Looking toward the year ahead, leaders across real estate, retail, education, financial services, and community development are navigating a landscape shaped by shifting consumer behavior, demographic change, and evolving economic conditions. From affordability pressures and workforce challenges to continued growth across South Florida and beyond, the year ahead presents both complexity and opportunity.
In this outlook, industry experts from across the state share their perspectives on what’s next — highlighting the trends they believe will define 2026 and the strategies needed to adapt. Their insights underscore a common theme: long-term success will depend on thoughtful investment, collaboration across sectors, and a continued focus on delivering value to communities, customers, and businesses alike.
“As we look ahead to 2026, teacher shortages and declining enrollment will continue to be two of the most urgent challenges shaping our education landscape. Nonprofits and community partners will play an even greater role in extending learning opportunities and filling critical gaps for students. By investing in innovative programs and supporting future teachers, we can help students succeed, even as these broader challenges continue.” – Leslie Miller Saionz, Achieve Miami
“Florida is thriving relative to other U.S. markets, even amidst higher capital, talent, and insurance costs. Looking ahead, we believe Florida’s stature as a core market in the eyes of the world’s largest corporations and investors will grow stronger. Looking ahead to 2026, we believe real estate and corporate transaction volume will pick up as borrowing costs gradually come down. Several practices at Bilzin Sumberg are in growth mode, including land development, environmental, tax and wealth, public-private partnerships, affordable housing finance, and litigation. I anticipate an uptick in activity within our corporate and real estate practices in 2026 as capital costs subside and transaction volume accelerates.” – Al Datson Jr., Bilzin Sumberg, as seen in this month’s issue of Florida Trend magazine.
“Each day, business decision makers across the country and around the world are plotting their corporate strategy and, in many instances, Florida is factoring into their plans. That makes me optimistic that our state’s growth trajectory will continue. I speak with CNB clients across the state on a daily basis, and my sense is that companies are hiring and investing. Florida’s greatest challenge is housing affordability, which is a function of elevated costs and increased demand for living and doing business here. My hope is that a more moderate pace of economic growth will coincide with a gradual easing of interest rates at the federal level, which will bring down the cost of capital, labor, and materials over time. That dynamic will help improve housing affordability, which is critical to Florida’s long term economic strength.” – Jorge Gonzalez, City National Bank of Florida, as seen in this month’s issue of Florida Trend magazine.
“As we head into 2026, South Florida’s commercial real estate market is exceptionally well positioned, driven by sustained population and job growth, ongoing business and corporate relocations, and strong investor demand. While certain sectors are adjusting to new supply and capital conditions, fundamentals remain solid across retail, industrial and office for high-quality, well-located assets. With capital continuing to flow into the region, we expect leasing and transaction activity to remain steady, reinforcing long-term confidence in the growth of South Florida and its position as one of the nation’s most compelling commercial real estate markets.” – Michael Swerdlow, Swerdlow Group
“As we head into 2026, South Florida’s commercial real estate market is exceptionally well positioned, driven by sustained population and job growth, ongoing business and corporate relocations, and strong investor demand. While certain sectors are adjusting to new supply and capital conditions, fundamentals remain solid across retail, industrial and office for high-quality, well-located assets. With capital continuing to flow into the region, we expect leasing and transaction activity to remain steady, reinforcing long-term confidence in the growth of South Florida and its position as one of the nation’s most compelling commercial real estate markets.” – Dan McGowan, JLL
“Looking ahead from 2025 to 2026, Gencom will continue disciplined growth, focusing on high-quality assets while deepening relationships with capital partners, brands, and lenders. The U.S. remains a core market, and we are also exploring select opportunities in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. By remaining selective, opportunistic, and aligned with trusted partners, we aim to capitalize on markets where narrowing gaps between buyer and seller expectations create increased investment opportunities for experienced buyers who can execute efficiently.” – Alessandro Colantonio, Gencom
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