Nick Rojo, the Affiliated Development co-founder who helped deliver more than 2,000 apartments across South Florida, has died unexpectedly at age 44. His death was announced by business partner Jeff Burns, who praised Rojo’s leadership, integrity and commitment to expanding workforce and mixed-use housing across the region.
Key takeaways
Rojo’s death marks a major loss for South Florida’s development community.
- He co-founded Fort Lauderdale-based Affiliated Development with Jeff Burns.
- The firm has invested approximately $1.5 billion and worked with 13 municipalities.
- Rojo helped develop more than 2,000 apartments throughout Broward and Palm Beach counties.
- Affiliated’s active pipeline includes The Cove, a 376-unit Fort Lauderdale project.
A career focused on South Florida housing
A Palm Beach County native, Rojo built a career spanning acquisitions, financing and development. He graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in 2005 with a finance and entrepreneurship-focused degree and played football for four years.
He began his professional career at Wachovia Securities, where he worked as an analyst and investment banker. He later returned to South Florida and pursued investments in residential real estate, including the acquisition and renovation of single-family and multifamily properties through Mako Capital LLC.
Building Affiliated Development
Rojo and Burns established Affiliated Development in the mid-2010s with a focus on mixed-use multifamily projects in underserved areas. The company became one of the region’s most active developers of workforce housing, partnering with cities to structure projects that combine private investment with public-sector support.
Its portfolio includes developments in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lake Worth Beach, West Palm Beach, Sunrise and Boynton Beach. Projects such as the Tropic, the Era, the Pierce and the Grand have helped expand the firm’s presence in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Burns said Affiliated would support Rojo’s wife and son while continuing the company’s work and honoring his legacy. A cause of death was not disclosed.
The Cove project moves forward
Rojo’s death comes as Affiliated advances The Cove, an eight-story Fort Lauderdale development that secured a $74 million construction loan from Pacific Life Insurance Co. The 376-unit project is being developed under Florida’s Live Local Act, with 55% of its apartments designated as income-restricted housing.
The project broke ground in late July and reflects the company’s broader strategy of pursuing housing in partnership with local governments. Affiliated has participated in 13 public-private collaborations and says its projects have attracted roughly $1.5 billion in investment.
Tributes from colleagues and community partners
Business and civic leaders described Rojo as both an accomplished developer and a deeply respected colleague. Jaime Sturgis, founder of Native Realty, said Rojo had made a lasting impression on those who worked with him.
Beyond real estate, Rojo served on the Broward County Sheriff’s Advisory Council and the board of the West Palm Beach Police Athletic League. Those roles reflected his involvement in public safety and youth programs, adding a community dimension to a career centered on housing and development.
Affiliated said its operations will continue, with its team focused on meeting existing commitments and advancing projects already underway.