Florida Realtors are navigating a dynamic landscape, marked by significant legislative achievements and the rapid integration of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Recent legislative victories address critical issues such as affordable housing, condominium transparency, and property owner protections, while the upcoming Florida Realtors Convention will focus heavily on AI’s transformative impact on the real estate industry.
Legislative Triumphs for Florida Property Owners
Florida Realtors, alongside the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®, have secured substantial legislative wins in the 2025 session, directly benefiting property owners and real estate professionals across the state. These efforts underscore a commitment to fostering a more favorable and secure real estate environment.
Key legislative achievements include:
- Elimination of Florida’s Business Rent Tax (BRT): Florida was the only state to impose a sales tax on commercial rents. Its complete elimination, effective October 1, 2025, is projected to save Floridians $900 million annually, easing the burden on businesses and encouraging growth.
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: Significant funding has been allocated to various affordable housing programs:
- Hometown Heroes Housing Program: An additional $50 million in funding will help more Floridians purchase their first homes, particularly full-time workers earning less than 150% of their county’s area median income. Since its inception in 2021, the program has assisted over 20,000 Floridians.
- State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP): $163.8 million for down payment and closing cost assistance.
- State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL): $71.2 million to support the construction of affordable rental housing.
- Condominium Reform: HB 913, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, enhances transparency and provides unit owners more time to pay new assessments for maintenance and repairs. It extends the inspection deadline to December 31 and allows associations to vote on financing reserve requirements.
- Anti-Squatter Legislation: Two new laws, SB 322 and SB 606, effective July 1, 2025, strengthen property owners’ rights against unauthorized occupants in both commercial and transient lodging properties. These laws streamline eviction procedures and allow for criminal charges in cases of criminal activity.
- Environmental Protection: Over $1.5 billion has been allocated for Everglades restoration and water quality improvement projects across Florida.
The Rise of AI in Real Estate
The real estate industry is undergoing a significant technological transformation, with Artificial Intelligence at the forefront. The upcoming Florida Realtors Convention & Trade Show, scheduled for August 25-26, will feature expert-led sessions dedicated to exploring AI’s impact and practical applications.
- Key Takeaways:
- AI is reshaping lead generation, marketing, and client communication.
- The convention will offer practical tips and real-world examples for responsible AI adoption.
- Sessions will cover leveraging AI for content repurposing, YouTube growth, and overall business efficiency.
High-Tech Tools Revolutionizing Home Buying
Beyond the convention, AI and other high-tech tools are already making the home-buying process more efficient and less stressful for consumers. These advancements are providing buyers with unprecedented insights and assistance.
- AI Image Searching: Platforms like Cotality’s OneHome utilize AI to match buyers with listings based on uploaded images of desired features, such as kitchen styles or patio designs.
- Agent-Matching Platforms: Companies like Fetch Agent connect buyers with suitable agents based on specific needs, allowing for custom commission offers and expertise in desired locations.
- Advanced Home Inspection Tools: Inspectors are now using infrared cameras and drones to identify issues that are invisible to the naked eye or in hard-to-reach areas, leading to more detailed inspection reports.
- Automated Valuation Models (AVMs): Predictive AI and machine learning have enhanced the accuracy of AVMs, which estimate home values by combining data from multiple sources and even analyzing listing images to assess property condition.
These technological advancements, coupled with robust legislative advocacy, position Florida Realtors at the forefront of an evolving real estate market, ensuring both professional growth and consumer protection.
Sources
- Dive Into AI at Florida Realtors Convention, | Florida Realtors.
- MIAMI REALTORS® scores major legislative victories for South Florida property owners, South Florida Agent Magazine.
- High-Tech Tools Are Transforming Home Buying, | Florida Realtors.
- Florida Realtors-Backed Laws Take Effect Today, | Florida Realtors.