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Southwest Florida’s Office Market Thrives Amid National Downturn

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A recent article published by the Naples Daily News spotlights how Southwest Florida is defying national trends with its surging demand for office space and exceptionally low vacancy rates. While many markets across the country are scaling back, Lee and Collier counties are seeing an influx of businesses drawn to high-growth areas, robust infrastructure, and a desirable quality of life. Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, shared: “We exited the pandemic with a major demand for quality office space … and that’s still very high. We find ourselves as probably one of the hottest office markets in the United States right now.” Want to dive deeper into the data behind this trend?Explore our latest MarketBeat Report – Office Q1 2025, which highlights: Office space absorption rates in Lee & Collier Counties Submarket-by-submarket vacancy data Trends in co-working and flexible office configurations Leasing activity and construction pipeline insightsRead the full article on the Naples Daily News: Southwest Florida bucks national trend with high demand for office space, low vacancies

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Residential Growth Fuels Commercial Expansion in North Fort Myers

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North Fort Myers is experiencing a commercial real estate boom, fueled by a wave of new residential developments that are reshaping the region. Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, highlights the strategic importance of this growth. “As rooftops go up, businesses follow. We’re seeing increased interest in retail, healthcare, and mixed-use developments because families are moving in, and they need services close to home,” said Tasman. “This isn’t just growth—it’s transformation.” With wide-open land and competitive development costs, the Pine Island Road corridor is quickly becoming one of the most attractive areas for investors and developers. Eric Messer, Senior Research Manager at Cushman & Wakefield, notes that the demand for convenience is driving a trend toward walkable, mixed-use communities that blend residential, retail, and office space. For more on this regional transformation, read the full article on North Fort Myers Neighbor:New ‘Rooftops’ Drive Commercial Boom.

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Junior Achievement of SWFL Inducts Business Leaders into Hall of Fame

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On March 25, 2025, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida hosted its annual Business Hall of Fame banquet at the Naples Grande Beach Resort, celebrating four distinguished leaders who have significantly impacted our region. Among the honorees were William Price Jr. and Matthew Price of Seagate Development Group, who were recognized for their visionary contributions to commercial real estate development. In an article featured in ​Gulfshore Business, Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, praised the Prices, stating “The visionary attributes that Bill and Matt bring to Southwest Florida are game changers. They are true inspirations for everybody in our business and certainly an inspiration to the next generation we’re trying to inspire to develop a culture of legacy leaving things better than you found them, and that’s so important that Bill and Matt are always focused on. They’re just a natural for this recognition.”​Gulfshore Business The event raised $255,500 to support Junior Achievement’s programs, which equip local youth with essential work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills. For a detailed account of the event and the honorees’ achievements, read the full article on Gulfshore Business:🔗 Junior Achievement of SWFL inducts 4 into Hall of Fame

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Eagle News Feature, “Gary Tasman: The Real Estate Leader Transforming Southwest Florida and Supporting FGCU”

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Gary Tasman: The Real Estate Leader Transforming SWFL and Supporting FGCU Author: Violet Powell This past November, Gary Tasman received an honorary bachelor’s degree in Life Success from Florida Gulf Coast University. In the ceremony, Tasman was awarded the degree by FGCU President Aysegul Timur and was recognized for his commitment to the Southwest Florida area. CEO and Principal Broker of Cushman and Wakefield Southwest Florida, Tasman has been serving this area for over 30 years, both within his professional field and his service outside of it. In 2020, Tasman was a founding member of the Lee County Conservation Board. He found himself motivated by his passion for sustainability. “We have the unique opportunity in Southwest Florida to do things different from what other places in Florida have done,” said Tasman. On the board, Tasman helped ensure sellers had the say in conserving their land and not the government. “Our conscious effort to balance development with open spaces and green spaces and a keen sensitivity to the environmental attributes adds to our quality of life. It’s something I’m very proud to have been involved in,” he said. Here at FGCU, Tasman serves on the advisory board for the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development and Finance. His firm also provides internships to students. Nathan York is a FGCU alum who interned for Cushman and Wakefield as a student. “It was a real-world learning experience, not just learning the definitions and in class material,” said York. Now as a full-time research analyst within the firm, York credits the opportunity to an email he sent Tasman when looking for internship experience. “I personally reached out in an email to Gary Tasman and asked him for an informational interview, that’s how I acquired the internship from there,” he said. As the Southwest Florida area continues to grow, he has been keeping an eye on how the community will expand. “We’re going to become more intelligent, not just our community, but all over Florida and all over the United States on how we maximize the utility of land, and in a lot of cases that will require additional development or redevelopment,” says Tasman. However, Tasman has strong faith in the next generation of real estate developers in the SWFL area, especially FGCU grads. “The next generation is going to develop in a smarter and more sustainable way than the last generation,” he said. As the community changes, Tasman’s motivation for sustainability has been fundamental for his business. “My guiding principle is that I want to be instrumental in leaving things better than I found them,” Tasman said. As he has lived in the community, he has seen the changes made within it. “Having been a resident and an entrepreneur in this market for 30 years now, it’s very rewarding to me to look back and see the progress that we made as a community,” he said. With the work he has done leaving a positive impact, the results are clear!

