Commercial Real Estate Southwest Florida

The Future of Commercial Real Estate: How CPSWFL is Leading the Tech Revolution

The Future of Commercial Real Estate: How CPSWFL is Leading the Tech Revolution  By: Gary Tasman  The commercial real estate (CRE) industry is transforming digitally, and technology is at the forefront of redefining how professionals operate. From artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to the Internet of Things (IoT), innovation is reshaping everything from leasing processes to property intelligence. At Cushman & Wakefield |Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL), we are ahead of the curve, leveraging cutting-edge technology and our global partnership with Cushman & Wakefield to deliver superior service, deeper insights, and more efficient solutions to our clients. Harnessing Technology to Drive Success 1. Property Intelligence for Smarter Decision-Making Gone are the days of manually sifting through public records to gather property data. Today, property intelligence platforms enable commercial real estate professionals to access ownership records, sales history, debt data, and tenant breakdowns instantly. At CPSWFL, we utilize advanced data analytics tools to help investors, landlords, and tenants make informed decisions quickly and accurately, giving them a competitive edge in the market. 2. AI & Machine Learning: Enhancing Profitability and Efficiency Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming the way we work. AI-powered platforms streamline administrative tasks, from automating lease document analysis to identifying missing or incomplete information. By integrating AI into our workflow, CPSWFL enhances efficiency, allowing our professionals to focus on high-value activities like client relationships and deal negotiations rather than tedious paperwork. 3. IoT: Smarter Buildings, Smarter Business The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized building management by providing real-time insights into energy usage, security, and maintenance needs. CPSWFL helps property owners implement IoT solutions that not only improve operational efficiency but also increase property value. From smart sensors that optimize energy consumption to IoT-enabled security systems that enhance tenant safety, we leverage technology to create smarter, more responsive commercial properties. 4. Advanced Leasing Software: Streamlining Transactions Traditional leasing processes are cumbersome, requiring extensive coordination between brokers, property managers, and tenants. Thanks to modern leasing software, scheduling tours, signing leases, and completing background checks can all be done digitally. CPSWFL utilizes state-of-the-art leasing technology to make transactions seamless, reducing turnaround times and improving client satisfaction. 5. Cybersecurity: Protecting Data with Cutting-Edge Security Measures As technology advances, so do cybersecurity threats. At CPSWFL, we take extensive precautions to protect the sensitive information of our owners and tenants. We implement top-tier cybersecurity risk assessments, utilize secure and resilient servers, and conduct ongoing employee training to ensure best practices in data protection. By staying proactive in cybersecurity, we provide our clients with peace of mind, knowing their data is safeguarded against emerging digital threats. The CPSWFL Advantage: A Tech-Driven Future As Southwest Florida’s premier commercial real estate firm, CPSWFL is committed to staying ahead of industry trends. Our partnership with Cushman & Wakefield Global grants us access to cutting-edge tools, proprietary market insights, and a vast network of resources that empower us to deliver exceptional service to our clients. By embracing technology, we are not just keeping up with the evolution of commercial real estate—we are leading it.   CONTACT GARY TASMAN, CEO & Principal BrokerAt Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, we understand the evolving landscape of commercial real estate. Whether you’re looking to invest, develop, or reposition existing assets, our expertise can help you navigate this rapidly growing sector. For more insights on Florida’s Commercial Real Estate opportunities, contact Gary Tasman today at 239-489-3600 or by email gtasman@cpswfl.com.

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

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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The Data Center Boom: Florida’s Role in a Growning Commercial Real Estate Sector

