Category: Real Estate News

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that he will soon sign a bill revising condominium-safety laws enacted after the tragic 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, which resulted in 98 deaths.

The wide-ranging bill (HB 913), which was unanimously approved by both the House and Senate, has not yet been formally sent to the governor, but it is a key part of his legislative priorities this year. The revisions come after concerns were raised by condo residents and associations about the high costs imposed by the existing laws.

“You had people who were at risk of being forced out of their condos due to legislation,” DeSantis said during a Tuesday appearance in Tampa.

The original laws, passed in 2022 and amended in 2023, required milestone inspections for older buildings and structural integrity reserve studies to determine how much should be saved for major future repairs.

These inspections were scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024 for certain buildings that are three stories or higher. Many condo associations levied large assessments on owners to meet the deadline, in addition to regular association fees.

The new law, which will take effect July 1, extends the deadline for structural integrity studies by one year, moving the completion date from December 31 to the end of 2025. Lawmakers recognized that many associations were struggling to meet the original deadline.

Additionally, the bill allows a temporary two-year pause in reserve funding following a milestone inspection and gives condo associations more flexibility in meeting reserve requirements.

Moving to a new home within Florida? You might be eligible to transfer your valuable Homestead Exemption along with the Save Our Homes (SOH) assessment cap, saving you significantly on property taxes. This benefit, known as “Portability,” ensures your property tax savings travel with you to your new primary residence in Lee County, Florida.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Your Homestead Exemption:

1. Apply for a New Homestead Exemption

The first step is to submit a new Homestead Exemption application for your new primary home. This establishes your continued eligibility for significant tax savings.

Apply Online Here

2. Apply for Portability

Next, complete and submit the Portability Application (Form DR-501T). This crucial step officially transfers your SOH benefit (your assessment cap) from your previous Florida property to your new home.

Submit Portability Application

Important Deadlines & Eligibility Criteria

To ensure your portability is successful:

• March 1 Deadline: Your applications must be filed by March 1 of the tax year for which you’re applying.
• Previous Homestead Exemption: You must have held a Florida homestead exemption on your previous residence within the last three years.
• Transfer Limit: The maximum transferable amount of the SOH benefit is $500,000.

Need Assistance?

If you have further questions or need guidance during this process, Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office is ready to assist:

• Phone: (239) 533-6100
• Email: exemptions@leepa.org
• Website: Lee County Property Appraiser

Transferring your Homestead Exemption with Portability can make your move smoother and financially beneficial. Don’t miss out on your savings—apply today!

In the first quarter of 2025, more than 80% of metro markets in the U.S. saw home price gains, as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate fluctuated between 6.63% and 7.04%, according to the latest quarterly report from the National Association of Realtors. Eleven percent of the 228 tracked metro areas experienced double-digit price gains, though this was a slight decrease from 14% in the previous quarter.

Notably, Naples ranked among the top 10 most expensive markets for single-family homes, securing the No. 9 spot. While California dominated the list, with eight markets making up the top 10, both Honolulu and Naples stood out as exceptions.

In the Naples-Marco Island market, the median price for a single-family home was $865,000 in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year. On the other hand, neighboring markets saw declines in median prices. The Cape Coral-Fort Myers market experienced a 3.6% decrease, with the median home price dropping to $400,000, while the Punta Gorda market saw a 6.8% drop, with a median price of $353,500.

During your policy term, your insurance company may send letters and notifications to keep you informed about your policy. In certain cases, formal notices such as a Notice of Cancellation or Notice of Nonrenewal are required.

Notice of Cancellation
Cancellations can occur at any time during your policy term, either requested by you or initiated by your insurer. If your policy is canceled, the cancellation will take effect on the date specified in the Notice of Cancellation, not the expiration date on your policy Declarations pages. Your insurer will provide the reasons for the cancellation. If applicable, you will receive a refund of any prorated premium (unearned premium) within 15 business days of the cancellation’s effective date.

Notice of Nonrenewal
A nonrenewal means your policy will expire at the end of the current term and the insurer will not offer to renew it. Florida law requires insurers to provide at least 120 days written notice of nonrenewal, including a reason for the nonrenewal. Your policy may be nonrenewed for various reasons.

Important Note
If your insurer offers to renew your policy and you do not pay the renewal amount by the specified due date, you have not accepted the offer to renew your policy. As a result, your coverage will expire at the end of your current policy term.

We are thrilled to share that John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate has been ranked #35 among the nation’s top brokerages in the 2025 RIS Media Power Broker Report! The firm advanced 11 places from its previous No. 46 ranking, reflecting strong performance in a challenging market.

The RIS Media Power Broker Report ranks brokerages based on residential sales volume and transaction totals, offering a comprehensive snapshot of industry performance across the country. Despite ongoing challenges such as low inventory, inflation, and fluctuating interest rates, the 2025 report highlights a real estate market showing signs of resilience.

