The South Florida Real Estate Forum held at Mana Wynwood on November 6 and 7, 2024, gathered some of the most influential figures in the industry, bringing together top developers, investors, and real estate experts from New York, Florida, and beyond. This year’s event offered an in-depth look at the growing appeal of the Florida market, particularly in Miami, which continues to boom as people and businesses migrate to the state, attracted by favorable tax laws, a warm climate, and

a thriving cultural scene.

A significant draw at the event was the lineup of keynote speakers, featuring industry heavyweights with ambitious visions for South Florida’s future. Among them was Adam Neumann, the founder of WeWork, who is now making waves with his latest venture, Flow. Neumann discussed his goal of transforming the rental experience, focusing on community-centric, tech-enabled residential buildings. His vision with Flow seeks to rethink multi-family real estate, emphasizing a lifestyle-oriented approach that resonates with Miami’s emerging younger, mobile population.

David Martin, CEO of Terra, spoke passionately about sustainable urban development in Miami. Known for projects that blend luxury with environmental sensitivity, Terra has played a pivotal role in reshaping Miami’s skyline with projects like Park Grove and Eight Seven Park. Martin stressed the importance of planning for climate resilience, a pressing issue in a city like Miami, and encouraged a commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure.

Also speaking was Miki Naftali, a prominent developer known for luxury residential towers, and Henry Bott, president of Swire Properties, which is behind the expansive Brickell City Centre project. Both shared insights into Miami’s rapidly transforming landscape, addressing how global and domestic interest has sparked innovation in high-end residential and mixed-use developments, from opulent waterfront properties to high-rise urban living spaces.

Throughout the forum, a clear trend emerged: South Florida is not only a prime location for luxury and vacation homes but increasingly a destination for year-round residents, tech professionals, and finance firms, many relocating from the Northeast. New developments in areas like Wynwood, Brickell, and Edgewater reflect this trend, as they are designed to cater to a modern, mobile workforce that values amenities, walkability, and connectivity.

The forum highlighted that as Florida’s real estate market matures, developers are paying more attention to creating sustainable, resilient communities to meet the high demand. With over $1 billion in new projects announced, Miami’s appeal shows no signs of slowing down, especially as the city establishes itself as a hub for tech and finance alongside traditional tourism and hospitality.