SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - December, 2025

Can I Back Out of a Real Estate Contract After Inspection?

Buying a home in South Florida can feel exciting, as well as, it can bring up a lot of questions. One common question is: Can I back out of a real estate contract after the home inspection? Let’s break it down so you know your rights.

Can You Cancel During or After the Inspection Period?

If something on the property doesn’t sit right with you, maybe a leaky roof, an outdated electric panel, or even something you just didn’t expect, you might wonder if it’s possible to cancel the deal and get your deposit back. The answer depends on timing, your contract, and included contingencies.

In Florida, standard real estate contracts include an inspection period, typically 7 to 14 days, though it can be shorter or longer depending on market conditions,…

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Lighthouse Point Hotel Pompano Beach Redevelopment to Replace 66-Room Hotel

A well-known property on North Federal Highway may soon see a dramatic transformation. The 66-room Lighthouse Point Hotel, a modest and aging structure in one of South Florida’s fastest-growing areas, is set to be demolished.

The Lighthouse Point Hotel Pompano Beach redevelopment plan calls for replacing the hotel with a modern, eight-story apartment complex called Satori at Lighthouse Point. This shift reflects both a rising demand for rental housing and a broader redevelopment trend across Pompano Beach real estate.

Inside the New Development: Satori at Lighthouse Point

The Lighthouse Point Hotel has occupied a 2.7-acre site just off North Federal Highway for years, but rising traffic volumes, now exceeding 46,500 vehicles daily, and a…

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$290M West Palm Beach Convention Hotel Proposed for Just $1

Billionaire developer Steve Ross and his company, Related Ross, have proposed building a 400-room West Palm Beach convention center hotel for $290 million. The catch? They want to buy the land from Palm Beach County for just $1, then lease it back for 99 years. It sounds shocking, but this is not Ross's first time using this structure. His earlier Hilton West Palm Beach hotel used the same strategy and transformed the city's convention business.

This new proposal for 900 South Rosemary Avenue, currently a parking lot, could add much-needed hotel space near the convention center. But it also raises questions about how land, taxes, and public benefits intersect in large real estate deals.

Why West Palm Beach Needs Another Convention Center Hotel

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Riviera Beach Redevelopment Plan Approved for 72 Acres

The city of Riviera Beach is making history. In 2025, city officials approved a $481 million Riviera Beach redevelopment plan that will reshape more than 72 acres of publicly owned land. This is not just another construction project, it’s a citywide transformation.This historic project includes a new city hall and library, a major sports complex, and nearly 700 residential units for local workers. It marks the most ambitious public investment in the city’s 103-year history, one designed to bring lasting change to the heart of Riviera Beach.

What’s Behind the Riviera Beach Redevelopment Plan?

Riviera Beach has dealt with aging infrastructure and large pockets of underused public land for years. The 1970s-era city hall is in poor condition, and…

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Zillow Climate Risk Scores Pulled After Realtor Backlash

Zillow recently removed Zillow climate risk scores from over a million listings across the country. The feature, created in partnership with First Street Foundation, gave buyers easy access to risk data for floods, fires, heat, wind, and air quality.

But after pressure from real estate groups, especially the powerful California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), Zillow quietly rolled back the tool. Now, users only see a link to the data offsite, a major shift in transparency.

Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how it affects homebuyers in climate-sensitive areas like South Florida.

What Were Zillow Climate Risk Scores?

Zillow launched its climate risk tool in late 2025. introducing Zillow climate risk scores to help users…

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What’s the Difference Between Being Preapproved and Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage in South Florida?

A pre-qualification gives a rough estimate of what you might afford based on self-reported info. A pre-approval verifies your income, credit, and assets, providing proof that you can actually close. In South Florida, especially Broward and Palm Beach counties, sellers take pre-approvals seriously when reviewing offers. 

If you’re planning to buy a home in South Florida, especially in areas like Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Wellington, or Delray Beach, you’ve probably heard lenders and real estate agents talk about pre-qualification and pre-approval. These two terms sound similar, but they’re not the same.

In a fast-moving market where homes can go under contract in days, this difference matters. To put it simply, a pre-qualification is a quick…

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Big Changes Coming to Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale Area

Big changes could be coming to a familiar part of Fort Lauderdale. Two major proposals are now under review that would reshape the area surrounding the Galleria Mall Fort Lauderdale, one of the city’s busiest retail and residential corridors. While plans are still in progress, early details point to hundreds of new apartments, more commercial space, and a stronger push toward walkable, high-density development.

One of the proposals comes from Procacci Development, which is asking the city for a density increase to move forward with a reimagined apartment project at Bayview Drive and Sunrise Boulevard. Just across the street, the Galleria Mall itself is also the focus of a large redevelopment plan that would add thousands of new residential units, a…

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How Do Inspections Work When I Sell in Boca Raton?

When you sell your home in Boca Raton, the inspection highlights your home’s condition, helps you uncover issues before buyers do, and plays a major role in negotiations. Preparing well can mean fewer surprises, smoother deals, and often a faster closing.

Why Are Inspections a Big Deal for Boca Raton Home Sellers?

Selling a home in Boca Raton isn’t just about finding the right buyer—it’s about creating confidence. Inspections are one of the most important steps in that process. When buyers know the condition of your home upfront, they’re less likely to back out during the closing process.

For you as the seller, the inspection is an opportunity to:

• Identify problems early and fix them before they scare buyers away

• Decide what…

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How to Protect Your Earnest Money Deposit When Buying a Home in South Florida

Your earnest money deposit is your skin in the game when buying a home. In South Florida, this deposit is held in escrow, and protecting it comes down to understanding deadlines and contingencies in the contract. For first-time buyers, this might feel overwhelming. How long do you have to inspect a property? What happens if your lender denies the loan? Or if the seller refuses a repair request?

The truth is, protecting your deposit isn’t complicated but it does require attention to detail, proactive communication, and working with a buyer’s agent who is versed on the Florida real estate system.

Key Points: How Buyers Can Protect Their Deposit

The inspection period is your first layer of protection.

During this window, buyers can…

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New Fort Lauderdale Luxury Condo Could Replace Historic Hotel

A well-known waterfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale may soon be replaced by a modern luxury condo tower. The Manhattan Tower Hotel, located on Bayshore Drive, is the proposed site of Opus at 701, a 13-story development with 54 high-end condos, luxury amenities, and sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway. While the project promises new upscale housing, it also raises questions about the loss of historic architecture and how it may affect the surrounding neighborhood.

New Fort Lauderdale Luxury Condo Project Overview and Developer Details

The proposed tower at 632 and 701 Bayshore Drive will feature 54 high-end condos and a range of resort-style amenities. The building will include a three-story parking podium with 114 spaces, rooftop amenities, and…

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