Why Florida Keeps Amending the Live Local Act: A Commercial Appraiser’s View from the Ground

Walter Duke + PartnersAffordable Housing, Live Local, Live Local Act

Aerial view of South Florida commercial multifamily development site under Live Local Act review

By Walter Duke, MAI, CCIM Walter Duke + Partners | South Florida Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Key Facts at a Glance Statute: Florida Senate Bill 102 (2023), the Live Local Act Amendments: SB 328 (2024), SB 1730 (2025), HB 1389 (2026) Core preemption: Administrative approval required for projects committing 40% of units to households at or below 120% Area Median … Read More

The Rise of Unique Commercial Properties in Florida: From Futuro Houses to Mixed-Use Spaces

Walter Duke + PartnersNews, Unique Properties

How Do You Appraise a UFO-Shaped Nightclub? Florida’s commercial real estate is unlike anywhere else. Picture Tampa’s spaceship-like Futuro House converted into a popular nightclub, or Miami’s historic Olympia Theater now thriving as a brewery and events center. From Jacksonville’s eclectic mixed-use complexes to Orlando’s repurposed historical landmarks, these extraordinary properties pose unique appraisal challenges, often defying traditional valuation methods. … Read More

Florida’s Updated Live Local Act: How the 2025 Amendments Impact Your Multi-Family Real Estate Projects

Walter Duke + PartnersAffordable Housing Updates, Commercial Development Insights, Florida Real Estate Regulations

Florida’s Updated Live Local Act: How the 2025 Amendments Impact Your Multi-Family Real Estate Projects

Think your Florida development plans are airtight? The 2025 amendments to the Live Local Act may tell you otherwise. Here’s what developers, attorneys, lenders, and property owners across South Florida must know. What’s Changing in Florida’s Live Local Act? Signed into law in 2025, CS/CS/SB 1730 expands and clarifies provisions from the original Live Local Act, directly impacting affordable housing … Read More

Preparing for Tariffs: A Guide for Florida Commercial Real Estate Investors and Developers

Walter Duke + PartnersConstruction Cost Management, Florida Real Estate Trends

Tariff Costs Construction Materials Florida

Imagine breaking ground on your Miami multifamily project, only to learn steel costs spiked 25% overnight due to new tariffs. Your budget stretches thin, timelines slip, and investors start to worry. Unfortunately, this isn’t just hypothetical—it’s the reality Florida developers face as tariffs take effect in early 2025. Let’s explore exactly what these tariffs mean for your commercial property investment … Read More

The Tariff Effect: How New Tariffs Could Impact Florida’s Commercial Real Estate Market

Walter Duke + PartnersConstruction Costs and Tariffs

New Tariffs Could Impact Florida’s Commercial Real Estate Market

Could global tariffs derail your Florida real estate dreams? Here’s how rising costs could hit your next project—and what to do about it. Let’s break it down. Why Tariffs Matter to Florida Commercial Real Estate In 2025, new U.S. tariffs could increase construction costs in Florida by 3% to 7%, hitting developers and investors hard. With tight margins already—especially in … Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Real Estate Appraisals in Florida

Walter Duke + PartnersCommercial Real Estate Appraisals, Investment Strategies

How Interest Rates and Monetary Policy Impact Real Estate Financing

Did you know commercial real estate appraisals in Florida can make mistakes? A single appraisal error can cost Florida property owners millions of dollars. Getting it right is important to avoid losing money and missed investment chances. Walter Duke + Partners are trusted experts in Florida commercial real estate appraisals. This guide will help you understand the appraisal process clearly … Read More

Florida’s Economic Growth: Strategic Insights from Walter Duke + Partners

Walter Duke + PartnersCommercial Real Estate Analysis, Florida Economic Insights, Investment Opportunities

Florida economic growth Fort Lauderdale

Florida’s economy, particularly in South Florida, is experiencing remarkable momentum driven by strategic investments, major sporting events, and urban revitalization efforts. Understanding these dynamics is critical for stakeholders looking to leverage opportunities in this thriving market. Walter Duke + Partners, renowned experts in Florida commercial real estate appraisals and market analyses, offer valuable insights to navigate and capitalize on these … Read More

How Interest Rates and Monetary Policy Impact Real Estate Financing

Walter Duke + PartnersFinance, Real Estate

How Interest Rates and Monetary Policy Impact Real Estate Financing

Interest rates and monetary policy play a critical role in shaping the real estate market. For developers, investors, and property owners, understanding these factors is essential to making informed decisions. Changes in borrowing costs, property values, and market dynamics can significantly impact financial strategies and investment outcomes. With the Federal Reserve setting the tone for interest rates, staying proactive is … Read More

How Federal Support for Charter Schools Creates Opportunities in Real Estate

Walter Duke + PartnersCharter Schools, Trump

Federal Support for Charter Schools: Opportunities in Real Estate

Federal policies often shape the future of education, and renewed support for charter schools could transform the real estate market. With potential increases in funding and school choice initiatives, developers, investors, and institutions are presented with new opportunities—and challenges. Understanding how these shifts affect real estate is key to staying ahead, especially in the evolving charter school sector. “Federal support … Read More

How Interest Rates and Monetary Policy Impact Real Estate Financing

Walter Duke + PartnersFinance, Real Estate, Trump

How Interest Rates and Monetary Policy Impact Real Estate Financing

Interest rates and monetary policy are critical forces shaping the real estate market. For developers and investors, understanding how these factors influence borrowing costs, property values, and investment strategies is essential for success. With the Federal Reserve playing a pivotal role in setting rates, staying ahead of these changes can mean the difference between thriving and struggling in a competitive … Read More