Florida Realtors has significantly expanded its international reach by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Japan-America Real Estate Coalition Office (JARECO). This strategic partnership aims to foster professional development, share market data, and enhance global business outreach between real estate professionals in both regions. The agreement coincides with the upcoming launch of direct flights between Orlando and Tokyo, poised to boost economic and real estate ties.
Strengthening International Real Estate Connections
Florida Realtors President Tim Weisheyer and JARECO Chairman Masayuki Nakagawa formalized the partnership in Tokyo during the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association joint meeting. This collaboration is set to deepen economic and professional relationships, opening new avenues for investment and learning. JARECO, established in 2013, represents a vast network of Japanese real estate organizations, linking them with the National Association of Realtors and now, significantly, with Florida.
Direct Flights to Boost Bilateral Trade
The new partnership gains momentum with ZIPAIR, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, set to launch the first nonstop passenger flights between Orlando International Airport and Tokyo Narita in February 2026. This direct air link is expected to dramatically simplify tourism, business exchanges, and cross-border real estate investments, further solidifying the growing economic ties between Florida and Japan.
Navigating Florida’s Evolving Real Estate Landscape
Alongside international expansion, Florida Realtors is actively engaged in shaping the state’s domestic real estate environment through legislative advocacy. Key priorities for the 2026 legislative session include expanding the Hometown Heroes Housing Program, increasing the availability of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and lessening the tax burden on homeowners. The organization also advocates for preserving the Live Local Act, supporting home hardening programs like My Safe Florida Home, and continuing efforts for water quality improvements.
Key Legislative Updates and Priorities
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: Support for the Hometown Heroes Housing Program and expansion of ADUs are central to addressing housing affordability.
- Tax Relief: Efforts are underway to lessen property taxes for homeowners without compromising essential local services.
- Live Local Act Preservation: Florida Realtors aims to maintain the core provisions of the Live Local Act, crucial for developing attainable housing.
- Home Hardening and Insurance: Continued funding for programs like My Safe Florida Home and monitoring of property insurance reforms are critical.
- Environmental Stewardship: Ongoing support for water quality initiatives, including Everglades restoration and springs protection.
- Regulatory Framework: Florida Realtors is actively opposing measures that could weaken the state’s real estate regulatory framework and consumer protections.
Recent legislative changes in Florida, such as amendments to the Live Local Act, updates to wetlands mitigation, and streamlined platting processes, are designed to foster development and housing affordability. Additionally, new laws address brownfield redevelopment, emergency management regulations, flood disclosures, and expedited removal of commercial squatters, collectively shaping a more dynamic and responsive real estate market in the Sunshine State.
Sources
- Florida Realtors, Japan-America Real Estate Coalition expand ties, HousingWire.
- Florida Realtors sign Japan partnership as Orlando–Tokyo flights near launch, Florida Politics.
- Florida And Japan Strengthen Global Real Estate Ties With Exciting New Deal, Travel And Tour World.
- Navigating Florida’s new real estate landscape: Essential 2025 legislative updates for smart development
& property investment, The Business Journals. - 2026 Legislative Priorities | Florida Realtors, | Florida Realtors.