The Data Center Boom By Gary Tasman The digital revolution is reshaping commercial real estate, with data centers emerging as one of the most in-demand asset classes. The surge in cloud computing, AI, and IoT has fueled an unprecedented need for data center space, both globally and in key U.S. markets. Florida, with its emerging data center market, strong connectivity, and business-friendly environment is becoming an attractive location for companies looking to establish a robust digital infrastructure near the Florida business and consumer marketplace. Florida’s Competitive Advantage in Data Centers Florida has data center hubs in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Its excellent fiber optic infrastructure and position as a hub for submarine fiber landings make it a key gateway for global data connectivity. Additionally, Florida offers competitive electricity rates, with some exemptions on electricity sales tax, making it a cost-effective environment for data center operations. Florida has abundant power in many locations. Development & Conversion: A Real Estate Opportunity As demand grows, both new developments and adaptive reuse of commercial properties are becoming viable solutions. Industrial warehousing and manufacturing buildings can be converted into data centers, leveraging Florida’s favorable infrastructure and cost benefits. Investors and property owners should consider power availability, diverse fiber availability, flood risk, and hurricane risk when exploring these opportunities. Sustainability & Security: Key Operational Considerations Sustainability is a major focus in data center design, with renewable energy integration, water-efficient cooling systems, and regulatory compliance shaping the future of operations. Security—both physical and cyber—is also a top priority, making data centers among the most fortified commercial properties. Investment Outlook: Florida’s Growing Market For investors, Florida’s data center market presents a strong opportunity for long-term value. Florida is an emerging market and is considered underdeveloped for the coming data center demand. There are development and investment opportunities to reposition land for data center development and convert existing buildings. There are also investment acquisition opportunities to consider. Colocation models, capital stacking strategies, and evolving valuation metrics provide diverse entry points into this high-growth sector. With demand continuing to rise, commercial real estate professionals must stay ahead of market shifts to capitalize on Florida’s position as a data center hub. Florida’s data center market is very exciting and is poised for unprecedented growth. With over 100 data centers already established and significant investments projected to exceed $2 billion in the coming years, Florida offers a highly attractive environment for data center investment and development. The state’s business friendly policies, abundant renewable energy resources, and strategic connectivity to undersea fiber optic cables make it a prime location for both national and international data center investment.” Randolph W. Borron, Vice Chairman, Global Data Center Advisory Group, for Cushman & Wakefield CONTACT GARY TASMAN, CEO & Principal Broker At Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, we understand the evolving landscape of data center real estate. Whether you’re looking to invest, develop, or reposition existing assets, our expertise can help you navigate this rapidly growing sector. For more insights on Florida’s data center real estate opportunities, contact Gary Tasman today at 239-489-3600 or by email gtasman@cpswfl.com.

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Trump 2.0 & Implications for Property

Are you Wondering about the Trump Administration’s Potential Impact on Real Estate Markets? The recent election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States signals potential shifts in economic and property landscapes. With Republicans controlling both Congress and the White House, policy changes could span regulatory, fiscal, trade, and immigration areas, influencing commercial real estate (CRE) markets. Key positives include reduced market volatility, fiscal stimulus boosting corporate profits, financial deregulation, and policies favoring housing supply and CRE investment. Additionally, anticipated federal mandates for office returns may revive office space utilization in key markets. Conversely, negatives such as potential inflationary shocks from tariffs, restrictive immigration policies, and interest rate volatility pose challenges to sustained growth. While immediate impacts on CRE are limited, long-term effects will depend on the scope and execution of policy changes. Industry experts recommend focusing on macroeconomic trends and maintaining strategic, long-term investment perspectives. For more insights on CRE trends under the new administration For expert insights and further inquiries, contact Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida by calling 239.489.3600 or email us at info@cpswfl.com for more information! Read The Full Article Here

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Six Critical Questions Part 5:Has Southwest Florida’s Wave of Multifamily Construction Reached its Peak?

Southwest Florida’s housing market is evolving, and multifamily construction trends are at a pivotal point. In Part 5 of our Emerging Trends in Commercial Real Estate series, Cushman & Wakefield’s | Commercial Property Southwest Florida CEO, Gary Tasman explores; 📉 The 62% drop in multifamily construction starts and the reasons behind it. 🏠 Ongoing housing shortages and the region’s affordability challenges. 📊 Future predictions: Why this slowdown is only temporary, with a rebound expected by 2026. Understand what these changes mean for developers and investors looking to navigate the current market and prepare for the next wave of opportunities. 📍 Watch now for expert insights and actionable takeaways. ➡️ Read the full article: https://bit.ly/MultiFamilyDevelopmentSWFL For expert insights and further inquiries, contact Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida. 📞 Call us at 239.489.3600 or email us at info@cpswfl.com for more information!

