SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS - south florida

Is South Florida Tourism Slowing Down in 2025?

If you walk through Miami International Airport or along Fort Lauderdale Beach, you’ll see what looks like a thriving tourism scene. Flights are full, hotel lobbies are bustling, and beaches are packed. But when you dig into the numbers, the story of South Florida tourism in 2025 becomes more complex.

While overall foot traffic seems strong, international travel is softening. And that shift matters, especially for real estate investors, short-term rental owners, and local businesses that depend on international visitors for steady income.

What the Data Says About International Travel to Florida

Analysts had expected international arrivals to the U.S. to grow by 9% in 2025. Instead, overseas arrivals have dropped for three straight months. The…

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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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Ken Griffin Seeks Approval for Florida Tallest Office Tower

Ken Griffin, the billionaire founder of Citadel, is moving forward with plans to reshape the Miami skyline. He’s seeking approval to build the Florida tallest office tower in the heart of Brickell,  a 1,028-foot skyscraper that would become the tallest office building in the state. If approved, the tower will serve as Citadel’s global headquarters and feature office space, a hotel, retail, and dining venues. This project marks one of the most significant private investments in South Florida real estate in recent years and signals Brickell’s continued rise as a top business destination.

Overview of the Florida Tallest Office Tower

The proposed project is a 54-story mixed-use skyscraper designed to include 1.485 million square feet of office space,…

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What are the biggest legal mistakes first-time homebuyers can make in South Florida?

If you're buying your first home in South Florida, there are a lot of moving parts such as contracts, inspections, lender requirements, deposits, and timelines. And while the process should feel exciting, many first-time buyers unknowingly make legal mistakes that can put their money and the deal at risk.

So, what are the biggest legal mistakes first-time homebuyers make? The answer comes down to a few key issues that come up again and again especially with financing, contract timelines, and choosing the right team to guide you.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, practical, and rooted in what actually happens in real transactions here in Florida.

Not Being Properly Pre-Approved or Vetted by the Lender

“I’ve seen many deals break…

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Why Broward Home Values Are Dropping While Miami’s Keep Rising

The South Florida housing market is starting to show signs of a shift, but not in the same way everywhere. According to recent data from Zillow, some cities are seeing home values drop while others continue to rise. If you’re looking to buy or sell, understanding these local trends is key.

Let’s break down what’s happening and why some parts of South Florida are cooling off, while others remain hot.

South Florida Housing Market Overview 2025

The latest data shows a split in home and condo values across the region.

• Palm Beach County and Broward County are seeing general price drops.
  

• Miami-Dade County, on the other hand, shows rising values in many ZIP codes.
  
  

The reason? Rising inventory and shifting buyer preferences.…

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Vanderbilt University’s West Palm Beach Campus: Impact on South Florida’s Future

In August 2024, we informed you about Vanderbilt University’s proposed graduate campus in West Palm Beach — a bold plan with the potential to reshape South Florida’s economy, education, and job market. Fast forward to today, and that proposal is gaining serious momentum. With land officially granted and fundraising already underway, the university is moving full speed ahead on what’s expected to be a multi-billion-dollar investment in the region.

In this article, we’ll break down the impact of Vanderbilt’s West Palm Beach campus, the timeline for development, and how this prestigious institution could shape the future of the region. From job creation to educational opportunities, the ripple effects will be felt across South Florida — and the benefits…

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Palm Beach Oceanfront Mansion Sells for $73 Million in Off-Market Deal

A Palm Beach oceanfront estate near Mar-a-Lago has changed hands in a private sale for $73 million—nearly doubling its 2020 purchase price.

High-Profile Sellers and a Lucrative Return

Brenda and Ric Elias, who bought the property five years ago for $37.25 million, were on the selling side of the transaction. Ric Elias, a billionaire entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Red Ventures, a digital media powerhouse based near Charlotte, North Carolina.

While the original sale wasn’t recorded with a deed at the Palm Beach County Courthouse due to its structuring, property records confirm the Eliases' acquisition.

Inside the Estate: Luxury and Architectural Excellence

The 14,908-square-foot estate, completed in 2018, features eight…

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How Florida’s HB 913 Could Affect Condo Owners and Developers

Florida lawmakers are looking at a new bill, House Bill 913 (HB 913), which could impact condo associations, insurance, and property development across the state including South Florida. The bill, introduced by Rep. Vicki Lopez, aims to improve safety rules, give condo boards more financial power, and increase transparency in condo-hotels.

Tougher Safety Rules for Condo Associations

One big part of HB 913 is restricting access to Citizens Property Insurance, Florida's state-backed insurer, for condo associations that don’t follow updated safety rules. These rules, set after the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, require condo buildings to undergo structural integrity studies and inspections. If a condo association hasn’t completed these inspections, it…

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Townhouse Growth Surges in Broward County as Land Becomes Scarce

A major townhouse development is coming to Lauderhill, transforming a former golf course into a 650-home community. As land availability continues to shrink and costs rise, townhouses are becoming the go-to choice for developers and homebuyers in South Florida.

Townhouse Construction Outpacing Single-Family Homes

A recent report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates a significant shift in the trend of house construction. Townhouse building increased by 10% in 2024, overtaking single-family home construction. Nationally, 174,000 townhomes were built last year, compared to 158,000 in 2023.

Broward County is emulating this trend, as nearly half of the new single-family homes constructed in 2024 were townhomes. Figures from…

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Top Things to Do in Boca Raton: A Guide for Visitors & Locals

The gorgeous community of Boca Raton lies nearly 50 miles to the north of Miami in the Palm Beaches. This place was originally formed in the early 20th century as a primary resort in South Florida. Boca Raton has subsequently grown into a desired destination of beautiful beaches, parks, cultural attractions, and an exciting dining scene. Architect Addison Mizner was a central figure in giving Boca its character especially with the designing of the city's hallmark town hall, Mizner Park, and the grand Mediterranean-styled pink "castle," the Boca Raton Resort & Club, which stands tall today as a landmark.

Boca Raton, or "Boca," as the locals fondly call it, is the second-largest city in Palm Beach County. It is celebrated for its wildlife conservation…

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