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Mid-Season Check-In: Staying Hurricane-Ready in Southwest Florida

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By: Bill Mitchell, Senior Property Manager at Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida We’re Halfway Through. Is Your Property Still Prepared? With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season in full swing, Southwest Florida is starting to see an increase in tropical activity. Experts warn that we may not be out of the woods yet. Now is the time to double down on storm readiness to ensure your commercial property and tenants remain protected through the peak months of the season. At Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida, we’re committed to helping you stay proactive, not reactive. A mid-season check-in can make all the difference in reducing damage, downtime, and stress should another storm approach. Mid-Season Hurricane Preparedness Checklist Here are key steps we recommend revisiting to ensure your property is ready for the next storm: ✅ Reinspect the Property Walk the property to identify any new vulnerabilities: damaged roofing, clogged gutters, loose signage, or deteriorating seals. Remove any storm debris or fallen branches that may have accumulated during earlier storms. ✅ Refresh Communication Protocols Confirm tenant contact information is accurate and communication channels are functioning (emails, group texts, emergency alert systems). Re-share your emergency response plan with tenants, including evacuation procedures and storm protocols. ✅ Reevaluate Emergency Supplies Check generator functionality, fuel levels, and backup power sources. Restock first-aid kits, flashlights, batteries, and water supplies on-site if applicable. ✅ Review Insurance and Documentation Ensure your insurance policies remain active, and that coverages haven’t changed. Update photo and video documentation if any property modifications or improvements were made recently. ✅ Reconfirm Vendor Availability Touch base with key contractors, restoration services, and emergency vendors to confirm they’re still on standby should services be needed post-storm. Know who to call for HVAC, roofing, debris removal, and electrical repairs. Supporting Tenants Through Uncertainty Now is a great time to check in with your tenants. Open communication builds trust and confidence, especially when the forecast looks uncertain. Provide tenants with: Updated contact information for property management Guidelines for securing office space or retail units Instructions for submitting post-storm repair requests Lean on Your Property Management Team Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida is here to assist every step of the way. Whether you need a mid-season inspection, help reviewing your insurance coverage, or support coordinating storm repairs, our dedicated property management team is ready. Resources to Revisit Stay informed and empowered by bookmarking these key resources: NOAA National Hurricane Center Florida Disaster – Business Resources Lee County Emergency Management Charlotte County Storm & Recovery Collier County Hurricane Resources Florida SBDC Disaster Planning FEMA Disaster Recovery Center And don’t forget mobile tracking apps: iOS: National Hurricane Center Data Android: My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts Don’t Wait, Stay Hurricane Ready Being proactive mid-season gives you the best chance at minimizing disruption and damage. Let Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida help you maintain your edge with trusted expertise and timely support. 📞 Need help or a property check-up? Call 239-489-3600 🌐 Visit us at cpswfl.com We’re in this together: protecting your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind.

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Florida to Eliminate Sales Tax on Commercial Rent Beginning October 2025

Cushman & Wakefield, Featured Articles /

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.

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

Cushman & Wakefield, Featured Articles /

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

Cushman & Wakefield, Featured Articles /

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

Cushman & Wakefield, Featured Articles /

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

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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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