Landlords, Listen Up: Florida’s A+ Economy Is Coming—Here’s Why 2025 Still Makes Sense

Florida’s A+ Economy in 2026: What This Means for Landlords, Renters, and Real Investors Like Me

By Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone Investment Group

In my 20 years of experience in real estate investing, I’ve seen markets rise, crash, freeze, and rebound. I survived the 2008 meltdown, rebuilt from scratch, and have completed over 3,500 deals across every type of market you can imagine. But I’ll say this loud and clear: 2026 feels different—in a good way.

Why? Because CNBC’s 2026 “Top States for Business” report just ranked Florida #1 in the nation for economy, with a mind-blowing 363 out of 345 score. (Yes, they literally broke the scale.)

Now combine that with what’s on the horizon:

• Governor Ron DeSantis is continuing to slash taxes, support property tax relief, and champion deregulation.

• Donald Trump is publicly pushing for lower federal interest rates—and if he gets his way post-March, we might see another boom cycle hit Florida hard.

This isn’t hype. This is strategy-meets-momentum.

Let me break down what this all means—for you as a landlord, a potential investor, or someone just trying to build wealth through real estate. And I’ll do it from my own portfolio. I own over 40 properties across Florida, and what I’m seeing right now is the best environment I’ve seen since the early BRRRR days post-recession.

The CNBC Ranking That Broke the Scale

CNBC analyzed over 130 metrics in infrastructure, workforce, cost of living, economic resilience, and more. Florida dominated, earning:

• #1 in economy

• High marks in workforce and infrastructure

• Praise for job creation, new business formations, and financial discipline

Florida’s GDP hit $1.34 trillion in 2025. That’s comparable to countries like Australia. Meanwhile, the state also gained over 64,000 new residents last year—and that number is expected to grow in 2026.

What’s even more exciting is who’s moving in:

• Remote workers fleeing over-taxed states

• Business owners relocating operations

• Families choosing affordability and freedom

All of this leads to one powerful thing for us landlords: reliable, long-term rental demand.

My Portfolio in 2026: Almost 100% Rented

Let me get specific. I’ve rented out nearly every one of my 40+ units this year. Only a few are short-term or vacation rentals—the rest are long-term tenants who are paying, renewing, and even accepting modest rent increases.

I’ve been able to increase the rent on all but one of my properties.

That’s a 97.5% success rate in raising rents—without vacancy spikes or tenant blowback. And remember: I’m not gouging anyone. These are data-backed increases based on:

• Local comps

• Rising property expenses

• Added value (upgraded appliances, paint, HVAC)

People are willing to pay for quality housing in good neighborhoods—especially in a state where their paycheck goes further thanks to no income tax.

Insurance Premiums Dropped 30%? Yes.

In 2023–2024, insurance costs were a nightmare. But in 2025, I started fighting back—shopping smarter, bundling properties, making strategic upgrades—and by 2026, I saw average premiums drop by 30% across my portfolio.

I know many landlords are still stuck overpaying. But if you:

• Work with investor-savvy brokers

• Get wind mitigation inspections

• Install impact windows or new roofs

…you can make the insurance companies work for you instead of against you.

That 30% drop is pure NOI back in my pocket—and yours if you follow suit.

Rents Are Still Climbing—With Justified Increases

Let me make this clear: I’m not jacking up rents just because I can. I believe in fair housing, good stewardship, and long-term cash flow over short-term greed.

But 2026’s market supports reasonable increases.

My rule? Increase only if:

• The tenant has been there 12+ months

• The market comps allow it

• I’ve provided some added value (even if it’s just a deep clean, landscaping, or new fridge)

The average rent increase I’ve done this year is $100–$150/month. Multiply that across 40 units, and that’s tens of thousands in annual additional income—without adding properties or raising debt.

People Are Still Flooding Into Florida

You know what drives demand? Migration. And Florida’s pulling in nearly 1,000 new residents every day.

Even Governor Gavin Newsom couldn’t spin this one. During a 2023 debate, he claimed more people were moving to California from New Zealand than to Florida. Spoiler: he was wrong.

From 2020–2024, Florida gained 1.23 million new residents from net migration. California lost over half a million. In 2023 alone, Florida gained 64,000 new people, including over 22,000 from California directly.

And guess where a lot of them moved? Tampa.

That’s right—Tampa was ranked one of the top cities in the U.S. to live in, work in, and invest in. The lifestyle, schools, business climate, beaches, and job market make it unbeatable for both families and digital nomads.

Tourism Still Roaring

Let’s not forget our not-so-secret weapon: tourism.

• Airbnb’s? Still booked.

• Cruise ports? Still packed.

• Parks and beaches? Still full.

TripAdvisor ranked Kennedy Space Center as the #1 attraction in the U.S., with the Stetson Mansion and John Pennekamp Park also landing in the top 10.

Even if the economy slows, tourism keeps cash flowing into our local businesses—and our short-term rentals.

What the Governor’s Doing Next (This Is Big)

Governor DeSantis isn’t coasting on the 2020 reopening win. He’s now actively pushing:

• Property tax elimination proposals for full-time residents

• Support for commercial property owners

• Incentives for insurance carriers to re-enter Florida

And now there’s a real possibility, post-March, that federal interest rates will drop again. Trump’s already on record saying he’ll push Powell out if rates don’t fall. If that happens?

Every smart investor will go from “watching” to “buying.” Prices will rise. Refi opportunities will explode. And you’ll wish you had bought just one more.

Why Other States Don’t Want to Copy Florida

Here’s the ironic part. You’d think with all this data, other states would say:

“Hey, let’s try Florida’s playbook—cut red tape, encourage business, lower taxes.”

But no. The media still loves the “Florida’s falling apart” narrative, even as we crush everyone else in growth, jobs, and fiscal stability.

It’s like we’re winning the Super Bowl, and the commentators are busy talking about how the coach’s haircut looks weird.

Ignore the noise. Follow the numbers.

What This Means for You as an Investor or Landlord

If you already own Florida property:

• Raise rents fairly

• Shop insurance smartly

• Keep good tenants longer

• Track every dollar and optimize NOI

If you’re still on the sidelines:

• Get in now, before rates drop

• Focus on cash-flow neighborhoods

• Partner with local agents or turnkey firms who actually invest themselves

And if you’re managing properties yourself? You might be losing time, money, and peace of mind. Find the right property management team—or let ours handle it for you.

Final Thought: Florida’s Not Just Back—It’s Leading

In 2008, I lost 22 properties. I rebuilt from zero using creative financing, patience, and long-term vision. And now, in 2026, I’ve got over 40 rental units, a thriving investment firm, and the confidence to say this:

Florida is the most investor-friendly state in the country right now.

We’ve got:

• A booming, resilient economy

• No income tax

• A governor backing pro-investor policies

• A population that’s growing every single day

• A shot at lower interest rates by summer

I’m not telling you this to brag. I’m telling you because I’ve been broke. I’ve made mistakes. And I’ve climbed back up one property at a time.

Now it’s your turn.

Keep it consistent, stay patient, stay true—if I did it, so can you. This is Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone Investment Group and all our amazing companies, and Coach at Property Profit Academy. Thanks for tuning in—until the next article, take care and keep building!

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