The highly anticipated 2025 South Florida Agents’ Choice Awards finalists have been announced, recognizing the top talent and achievements in the region’s vibrant real estate market. Following thousands of votes from industry professionals, the list celebrates outstanding individuals and companies across various categories. Winners will be unveiled online on October 20th.
Key Takeaways
- The finalists represent a diverse range of expertise, from top-performing teams and managing brokers to rising stars and industry influencers.
- Awards span multiple categories including team performance, individual achievements, digital presence, and community impact.
- Leading brokerages and developers are also recognized for their significant contributions to the South Florida real estate landscape.
Top Teams and Leaders Recognized
The competition for ‘Best Team’ is fierce, with finalists divided into regional categories. Broward, Miami, and Palm Beach counties see The Costa Group (Fortune Christie’s International Real Estate), The Premier Group (Compass), and Spina Group (The Keyes Company) vying for the top spot. In Naples, the Bowers Group (Compass), Dawn McKenna Group (Coldwell Banker), and The Skotak Group (Douglas Elliman) are the contenders.
Individual leadership is also highlighted, with Paulina Hurtado (CENTURY 21 Global Connections Realty), Martha Pomares (Douglas Elliman), and Adam Vellano (Compass) nominated for ‘Managing Broker of the Year’. The ‘Industry MVP’ award features Chad Carroll (Compass), Roni Sterin (The Keyes Company), and Michael Valencia (Lamacchia Realty).
Rising Stars and Digital Prowess
Emerging talent is celebrated with the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award, featuring Muhammed Eid (The Keyes Company), Richard Ostertag (Blackbook Properties), and Lindsey Tronolone (Compass). The digital sphere is also a key focus, with Claudienne Hibbert (eXp Realty) and Angel Nicolas (SERHANT) among the nominees for ‘Social Media Influencer of the Year, Agent’, alongside Michael Valencia.
Website excellence is recognized in both agent and brokerage categories. Jimmy Branham’s branhamproperties.com (The Keyes Company), Aaron Buchbinder’s thebuchbindergroupfl.com (Compass), and Jordan Lederman’s ledermanrealestate.com (Fortune Christie’s International Real Estate) are finalists for ‘Best Agent Website’. For ‘Best Brokerage Website’, Compass, Douglas Elliman, and ONE Sotheby’s International Realty are in contention.
Lender and Developer Excellence
Financial partners are also honored, with Rob Curtis (Wintrust), Dan Lolli (Guaranteed Rate Affinity), and Joel Schaub (Rate) nominated for ‘Loan Officer of the Year’. Guaranteed Rate Affinity, OriginPoint, and Rate are competing for ‘Lender of the Year’. Diego Londoño (Lending Spot) and Danny Martinez (Guaranteed Rate Affinity) are finalists for ‘Social Media Influencer of the Year, Lender’.
In the development sector, CMC Group, Fortune International Group, and PMG are nominated for ‘Developer of the Year: Miami, Broward and Palm Beach’. For Naples, Aprea Development, Kolter Urban, and London Bay Development Group are the finalists.
Notable Developments
Groundbreaking projects are also in the spotlight. For Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach, ‘Development of the Year’ includes 72 Carlyle (Lefferts), Faena Residences Miami (Fortune International Group and KAR Properties), and The St. Regis Residences – Sunny Isles Beach Miami (Fortune International Group and Château Group). In Naples, The Avenue (Aprea Development), Olana Naples Residences (Kolter Urban), and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples (STOCK Residences) are the finalists.