Florida’s 427,800 manufacturing jobs are concentrated in several major metro areas and pay an average of more than $86,000 annually. Tracking that workforce can help Realtors identify housing demand and better serve buyers working in the industry.

In 2025, homeowners' rate increases slowed to less than 1% and auto rates fell 4.1%, while litigation and claim-handling costs also declined, according to a new report commissioned by American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

Tracking repeat customers, business sources and community reputation can help agents evaluate long-term stability beyond production numbers.

Residential construction represented nearly $2.2 billion in July, even as permit volume declined 18% from June. Tampa’s leading builders posted the highest combined regional activity.

Innovation expert Josh Linkner says long-term wealth can come from questioning old routines, embracing unusual ideas and learning from setbacks.

Higher borrowing costs are limiting buyers’ purchasing power and contributing to sluggish home sales. The average 15-year rate also rose to 6.04%.

During the Wealth Building Summit at the 2026 Florida Realtors Convention & Trade Expo, CPA Greg Antipoff outlined ways agents can use earnings and explore tax advantages as part of a long-term wealth plan.

Fed Gov. Christopher Waller said higher-than-expected August inflation could lead him to support a rate hike during the Federal Reserve meeting Sept. 15-16, potentially pushing mortgage rates higher. The August inflation data comes out Sept. 11.  

Most executives expect a flat second half as rising construction costs and cautious speculative building shape the new-home outlook.

NAR data shows repeat business and referrals from past customers generate far more sales volume than other sources. Broker-owner Eric Bramlett said in HousingWire that consistent personal outreach helps turn those relationships into a business that grows over time.

Four Florida cities landed in the national top 10 for retirees, while seven made the top 25, according to WalletHub’s 2026 analysis.

All five measures of confidence weakened in August as Floridians grew more pessimistic about the economy and major household purchases.

Investors at Florida Realtors’ Wealth Building Summit said cash flow, backup plans and active oversight can help real estate professionals create lasting income.

The lowest-priced home does not always offer the best value, said housing market analyst John Burns, of John Burns Research and Consulting. Entry-level buyers are weighing what the home will cost each month, how well it fits their future plans and how comfortable they feel making the purchase.

The governor said he plans to get involved in the campaign for the property tax amendment, which Florida Realtors supports.

Virtual staging can lower marketing costs, but agents and brokerages must verify that every digital edit accurately represents the property.

Individually owned, homesteaded condo units with just values of $700,000 or less can receive up to $500 in refunded sales tax on approved impact windows and doors.

Florida ranked No. 10 nationally in WalletHub’s latest analysis, buoyed by strong scores for quality of life, safety and the economy.

Answer Engine Optimization can help agents strengthen their presence in AI-generated recommendations through clear website content, consistent business details and specific customer reviews.

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation remains too high and suggested current interest rates may not be restrictive enough to bring it back to the Fed’s 2% target.