Florida voters approved Amendment 3, backed by Florida Realtors, increasing the homestead exemption and lowering the assessment increase cap for non-homestead properties beginning in 2027. State and local officials will address implementation details.
Floridians grew more optimistic about the economy’s future in October, but weaker views of current finances suggest affordability remains central to customer conversations.
Florida Realtors opened its Disaster Relief Fund to assist eligible members with home or office damage after heavy rain and flooding prompted a state of emergency in seven counties.
Disaster unemployment assistance applications are open through Dec. 28 for eligible workers, including self-employed individuals, affected by Hurricane Isaias in eight Panhandle counties.
The state's business locations grew 21.8% from early 2020 to early 2026, with professional services expanding and more firms moving into the state than leaving.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 7.24%, its lowest level in more than a month, Freddie Mac said. The 15-year rate fell to 6.60%. Both remained above year-ago levels.
A UCC-1 filing on leased solar panels can block a buyer’s loan, but sellers can usually clear it by transferring the lease or buying it out. An expert advised contacting the solar company early.
Federal assistance has been approved for northwest Florida communities affected by Hurricane Isaias as potential insured losses reached $652 million. Individual assistance and hazard mitigation funding remain under review.
Attorney Timothy Shields shared ways to prevent misleading AI-generated listings and photos, protect customer information and set brokerage policies.
The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady Wednesday after last month’s increase, seeking more economic data as inflation remains above its 2% target.
