from significant growth in both residential and commercial development. These gains represent a 9% year-over-year increase in the taxable value of property, reflecting the rapid pace of construction and the influx of new residents.

Key contributors include luxury residential towers, large-scale retail centers, and high-end mixed-use projects. These developments are driving up real estate values and strengthening the county’s financial position by broadening the tax base.

For homeowners, this means rising home equity; for buyers, a competitive market;…

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Luxury New Homes in Boca Raton: Comparing Lotus, Lotus Palm & Lotus Edge Communities

If you’ve been eyeing the Lotus communities in Boca Raton, you’re not alone. Built by GL Homes, Lotus, Lotus Palm, and the newest addition, Lotus Edge, have all made waves for their modern designs, resort-style amenities, and gated security. But here’s the thing: while they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences when it comes to floor plans, square footage, community layout, and even the schools they’re zoned for. 

So, how do you figure out which one is right for you? Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home or a more intimate, custom luxury setting, it’s essential to understand the differences before making your choice.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Fiji Collection and Bali Collection homes offered in…

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Why New Yorkers Moving to South Florida Brought a $9 Billion Boom

Between 2018 and 2022, more than 30,000 New Yorkers relocated to South Florida, bringing with them $9.2 billion in income. This large-scale movement isn’t just about weather or lifestyle, it reflects deeper trends in taxation, cost of living, and long-term wealth planning.

Let’s break down what this migration means for buyers, sellers, and the future of our market.

A Massive Wealth Migration From NYC to South Florida

$9.2 Billion in Income Has Relocated

According to a new report from the Citizens Budget Commission, from 2018 to 2022:

• Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties gained more than 30,000 former New Yorkers
  

• These movers brought $9.2 billion in income with them
  

• In Palm Beach County alone, 20,000 newcomers had an…

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Florida House Bill HB 615 Now Lets Email End Your Lease

Florida House Bill HB 615 was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis and became effective in 2025. This new legislation changes how landlords and tenants across Florida can send and receive legal notices related to rental properties. Before HB 615, notices had to be delivered in person or by certified mail. Now, email is legally allowed, as long as both parties agree.

Why the Law Was Introduced

The rental market in Florida is fast-paced and increasingly digital. Certified mail and hand-delivery methods were causing delays, disputes, and confusion. HB 615 aims to simplify and speed up communication while protecting legal rights.

Traditional Lease Notification Methods vs. Email

Previously, lease terminations, non-renewals, and deposit claims…

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New Boca Raton Transit Housing Near Tri-Rail

In 2025, Boca Raton became the first city in the U.S. to secure a federal transit-oriented development loan specifically for housing. More than 300 new units are set to rise next to the Boca Tri-Rail station, marking a significant shift in how South Florida approaches traffic, affordability, and urban growth.

For the first time in its history, the U.S. Department of Transportation is backing a neighborhood project, ”The Colony Project,” rather than a highway or rail line. With commuter rail access, discounted fares for residents, and dedicated parking for daily riders, the development is designed to ease traffic congestion, expand housing affordability, and encourage greater use of public transit.

A First in U.S. Transit Housing Policy

Boca Raton…

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Florida Real Estate Bills That Passed and Failed in 2025

The 2025 legislative session brought big changes and missed opportunities for Florida real estate. Lawmakers debated dozens of proposals that would shape how properties are developed, managed, bought, and sold across the state. While some key bills made it to Governor DeSantis' desk, others stalled or were pulled before getting a vote.

Here's a breakdown of the Florida real estate bills that passed and failed in 2025, and what they mean for homeowners, investors, and professionals working in the industry.

Florida Real Estate Bills That Passed in 2025

SB 1742/HB 913 – Condo Safety Law Updates

In response to the deadly 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South, Florida passed major condo safety laws in 2022. The new 2025 updates, SB 1742/HB 913,…

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New Vision for Currie Park West Palm Beach

A bold new chapter is unfolding at Currie Park West Palm Beach, as the city moves forward with an $86 million redesign that will completely transform the waterfront destination. With a fresh master plan by the landscape architecture firm OLIN, the project will bring new life to one of West Palm Beach’s most scenic public spaces, adding a marina, outdoor dining, green spaces, and sustainable design features that locals and visitors will enjoy.

Currie Park West Palm Beach has been a local favorite for decades, offering scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway and serving as a peaceful spot for fishing, tennis, and weekend picnics. 

Nestled just north of downtown along North Flagler Drive, the park boasts one of the best views of the city skyline and…

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New Boca Raton Project Brings Big Changes to West Palmetto

A major redevelopment is coming to Boca Raton Plaza on West Palmetto Park Road, and it’s already drawing attention from local homeowners and investors. The updated plan includes moving Publix and building more than 340 new residential units. As this project progresses, it’s expected to bring real change to West Palmetto real estate, making the area more attractive to buyers, renters, and property owners. Here's how this project could shape the future of real estate in the neighborhood.

What’s Changing at Boca Raton Plaza

According to a Sun Sentinel article, Boca Raton has greenlit a revised proposal to modernize Boca Raton Plaza, a shopping center located just west of I-95 on Palmetto Park Road.

 The redevelopment includes:

• Moving the…

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Why Canadian Snowbirds Are Selling U.S. Homes in 2025

What’s Causing the Shift Among Canadian Snowbirds?

Canadian snowbirds have long traveled to warm-weather states like Florida and Arizona during the colder months, but 2025 is showing a noticeable change. Many are now choosing to sell their U.S. properties and stay north of the border.

Political Tensions Are Driving Buyers Away

The political climate between the U.S. and Canada has cooled considerably. A Reuters article highlights how the rhetoric from U.S. leadership in 2025 has contributed to strained perceptions, with some Canadian homeowners feeling less welcome due to policy shifts and public statements that have received backlash in Canadian media.

New Border and Visa Policies Impact Travel

Canadian citizens who previously could stay in…

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