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Cushman & Wakefield’s Market Expertise Took Center Stage at ULI’s 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum

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Cushman & Wakefield’s Market Expertise Took Center Stage at ULI’s 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum Research Analyst Eric Messer Presented on Key Market Trends, Migration Patterns, and Commercial Real Estate Outlook for Southwest Florida Fort Myers, Fla. (February 2025) – Cushman & Wakefield, a global commercial real estate services leader, took center stage at the 2025 Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum, where industry leaders gained exclusive insights into the region’s evolving market. As Southwest Florida experienced dynamic economic and demographic shifts, Senior Research Manager Eric Messer presented data-backed forecasts that shaped investment strategies and commercial growth across the region. Messer’s session delivered an in-depth analysis of key market trends, economic drivers, and commercial real estate performance across all asset classes, providing attendees with a forward-looking perspective on market demand, development trends, and investment opportunities in 2025 and beyond. His insights highlighted how migration trends, evolving economic forces, and capital market shifts shaped the future of industrial, office, multifamily, and retail sectors in Southwest Florida. As the leader of Cushman & Wakefield’s Florida research team, Messer and his team provided comprehensive market intelligence, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quarterly and annual data across office, industrial, multifamily, and retail properties. His presentation outlined how vacancy rates were expected to stabilize, capital markets were reawakening, and population growth continued to drive regional commercial development. “Southwest Florida’s real estate market was at a pivotal moment, influenced by demographic shifts, national economic forces, and evolving investor sentiment,” said Messer. “At Cushman & Wakefield, we leveraged extensive market research and real-time data to help clients anticipate trends and make informed decisions. The ULI Forum provided an excellent platform to share these insights and engage with industry leaders navigating the region’s opportunities and challenges.” According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest research, Southwest Florida’s commercial real estate sector saw continued growth in industrial development, driven by e-commerce expansion and demand for last-mile distribution centers. The multifamily sector remained strong, with rental demand increasing alongside continued migration into the region. While office vacancy rates remained elevated in some submarkets, the flight-to-quality trend led to reinvestment in Class A properties. Retail demand also rose, particularly for mixed-use developments that incorporated live-work-play concepts. “Southwest Florida entered a new phase of economic and commercial real estate growth,” said Gary Tasman, CEO & Principal Broker of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida. “Businesses and investors recognized the long-term value of this market, and our data showed that key sectors—particularly industrial and multifamily—continued to thrive in 2025 and beyond. The insights Eric Messer shared at ULI’s annual forum were invaluable for those looking to make informed, strategic decisions in this evolving landscape.” The 2025 ULI Southwest Florida Focus Real Estate Forum brought together top real estate professionals, developers, and industry experts to discuss growth trends, housing solutions, and commercial real estate strategies. This year’s forum featured key insights into Lee and Collier County’s economic development, the Housing Coalition’s strategies for expanding housing access, and emerging trends in real estate for 2025. To view Eric Messer’s Presentation on Southwest Florida and Commercial Real Estates 2025 Economic Outlook click here. As a leader in commercial real estate research and advisory services, Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida provides clients with actionable insights and strategic guidance across all property sectors. The firm’s deep understanding of market dynamics ensured clients were equipped to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate evolving trends in Southwest Florida and beyond. This year’s forum was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, Christopher Alan Homes, M/I Homes, and Owen-Ames-Kimball Company.

