Three real estate realities for Florida homebuyers, sellers and renters

This collection of stories examines the complex forces shaping the Florida housing market for buyers, sellers and renters.

One story discusses how hundreds of South Florida condos have landed on a mortgage blacklist, complicating sales and repairs after new safety regulations. Another piece reveals how secretive flood histories hinder homebuyers and mask both individual and statewide risks, even as lawmakers work on disclosure laws.

Additional coverage highlights the challenges of buying and selling in flood-prone neighborhoods, pressures on older condos to sell to developers, and the unique dynamics of luxury properties like a record-breaking Gulf Coast mansion now for sale at nearly $26 million. These articles also note the struggles faced by homeowners seeking insurance or lawsuits after undisclosed damage, and the lobbying by real estate groups to shape policy.

Read the stories below.

NO. 1: HOW SECRET FLOOD HISTORIES COST FLORIDA HOME BUYERS AND MASK STATE’S RISK

“We’re trying to avoid someone getting left holding the bag on a property that floods.” | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris

NO. 2: THIS ‘ULTRA-LUXURY’ FLORIDA MANSION CAN BE YOURS FOR A RECORD $26 MILLION. TAKE A TOUR

“An exquisite blend of opulence, comfort, and breathtaking waterfront views.” | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

NO. 3: ‘PERFECT STORM.’ HUNDREDS OF SOUTH FLORIDA CONDOS NOW ON SECRET MORTGAGE BLACKLIST

The number of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach condos on the list has more than doubled in just two years. | Published April 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andres Viglucci

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.