Florida’s real estate landscape has shifted in 2025, with landmark reforms transforming affordability, transparency, and market dynamics. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, realtor, or property manager, knowing these changes equips you with the insights to stand out, make informed decisions, and advise clients with confidence.
Key Updates to Watch (and Act On)
- No More Sales Tax on Commercial Leases (HB 7031): Effective Oct. 1, 2025 — Florida will eliminate the Business Rent Tax on most commercial property leases, including discretionary local surtaxes, slashing occupancy costs for landlords and tenants. Remember: taxes still apply to periods before October 1.
- Live Local Act 2.0 (SB 1730 / HB 943): Effective July 1, 2025 — These amendments accelerate affordable housing development by granting administrative approvals, lowering parking requirements, enabling developments on religious institution-owned land, and requiring 40% of units remain affordable for 30 years.
- Updated Rules for Condos & HOAs (SB 1742 / HB 913): Effective July 1, 2025 — Extended document review windows (7 days), disclosure of pending assessments, online access to meeting minutes, and optional loan funding for reserves enhance buyer transparency and accountability.
- Mandatory Flood Risk Disclosure (SB 948): Effective Oct. 1, 2025 — Sellers (and long-term renters) must now disclose a property’s flood history and clarify that standard insurance usually doesn’t cover flood-related damage.
- Streamlined Evictions & Squatter Protections (SB 322): Effective July 1, 2025 — Florida tightens eviction paths, criminalizes fraudulent listings, and speeds up removal of unauthorized occupants, giving property owners more power and peace of mind.
- Split Closing Costs—More Transparency: Effective Jan. 1, 2025 — Expect clearer transaction costs: Buyers and sellers will now pay their own closing service fees instead of bundled charges.
- Boosting Home Safety & First-Time Buyer Support (SB 2500): In Progress — The My Safe Florida Home Program receives $280M for storm-proofing grants; $50M more supports first-time buyers, especially educators, first responders, and essential workers.
- Faster Permits, Less Red Tape (SB 1730 Zoning Provisions): Effective July 1, 2025 — Local governments must expedite permits, especially for developments near tall buildings or transit; permits for infill and mixed-use projects now navigate smoother paths.
Recommendations for Your Clients
For | What to Do |
Condo Buyers | Use the new 7-day window to carefully review documents and assessment disclosures before buying. |
Developers | Take advantage of the Live Local program incentives, reduced parking mandates, and permitting efficiencies. |
Buyers & Renters | Ask about flood history and insurance coverage to avoid hidden risks. |
First-Time & Essential Workers | Explore grant eligibility under My Safe Florida Home or Hometown Heroes programs. |
All Stakeholders | Know these bill numbers (HB 7031, SB 1730, etc.) to access deeper insights. Florida’s $1.5B+ funding in water resiliency may also affect values and development. |
Bottom Line
These sweeping 2025 updates are about more than compliance—they transform how real estate transactions are priced, protected, and executed. Staying informed isn’t just smart—it’s your professional advantage.
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