Florida warehouse market shows uneven third-quarter gains
Occupied industrial space increased in six of seven Florida markets tracked by Colliers, but vacancy rates in all seven remained above the national rate.
Florida businesses shopping for warehouse space have options, but how much room they have to negotiate depends on where they’re looking.
Colliers’ third-quarter 2026 industrial report shows a national market gaining momentum, but Florida’s results are mixed. More industrial space filled up in Miami and Tampa Bay, while Jacksonville had more space sitting empty. Vacancy in all seven Florida markets listed exceeded the national rate of 7.23%.
The local numbers offer a starting point for conversations about relocations, expansions and lease renewals.
Businesses filled more space during Q3
From the end of June to the end of September 2026, occupied industrial space increased by nearly 1.4 million square feet in Miami and 1.1 million in Tampa Bay.
Fort Lauderdale gained about 180,000 square feet, Orlando added roughly 143,000, Palm Beach gained about 86,000 and the Treasure Coast added nearly 17,000. Jacksonville’s occupied space fell by about 644,000 square feet.
Vacancy tells another part of the story
Compared with Q3 2025, vacancy rates were higher in six of those seven markets. Businesses may be moving in, but new construction can add available space even as more buildings fill up.
At the end of Q3 2026, vacancy rates stood at:
- Fort Lauderdale: 7.47%
- Miami: 7.74%
- Palm Beach: 8.45%
- Tampa Bay: 8.54%
- Orlando: 9.09%
- Jacksonville: 10.14%
- Treasure Coast: 13.58%
That available space makes it worth comparing nearby properties and asking about concessions. The building, location and landlord will shape how much negotiating room a tenant has.
Look beyond the vacancy sign
Average warehouse and distribution asking rents were $17.72 per square foot in Miami, compared with $11.19 in Tampa Bay and $8.53 in Jacksonville. Those triple-net asking rents exclude property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, which tenants pay separately.
Building features matter, too. Colliers notes that newer warehouse and distribution facilities command premium pricing.
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