Why Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is experiencing a once-in-a-generation transformation, with more than $12 billion in waterfront development underway according to the Downtown Development Authority. Branded residences from Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, Rosewood, and W Hotels are all under development in the greater Fort Lauderdale area at the same time. Combined with roughly 246 sunny days per year, zero state income tax, 165 miles of navigable waterways, and 23 miles of Broward County beaches, it has become a premier relocation destination.

Shore & Skyline follows 21 luxury new-construction condominium projects in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, and the Downtown Development Authority counts more than $12 billion in waterfront development underway. Zero state income tax, a growing cultural scene with 1,000+ annual performances at the Broward Center, and continued relocation demand from higher-tax states are the factors most often cited by buyers; every purchase should be evaluated on its own merits.

Fort Lauderdale's luxury market features 21 new construction projects from developers, with branded residences from Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, Rosewood, and W Hotels being built simultaneously. The market spans oceanfront condominiums, waterfront estates on Las Olas Isles and Rio Vista, and emerging creative neighborhoods like Flagler Village.

Fort Lauderdale offers a distinct alternative to Miami with a more established waterfront lifestyle, the title of Yachting Capital of the World with roughly 2,000 megayacht visits a year, and 165 miles of navigable waterways compared to Miami's more urban high-rise focus. Fort Lauderdale provides a less congested, more water-centric lifestyle while still offering dining, arts, and culture along the Las Olas and Riverwalk corridors.

Florida has zero state income tax, which is one of the primary drivers of relocation from high-tax states in the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast. Florida also has no estate or inheritance tax. For many buyers relocating from those states, this can represent meaningful annual savings, though the actual impact depends on individual circumstances and should be reviewed with a tax advisor.

Fort Lauderdale offers roughly 246 sunny days per year, zero state income tax, year-round golf and water sports, performing arts with 1,000+ annual performances at the Broward Center, and low-maintenance luxury condominium living. Lock-and-leave residences near the ocean are a popular choice for buyers moving from west Broward communities such as Weston and Pembroke Pines as well as from the Northeast.

Yes. If your home is in another city, state or country, we place it with an experienced Compass colleague in that market — agents in every major U.S. market, and Christie's International Real Estate and Barnes International partners abroad — and coordinate the timing with your purchase here. Ray selects the referral personally and stays involved on both sides.