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Six Critical Questions Part 2: What Impact Will Interest Rates Have on Commercial Real Estate?

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🔍 What Impact Will Interest Rates Have on Commercial Real Estate?   Join Gary Tasman, CEO & Principal Broker of Cushman and Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida, as he shares his strategic thought leadership on the factors influencing the commercial real estate market in Southwest Florida in part 2 of our video series on Emerging Trends in SWFL.   Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant deceleration in transaction volume due to rising construction costs, land scarcity, increased insurance premiums, and, notably, higher interest rates. To learn more about emerging trends in commercial real estate in SWFL follow this link; https://bit.ly/InterestRatesCPSWFL

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Six Critical Questions Part 1: Is SWFL headed for a Doom Loop?

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In Part 1 of our series on Emerging Trends in Commercial Real Estate, our CEO & Principal Broker, Gary Tasman explores a critical question: Is Southwest Florida Headed for a ‘Doom Loop’? This term, unfamiliar to many, describes a cycle of events leading to an economic downturn. We examine regional economic indicators, robust job growth with 11k jobs added in 2023, and the resilience of regional commercial development post-Ian. Join us as we navigate these insights and discuss what they mean for Southwest Florida’s future. Watch now and stay informed about the dynamics shaping our local economy! You can also learn more about market insights, real-time commercial real estate data analytics, and emerging trends in Southwest Florida by subscribing to our YouTube Channel. 

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Cushman & Wakefield|Commercial Property Southwest Florida Unveils Cutting-Edge Website Redesign

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Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, a leader in strategic commercial real estate solutions, proudly announces the launch of its newly redesigned website.  The new website is poised to enhance user experience and accessibility for clients, partners, and industry professionals worldwide. The revamped website features a sleek and modern design, offering visitors an immersive and intuitive browsing experience. With improved navigation and functionality, users can easily explore the full spectrum of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida’s services, insights, and property listings. Key highlights of the new website include: Streamlined Navigation: Optimized menus and navigation tools allow for seamless exploration of services, markets, and resources. Enhanced Search Capabilities: Robust search functionality enables users to quickly find relevant properties, market reports, and industry insights. Responsive Design: The website is optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, ensuring a consistent and engaging experience across all platforms. Interactive Features: Engaging multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and virtual property tours, provides visitors with dynamic insights into real estate trends and opportunities. Localized Content: Tailored regional content and market insights cater to the diverse needs of clients and investors across different geographic locations. “We are ecstatic to unveil our redesigned website, which reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in serving the evolving needs of our clients and partners,” said Gary Tasman, CEO & Principal broker at Cushman & Wakefield| Commercial Property Southwest Florida. “This enhanced digital platform will empower users with greater access to our comprehensive suite of real estate services and market intelligence, enabling informed decision-making and driving success in today’s dynamic market environment.” Now that you’re on our new website we hope you’ll enjoy exploring the latest offerings and insights from one of the world’s leading real estate services firms.

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Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida earns an unprecedented two 2023 CoStar Impact Awards

