South Florida Real Estate News — Weekly Market Digest (July 11–18, 2025)

by William Gartin

South Florida Real Estate News — Weekly Market Digest (July 11–18, 2025)

Here’s your essential real estate update for South Florida: legislation, programs, market movements, and homeowner resources you can act on.

🧱 1. Condo‑Repair Relief Gains Momentum

A new bill (HB 913‑4D), introduced this month, would rescind Miami Beach’s building moratorium—so long as unit‑owners can commit to state‑mandated repairs and replenish reserves within three years. Senate versions are already in committee. This shows state lawmakers grasp the urgency around big inspection bills and the Surfside crisis.
Perez Mayoral, P.A.AP News

🏘 2. Live Local Act Gets Major Amendment (SB 1730)

Effective July 1, this law lets cities speed up accessory dwelling and multifamily development in fully zoned areas, provided the projects include at least 20% income-restricted units. This is a response to increasing statewide demand—and Miami-Dade could see 200–300 new legally compliant units as a result.
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

🧹 3. Debris‑Clean Up Law Signed

Governor DeSantis approved legislation (SB 1316) empowering Florida to pre‑approve debris crews before disasters. The idea is to reduce homeowner denial letters and speed up insurance payments for emergency cleanup—coming as local insurers still hold unpaid storm reserves.
CBS News

💵 4. $280M Boost to My Safe Florida Home Grants — Starts July 1

Florida’s home hardening program relaunched with $280 million in funding, including $10,000 grants per home for approved wind-mitigation improvements (e.g. impact windows, fortified roofs). Demand previously exhausted funds in under six weeks—act soon to avoid missing the next cycle.
Kiplinger

🏡 5. Short‑Term Rental Reform Still in Flux

Despite vetoed legislation last year, state-level short‑term rental licensing is still evolving. Cities like Miami Beach continue enforcing local restrictions, leaving owners in limbo. Anyone buying a property as an Airbnb should plan for possible disruption—even if no new laws pass.
Avantio

🌪 6. Housing Demand Meets Insurance Constraints

A new study reports 6.4 million U.S. homes face storm‑surge damage risk, pushing insurance renewal rates 80% higher in flood‑prone ZIP codes—even before premiums spike. This is a critical concern for coastal homeowners and buyers.
The World Property JournalWikipedia

Florida’s average home insurance premium hit $4,231 in 2022 and rose 42% in 2023 to around $6,000/year—triple the national average. Many insurers are pulling out of coastal counties altogether, increasing the risk of non-renewal.
Wikipedia

🏗 7. New $15M Condo Planned on Champlain Towers Site

A Dubai-based developer plans a 12‑story ultra-luxury condominium, The Delmore, on the site of Surfside’s 2021 collapse. The new building will have 37 residences averaging 7,000 sq ft, starting at $15M each. Construction is already underway.
AP News

This high-profile project underscores the city’s long-term appeal—despite past tragedies—while fueling a new era of safety mandates.

📊 Key Takeaway for Buyers and Homeowners:

Trend	What It Means For You
Law and Rebuild Programs	If you're facing a condo assessment, monitor HB 913 status—there may be relief.
More Housing Options	New acts like SB 1730 may yield more rental/affordable housing stock—good for buyers and renters.
Insurance Transparency	With rates climbing fast, wind-hardening home improvements may pay off through credits and grant funding.
Buyer Awareness	Coastal purchases require long-term planning around insurance renewals, inspection costs, and hurricane mitigation.

🏡 Need Help Navigating These Issues?

I’d be happy to provide:

A snapshot of municipality zoning changes and how they affect your neighborhood
A step-by-step summary on applying for My Safe Florida Home grants
Guidance on how to run 4‑D inspections and estimate assessments cost
Introductions to top lenders familiar with climate-driven underwriting