Florida

USA

Florida is where sun-soaked beaches meet glass-clad skylines, and global cultures blend effortlessly with local charm. It’s a state where art and finance, relaxation and ambition, all share the same palm-lined streets.

Over the years, Florida has grown far beyond its image as just a holiday spot; today, it’s a thriving international hub known for its lifestyle, investment potential, and unmistakable energy.

With a $1.2 trillion economy, the fourth largest of any U.S. state, Florida would rank as the 16th richest country in the world (if it were one).

Business opportunities are abundant across the finance and healthcare sectors, and the state’s economic outlook remains strong. At the end of 2024, Florida’s unemployment rate stood at just 3.4%, comfortably below the national average.

The state’s population exceeds 23 million, making it the third most populous in the U.S., and growth shows no signs of slowing.

Florida’s weather may be what people visit for, but it’s the lifestyle and financial advantages that people end up staying for. The cost of living remains relatively affordable compared to the national average, while no state income tax continues to be a major draw for residents and investors alike.

The state is well known as a retirement haven, offering warm weather, a thriving senior community, and a laid-back way of life. At the same time, younger generations are also choosing Florida, with cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa attracting professionals in education, medicine, technology, and tourism. This influx has fuelled job growth and, crucially, rental demand.

Florida is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. In 2024, a record-breaking 143 million visitors arrived, drawn by its year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, and world-class attractions. From the vast wilderness of the Everglades to vibrant coastal cities, tourism continues to power Florida’s economy and bolster real estate demand, especially in short-term rentals and hospitality-linked investments.

From the high-rise luxury of Miami to the golden sands of Fort Lauderdale, each city in Florida offers a distinct character. Miami blends global finance with an electric arts and nightlife scene, while Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its beaches and boating culture. Tampa has fast emerged as a business-friendly city with a thriving tech sector, while Naples combines upscale living with strong demand in the ultra-luxury property market.

Together, these cities showcase Florida’s unique blend of tropical climate, cultural vibrancy, and investment opportunity. Whether you’re considering a second home, a rental investment, or a permanent move, Florida continues to deliver both lifestyle and long-term value.

 

Our Experts Say...

“As an investment location, Florida probably offers one of the most diverse range of markets in the US. The huge number of tourists is the obvious draw, but there is so much more to the state than theme parks and vacation rentals. It’s a place that a hugely diverse population call home. From the students who flock to the state’s numerous universities to the knowledge workers drawn in by the high lifestyle standards, it’s a great place for purchasing real estate which is likely to appeal to a number of tenants.

Florida has always been one of the USA’s most popular markets for investors and, as we have seen over the past twelve months, it is very likely to remain so.”

– Matthew Lavin, Director

How to get there

By road

Florida is of course accessible from across the United States, so choosing how to travel is often more about choosing a scenic or direct route. Drive time from New York is generally around 20hrs.

By train

Florida is easily accessible by train. Both the Silver Star and Silver Meteor lines make regular journeys to Florida from New York with a travel distance of around 1,100 miles and a total trip length of around 28 to 32 hours.

By air

Florida has 131 public airports plus seven large and medium hub airports. The busiest airports are Miami International, Orlando International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Tampa International.

By boat

A popular cruise destination, Florida is often combined with travelling to areas such as the Caribbean, West Indies, or Mexico.

Weather

Known as the ‘Sunshine State’, Florida enjoys a sub-tropical climate with mild winters and hot, sunny summers. While thunderstorms are the norm, they don’t tend to last long and leave behind comfortable temperatures.

Spring/Summer

Summers are long and tend to last from May to October. Over the summer months, temperatures are uniform from north to south, especially in the daytime, when they range between 31°C and 33°C (88 °F and 91 °F). Thunderstorms are common and there are increased chances of tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly from August to October.

Autumn/Winter

Really more of a “dry season” than a typical winter, you can still expect temperatures of around 15.5°C (60°F), even in January. Winter can be a great time in Florida as temperatures are comfortably warm, days still enjoy around 7hrs of sunshine, and it tends to be drier than over the summer months.

Why Invest in Florida

Florida offers some of the biggest returns in the US. Its thriving economy, appealing weather and healthy tourism industry are a perfect mix for property investors.

If you have an eye for personal enjoyment of your investment, Florida makes for the perfect location for a holiday home, or as a future retirement property.

The state’s property market offers average yields of around 7% and has proven to be resilient to economic crises. After the 2008 crisis, Florida’s property markets were one of the success stories of the US economy. There is every sign that this is a great place to invest during an economic recovery. Demand is strong and the population continues to expand.

In many places, demand is outstripping inventory, creating fertile ground for growth. While the population of Florida grew by around 15% over the last decade, the number of housing units only grew by 9.7% according to the US Census Bureau.

Florida’s rental markets are the hottest in the US, with demand soaring and prices going through the roof in several metro areas. Markets in Miami-Dade, Orlando and Southwest Florida have been identified as the most competitive, where as many as 31 prospective renters are competing for a single listing.

There are plenty of choices available when it comes to choosing your ideal market. Retirement condos offer a great opportunity to meet the rental demands of over 4.5 million adults over 65 who live in the State (they make up 19% of the population—the highest in the US).

However, it’s not all about the senior population—the Space Coast has been increasingly expanding with more tech-focused businesses laying down routes in Florida, and more companies are starting to base their HQs around the area.

And of course—we cannot overlook the huge demand for holiday rentals. Florida is one of the “go-to” holiday destinations for both overseas and domestic visitors alike.

When it comes to long-term growth, Florida is the one to watch. Real estate values have risen by around 80% in the past five years, and the Sunshine State continues to hog the spotlight with some of the fastest-growing home prices in the country. Many buyers gravitate to Miami—named by TIME Magazine as One of the Greatest Places in the World—but there are also a lot of opportunities to be discovered in areas of South Florida and along the Gulf Coast.