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Six Critical Questions Part 6: What Are Some of Southwest Florida’s Largest Commercial & Public Sector Construction Projects?

This article is the final edition of a six-part series focusing on the most critical questions about development and commercial property in Southwest Florida.  The end of 2023 saw two landmark construction projects come to an end: Margaritaville Resort in Fort Myers Beach, and Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte, both of which were long-awaited developments that changed the profile of their communities. These hospitality projects will soon be joined by four additional large-scale hotels in Collier County, which combined will total more than $1.4 billion in development.  However, the majority of our region’s new construction projects are focused on the needs of our rapidly growing population rather than our traditional economic base of tourism.   This brings us to the final question in our six-part series:  What Are Some of Southwest Florida’s Largest Commercial and Public Sector Construction Projects?  Over the next five years, Southwest Florida will see substantial development across various sectors, including commercial and public infrastructure projects tailored to support our expanding community. Educational infrastructure will receive a boost with multiple new schools coming in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. Combined, the new educational ventures in our region will reach more than $3.3 billion in the next half-decade, but represent only a portion of our region’s largest construction projects.  Medical & Medical Office   Lee Health plans to invest more than $750 million into fresh community health initiatives. This year, the hospital system completed the expansion of its Surfside outpatient center in Cape Coral. Lee Health has also broken ground on a new 60-bed rehabilitation hospital in collaboration with Encompass Health, slated for completion in 2025. However, the system’s most notable upcoming project is the construction of a new hospital and medical campus on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.   Southwest Florida International Airport  Already one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) envisions further expansion. This includes a $331 million terminal expansion, Lee County’s second-largest public works project ever. However, the terminal expansion is just a fraction of RSW’s $1.4 billion overall growth plan, which includes its ambitious Skyplex development.  Infrastructure and Hurricane Recovery Projects   The topic of traffic congestion is always top-of-mind for Southwest Florida residents, prompting several infrastructure projects meant to alleviate some of the many commuter challenges exacerbated by a growing population. These include the long-awaited replacement of the Cape Coral Bridge, expected to begin in 2026 or 2027, and numerous road expansion projects across the region. Beyond just transportation improvements, total infrastructure investments and expansions in Lee, Charlotte, and Collier Counties will total north of $1 billion.   Finally, it’s crucial to address the economic impact generated by our region’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian. Over the next five years, projects designed to rebuild and reinforce our community will ignite construction activity valued between $60-$110 billion.  The Commercial Construction Cycle  Construction spending has a ripple effect on the economy. These improvements to our community will do more than just make Southwest Florida an even more desirable place to live. As our expansion continues, it will also foster job creation and population growth. The data suggest that Southwest Florida will lead the state in economic expansion for the foreseeable future.    How will these projects impact you and your investments? The team at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL) has an intimate understanding of our region’s economic potential and commercial property landscape. Reach out to the Commercial Property Experts at CPSWFL with your questions. To contact us, use our online contact form or call 239-489-3600 and consult with an expert today.     

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Six Critical Questions Part 4: What Are the Hottest Corridors in Southwest Florida?

In the fourth installment of our series, we dive into the hottest commercial corridors in Southwest Florida! Discover key insights that every investor and developer needs to know. Key Topics Covered: Punta Gorda Airport: Exciting expansion plans and projected growth of 4 million square feet of commercial space by 2026. Burnt Store Corridor: Explore 14 new developments, including the Hudson Creek project, which aims to create 13,000 housing units and 1,100 jobs. Pine Island Road: A significant shift from retail to multifamily developments with over 5,000 apartments on the horizon. Fort Myers River District: Upcoming luxury apartments, entertainment venues, and pedestrian parks to enhance urban living. Skyplex: Lee County’s largest economic initiative with plans for 8.15 million square feet of development and 21,000 jobs. Alico Road: A booming mixed-use logistics hub that will support 60,000 jobs in five years. East Collier County: The transformation of communities and future commercial projects that promise growth. 👉 Don’t miss out! If you’re an investor looking for the next big opportunity, this video is for you! For expert insights and further inquiries, contact Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida. 📞 Call us at 239.489.3600 or email us at info@cpswfl.com for more information!

