Commercial Leases Florida

FDLE Breaks Ground on New Fort Myers Regional HQ

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has officially broken ground on its new $36 million Regional Operations Center in Fort Myers, reinforcing the agency’s long-term commitment to public safety in Southwest Florida. Located on Oriole Road near the I-75 and Alico Road interchange, the new two-story, 64,000-square-foot facility will consolidate multiple FDLE operations, including forensic labs, digital evidence analysis, offices, and training areas, into one purpose-built location. Developed by Seagate Development Group in partnership with Easterly Government Properties, the project is expected to be completed by October 2026. FDLE has signed a 25-year lease with renewal options. Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida represented Seagate in both the land acquisition and lease negotiations, helping to align the vision of public-sector leadership with institutional development strategy. “This wasn’t just about site selection. It was about solving a complex need with a long-term strategy,” said Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker. “Our team brought together the right partners, the right location, and the right vision to ensure FDLE’s future in Southwest Florida. This project reflects the type of forward-thinking leadership and collaboration that define our firm.” “There was a lot of intention behind this deal,” added Shawn Stoneburner, Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield. “From infrastructure and access to security and growth potential, we made sure every aspect of the site and lease supported FDLE’s mission. It’s a great example of the value Cushman & Wakefield brings when strategy and execution come together.” The new facility replaces FDLE’s current storm-damaged location at Page Field and will initially serve around 70 employees with future expansion capacity for up to 100. Read the full story on Gulfshore Business here.

FDLE Breaks Ground on New Fort Myers Regional HQ Read More »

Florida to Eliminate Sales Tax on Commercial Rent Beginning October 2025

Florida to Eliminate Sales Tax on Commercial Rent Beginning October 2025   In a significant policy shift poised to benefit businesses across the state, Florida will officially eliminate the 2% state sales tax on commercial leases effective October 1, 2025. The announcement was detailed in a recent article by Evan Williams for Gulfshore Business, highlighting a long-anticipated move that positions Florida as even more competitive in attracting and retaining commercial tenants. The repeal was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 30, 2025, following the passage of House Bill 7031. This marks the final phase-out of a tax that has been in place since 1969, originally set at 6% and gradually reduced over the past decade. “This will make us much more competitive when recruiting or launching new businesses in Florida,” said Gary Tasman, CEO and Principal Broker of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, in the Gulfshore Business feature. “It removes a financial barrier that no other state imposed so broadly, giving Florida a clear advantage.” Key Implications: Tenant Cost Relief: The removal of the 2% tax will reduce total occupancy costs for tenants across office, retail, and industrial asset classes. Landlord Adjustments: Property owners should prepare to update lease agreements and billing systems ahead of the October 1 effective date. Market Competitiveness: With the repeal, Florida aligns more closely with national norms, reinforcing its pro-business stance and enhancing its appeal to both regional and national occupiers. This legislative change is expected to stimulate economic activity across the state by lowering barriers to entry and promoting reinvestment in commercial space. To read the full article by Evan Williams in Gulfshore Business, click here.

Florida to Eliminate Sales Tax on Commercial Rent Beginning October 2025 Read More »

Scroll to Top