Florida Travel Records
Another Record Year for Florida Travel — And Why It Matters for Real Estate
Florida Sets a New Tourism Record
Florida continues to lead the nation in travel demand.
According to an announcement from Governor Ron DeSantis, the Sunshine State welcomed 143.3 million visitors in 2025, marking another record-breaking year.
In the fourth quarter alone, 33.5 million travelers visited Florida — the highest fourth-quarter total on record.
Florida remains the #1 domestic travel destination in the United States, reinforcing its economic strength and national appeal.
Who Is Driving the Growth?
Preliminary data shows:
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131.1 million domestic travelers
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9.3 million overseas visitors
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2.9 million Canadian visitors
While international travel continues to rebound, U.S. travelers remain the primary driver of demand.
This matters for real estate — because domestic visitors are often the future buyers.
Tourism and Real Estate: The Direct Connection
Strong visitor numbers don’t just support hotels and theme parks. They ripple across:
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Short-term rentals
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Retail and restaurant sectors
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Employment growth
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Infrastructure investment
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Housing demand
Historically, tourism acts as a feeder system for migration. Many second-home buyers and relocation clients first experience Florida as visitors.
South Florida, in particular, benefits from:
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Year-round climate appeal
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Tax advantages
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Lifestyle-driven migration
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International connectivity
Tourism is often the first step in a long-term housing decision.
What Record Tourism Means for South Florida Housing
In markets like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, elevated tourism can:
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Support short-term rental demand
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Strengthen investor interest
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Reinforce retail and mixed-use development
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Sustain property values in lifestyle-driven communities
When 143 million people visit in one year, even a small percentage converting into property ownership has measurable impact.
Tourism reinforces visibility. Visibility reinforces demand.
A Broader Economic Signal
The continued growth in travel also reflects confidence in Florida’s infrastructure and business climate.
Strategic investments in:
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Transportation
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Public safety
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Environmental preservation
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Coastal resilience
All contribute to long-term market stability.
Real estate markets perform best when supported by population growth, job creation and consistent inbound migration — all of which are strengthened by tourism momentum.
The Investor Perspective
For investors evaluating:
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Condominiums near urban cores
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Resort-style communities
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Properties near beaches or entertainment districts
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Mixed-use developments
Tourism metrics matter.
Strong travel demand often correlates with:
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Higher occupancy rates
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Retail expansion
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Rising rental income potential
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Increased brand exposure for emerging neighborhoods
While short-term rental regulations must always be evaluated carefully, demand fundamentals remain strong in high-traffic areas.
The Long-Term Vision
Tourism records are not isolated events — they are indicators.
Florida’s appeal continues to expand nationally and internationally.
Combined with:
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No state income tax
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Business-friendly policies
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Lifestyle advantages
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Expanding luxury development
The real estate outlook remains supported by structural demand.
Laura Graves Point Of View
Tourism is more than visitor numbers — it is a leading indicator of housing demand.
In South Florida, we consistently see:
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Vacationers becoming second-home buyers
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Seasonal residents transitioning to full-time relocation
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Investors capitalizing on rental strength
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International buyers re-entering the market
Record travel numbers reinforce long-term real estate confidence.
For buyers, this suggests sustained competition in desirable lifestyle markets.
For sellers, it signals continued exposure and interest from a national and global audience.
Considering Buying, Selling or Investing in South Florida?
Call Laura: 786-457-8001
Send Email: [email protected]