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Resources and Support for Our Community After Hurricanes Milton & Helene

We hope you and your loved ones are safe as our community begins the road to recovery following Hurricane Milton. Once again, our strength and resilience are being tested, and our thoughts are with all those affected. At Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, we are here to support you during this challenging time. We understand the immediate concerns regarding property damage, operational disruptions, and the safety of your teams. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of essential resources to help guide you through the recovery process: Key Resources for Hurricane Recovery: FEMA Disaster Assistance: Apply for federal disaster aid for property damage, losses, and repairs. SBA Disaster Loans: Low-interest disaster loans available for businesses, property owners, and renters. FloridaDisaster.org: Stay informed with the latest recovery efforts, services, and updates. Emergency Partnerships: Cushman & Wakefield | CPSWFL is a preferred partner for Fireservice. Fireservice has a 24/7 emergency response team, and they are prepared to assist us will all mitigation needs no matter the size. This means we are top of the list when we call. If you need assistance, we are ready to support you. Please call your property manager if you are in need of these services. This partnership along with many more allows us to help you as quickly and as efficiently as possible to get you back to business as usual. In the wake of Hurricane Milton, our top priority at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida is to serve you—our valued clients, partners, and the community. We are actively working to assess properties, address repairs, and ensure the safety of all our tenants. Our dedicated team is here to provide support during this challenging time, and we are committed to assisting you every step of the way as we recover and rebuild together. For any immediate concerns or assistance, please contact us at 239.489.3600 or email us at info@CPSWFL.com. Thank you for your trust and patience as we navigate this recovery process. We are here for you.

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

🔍 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 5: Has the Wave of Multifamily Construction Reached its Peak?

This article is part five of a six-part series focusing on the most critical questions about development and commercial property in Southwest Florida.  Our recent article on Southwest Florida’s hottest commercial corridors highlighted an abundance of multifamily housing springing up across the region. These projects will gradually come to market over the next 12-14 months. Some economic indicators hint that this multifamily boom may be reaching a peak, which brings us to our fifth critical question about Southwest Florida’s Development:   Has Southwest Florida’s Wave of Multifamily Construction Reached its Peak?  Over the past year, Southwest Florida has seen a dramatic 62% decrease in construction starts. Escalating material and labor costs, combined with higher interest rates, are making it more expensive to build and borrow money, dampening the incentive for multifamily developers. Moreover, the additional supply in the market should cause rent prices to stabilize, further making multifamily housing less attractive for developers. However, we anticipate this trend to be a short-term pause rather than a long-term slump because of ongoing demand.  Rental Rates and Housing Shortages in Southwest Florida   The shortage of multifamily housing in our region has been a longstanding issue. While the current boom will certainly narrow the gap between demand and supply, the current wave of construction will not fully address the region’s housing crisis. The majority of the new units in the current pipeline are luxury and market-rate apartments, which do little to alleviate Southwest Florida’s housing affordability crisis.   We’re all familiar with the often-cited guideline that no more than 30% of our before-tax income should be spent on our housing. Yet Gulfshore Business recently noted that the median household income in Lee County is $71,072. To meet the 30% affordability standard, monthly rent on a two-bedroom apartment should cost no more than $1,777. The reality is quite different, however. Renters in Lee County pay an average of $2,273 a month, meaning there will still be significant demand for housing in our region.  Demand and Multifamily Construction Activity  As the new inventory of multifamily units comes online over the next 12 months, we can certainly expect a temporary lull in construction activity. Nonetheless, demand should rebound quickly as the region’s population continues to grow. With economic conditions expected to improve, we anticipate that investors will once again turn to multifamily development, driving another surge in construction in 2026. In other words, although our current multifamily construction wave may have plateaued, the peak is yet to come.  If you’re a developer considering multifamily construction in Southwest Florida, your next step is to contact the Commercial Property Experts at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL). Our team can leverage our data and local knowledge to help you understand the economic potential of your potential development project. Reach out to us by completing our online contact form or calling 239-489-3600 to speak with an expert.     

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