Florida Realtors® News
- Housing funding priorities advance in 2026 budget special session May 18, 2026House and Senate negotiators remain aligned on $50 million for Hometown Heroes and full SHIP and SAIL appropriations as budget talks continue.amyc
- Florida pending sales surge points to stronger months ahead May 18, 2026New pending sales of single-family homes in Florida rose 8% year over year in April, a sharp increase that Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor said could signal continued closed-sales growth into May and Juneamyc
- Florida cities lead startup ranking May 18, 2026Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Hialeah, St. Petersburg and Miami ranked in the top 10 for startups in a new WalletHub analysis of 100 large U.S. cities.amyc
- Florida’s insurance overhaul is beginning to reshape the market May 15, 2026Litigation drops, insurers cut rates and more companies enter Florida, easing insurance costs and improving affordability and market stability.amyc
- More young buyers rely on down payment help May 15, 2026A growing share of younger buyers is relying on family help, gifts and assistance programs to buy homes, highlighting how affordability pressures are reshaping the path to homeownership.amyc
- Florida home sales rise again in April May 15, 2026Florida’s housing market posted its eighth straight month of year-over-year closed sales gains, with condo and townhouse activity showing particular strength.amyc
- Study finds home affordability improving in several Florida metros May 14, 2026A new ConsumerAffairs analysis found affordability rankings improved in several Florida housing markets, including Jacksonville, Ocala and Orlando, though high-income thresholds remain in Naples and Miami.amyc
- Mortgage rates ease slightly after two weeks of increases May 14, 2026Rates edged lower this week after rising the previous two weeks, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipping to 6.36% and the 15-year fixed rate easing to 5.71%, according to Freddie Mac. The slight decline may help some buyers revisit affordability calculations heading into the summer market.amyc
- Using personality to boost listing videos May 14, 2026Creative, personality-driven listing videos are helping agents stand out, build recognizable brands and turn views into listings and leads. A Naples-area Realtor highlighted by NAR shows how.amyc
- Child care costs add pressure for Florida buyers May 13, 2026A Realtor.com report found child care costs are adding to affordability challenges for families already weighing home prices, rents, insurance and other expenses.amyc