In 2024, John R. Wood Christie’s achieved a total sales volume of over $4.79 billion, representing a 15% increase from the previous year. The firm also closed 4,704 transactions, an 11.9% year-over-year increase.

With a network of 900 agents and staff across 21 offices, the brokerage continues to serve buyers and sellers throughout Collier and Lee counties, maintaining its position as a market leader in Southwest Florida.

As the market continues to evolve, John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate remains committed to delivering premier service and industry-leading results to its clients and communities.

February: Rising Inventory, Shifting Trends
We’re seeing a shift toward a more balanced market with increasing supply giving buyers more negotiating power.

Exciting changes are coming to the dining scene in East Naples, with two new establishments preparing to open their doors. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:

GG Brunch Haus: A Family-Run Breakfast and Lunch Spot

The former La Rosa Pizzeria, a beloved local restaurant for over 15 years, has been transformed into GG Brunch Haus, a cozy breakfast and lunch cafe.

A Family Legacy

Owners Albana and Gezim Hoxha, along with their son Geraldo, bring decades of culinary experience to this new venture. Known for their popular restaurant in Dexter, Michigan, the Hoxha family decided to expand to Naples, drawn by its small-town charm and welcoming community.

“Naples feels like a small town where everyone connects,” Albana said. “We want GG Brunch Haus to be a place where people come together, enjoy great food, and build meaningful relationships.”

What to Expect:

• Operating Hours: 7 or 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
• Menu Highlights:
  • Greek omelets
  • Gyro pita sandwiches
  • Corned beef skillets
  • Homemade rice pudding
• Location: 7785 Davis Blvd., Suite 108, East Naples
• Special Touch: Everything on the menu is homemade, crafted with love to create a memorable dining experience.

The restaurant features an inviting patio space with a fountain, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal.

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill: A Sweet Addition to Tamiami Trail

Ice cream lovers, rejoice! After years of planning, a new Dairy Queen Grill & Chill is set to break ground on U.S. 41 East.

The Journey to Opening

Owned by Jim and Cathleen Dolan, the project faced delays due to the complexities of securing permits, particularly for a required right-turn lane on U.S. 41. After navigating state and county reviews, the couple is now ready to begin construction.

“We’re really excited to go forward and start selling some ice cream,” Jim Dolan shared.

Key Features:

• Location: 4535 Tamiami Trail E., next to Texas Tony’s Rib & Brewhouse.
• Building Details:
  • 2,984-square-foot space
  • Drive-thru lane
  • Canopy-covered patio
• Timeline: Construction is expected to take 100-120 days once started.
• Future Plans: The Dolans have also hinted at a possible miniature golf course behind the restaurant, though it will be pursued after the DQ is operational.

A Bright Future for East Naples Dining

With GG Brunch Haus offering homemade breakfast and lunch fare and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill bringing its signature ice cream and fast-casual dining, East Naples is set to become an even more inviting destination for locals and visitors alike. Stay tuned for opening updates and get ready to enjoy these exciting new dining spots!

If you’re a property owner in Lee County, November is your golden month for property tax savings! Lee County offers a unique, tiered discount system that rewards early tax payments. The best discount available is in November, with a 4% reduction on your property tax bill. Here’s everything you need to know about paying early, saving money, and supporting our county services.

Why Pay in November?

By making your payment in November, you’re eligible for a 4% discount on your total tax bill. This discount is the highest available and part of Lee County’s approach to encourage timely tax payments. This not only helps you save but also benefits our community by ensuring funds are available for essential services, from road maintenance to emergency services, throughout the year.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the available discounts if you miss November:

• November: 4% discount
• December: 3% discount
• January: 2% discount
• February: 1% discount

If you’re aiming to save the most, it’s best to make your payment by November 30.

How to Make Your Payment

Lee County offers several convenient options to pay your property taxes:

• Online: Easily make a payment through the Lee County Tax Collector’s official website.
• By Mail: Mail-in payments are accepted but remember to postmark it by the last day of November for the discount.
• In Person: If you prefer, you can also visit one of the Lee County Tax Collector’s offices and pay in person.

Accessing Your Tax Bill

To view your current property tax bill and check out any details, visit the Lee County Tax Collector website. Their online platform allows you to review, download, and pay your bill with just a few clicks.

Supporting Essential County Services

Beyond the savings, paying your taxes early helps fund vital services that keep our county running smoothly. Property taxes play a crucial role in supporting everything from public safety and emergency response teams to maintaining roads, parks, and other community infrastructure.

By staying on top of your property tax payments and taking advantage of the discounts, you’re not only putting money back in your pocket but also contributing to a thriving Lee County.

So, mark your calendar, pay by November 30, and enjoy a 4% discount this year! For more information, payment options, and to access your tax details, visit the Lee County Tax Collector website.