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 25, 2023) – Earning a CoStar Impact Award is a distinct honor in commercial real estate. Winning two such awards in the same year is unprecedented. The brokerage team at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL) has accomplished this rare feat by winning a pair of 2023 CoStar Impact Awards. Award recipients were selected from a panel of more than 750 industry professionals drawn from each respective commercial real estate market. The CoStar Impact Awards recognize exemplary commercial real estate transactions and projects completed in 2022 that have significantly influenced the region. Winners are chosen for their growth, diversification, and ability to overcome unique challenges in their particular markets. As the orchestrator behind many of the area’s most significant commercial real estate transactions over the last 15 years, CPSWFL is well known regionally for its role in shaping the Southwest Florida commercial property landscape. Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker, and Shawn Stoneburner, Senior Director, were honored by CoStar Group for Sale/Acquisition of the Year for the Gulf Landing Logistics Center on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway in Fort Myers. Entitled for up to 2.2 million square feet of bulk warehouse and distribution space, the logistics center is one of the largest such developments in Southwest Florida to date. Tasman and Stoneburner were also awarded a CoStar Impact Award for Lease of the Year for the 44,800-square foot Tesla regional repair facility on Lee Road in Fort Myers. Because Florida is one of the top states in the country for Tesla ownership, award judge Dana Brunett, Director of Business Development for Lee County Economic Development, noted that the facility “addresses a major need” in the region. With this transaction, Fort Myers now joins Tampa and Sarasota with the only Tesla service centers on Florida’s gulf coast. “I’m incredibly proud of our entire team for this accomplishment. Our brokerage team was the only one in the entire country to earn multiple Impact Awards, and everyone here played a part,” explained Tasman. “It’s really a unique distinction to be honored twice by our contemporaries, especially after such an intense year in commercial real estate here in Southwest Florida.” “We’re grateful for the chance to recognize the accomplishments of noteworthy real estate projects and transactions across the industry,” said Andy Florance, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CoStar Group. “As the industry continues to evolve, real estate professionals have adapted and contributed immensely to the neighborhoods they serve through innovative projects and community-driven initiatives.” CoStar Impact Awards are presented across 128 major international markets in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Each market may award a single winner in up to five categories: Lease of the Year, Sale/Acquisition of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Multifamily Development of the Year and Redevelopment of the Year. CPSWFL is an independently owned and operated member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance that provides strategic solutions for commercial real estate investors, owners, and lessors. For more information about how Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida can serve your commercial real estate needs, please contact Gary Tasman at gtasman@cpswfl.com or visit www.cpswfl.com. To learn more about the CoStar Impact Awards and review the full list of winners, visit www.costarimpactawards.com. About Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida Since 2007, Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL) has shaped Southwest Florida’s commercial property landscape by actively advising, implementing, and managing on behalf of landlords, tenants, and investors through every stage of the real estate process. An independently owned and operated member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance, CPSWFL advises clients in buying, selling, financing, leasing, and managing assets. Founded by CEO and Principal Broker Gary Tasman, CPSWFL’s integrated solutions also include valuation advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, site selection and space location assistance. About CoStar Group, Inc. CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP) is the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. Founded in 1987, CoStar conducts expansive, ongoing research to produce and maintain the largest and most comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. Our suite of online services enables clients to analyze, interpret and gain unmatched insight on commercial property values, market conditions and current availabilities. STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for the global hospitality sector. Ten-X provides a leading platform for conducting commercial real estate online auctions and negotiated bids. LoopNet is the most heavily trafficked commercial real estate marketplace online. Apartments.com, ApartmentFinder.com, ForRent.com, ApartmentHomeLiving.com, Westside Rentals, AFTER55.com, CorporateHousing.com, ForRentUniversity.com and Apartamentos.com form the premier online apartment resource for renters seeking great apartment homes and provide property managers and owners a proven platform for marketing their properties. Homesnap is an industry-leading online and mobile software platform that provides user-friendly applications to optimize residential real estate agent workflow and reinforce the agent-client relationship. Homes.com offers real estate professionals advertising and marketing services for residential properties. CoStar Group’s websites attract tens of millions of unique monthly visitors.  Headquartered in Washington, DC, CoStar maintains offices throughout the U.S. and in Europe, Canada and Asia with a staff of approximately 4,900 worldwide, including the industry’s largest professional research organization. For more information, visit www.costargroup.com.   Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 51,000 employees in 400 offices and 70 countries. In 2019, the firm had revenue of $8.2 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation, and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com or follow @CushWake on Twitter.

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Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida brokers $725K sale of commercial property in North Fort Myers

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North Fort Myers, Fla. (February 17, 2023) – Lane Boy, Executive Director, of Cushman and Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC has just facilitated in the sale of +/-4.35 AC of CT – Tourist Commercially zoned land in North Fort Myers, Florida. Mr. Boy represented the seller, Edison Property Services, LLC in the transaction. Mr. Boy sold the property for $725,000 coming in $40,000 over original asking price. This sale is a great example of the value and experience the team at Cushman and Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida brings to their clients. About Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC Cushman and Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC delivers integrated solutions by actively advising, implementing, and managing on behalf of landlords, tenants, and investors through every stage of the real estate process. They cultivate long term relationships, advising clients in buying, selling, financing, leasing, and managing assets. C&W also provides valuation advice, strategic planning and research, portfolio analysis, site selection and space location assistance. For more information about this transaction, or to learn more about Commercial Property Southwest Florida, please contact Gary Tasman at gtasman@cpswfl.com or visit www.cpswfl.com.

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