Preferred Partners
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DIGITAL MARKETING
AD Marketing (904) 718-4439 admarkjax.com
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Fix-it Flamingo (904) 474-1768 fixitflamingo.com
HOME BUILDER
Century Communities (904) 618-3220 centurycommunities.com
HOME BUYER
Mac Home Development Inc (904) 887-4015 machomedevelopment.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Design Works (941) 355-2703 hskindustries.com
HOME WARRANTY
Fidelity National
Home Warranty
Trish Spivey (904) 716-0819 homewarranty.com
First American Home Warranty
Sierrah Stolte (904) 718-3685 firstamrealestate.com
INSPECTIONS
LunsPro Inspections (904) 249-6523
LunsProFlorida.com
INSURANCE
Kilpatrick Agency Inc: Goosehead Insurance (904) 420-7711
goosehead.com/agents/ carol-kilpatrick/
MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
Sta Rep Media
Khai Tran (904) 761-5848 starepmedia.com
MORTGAGE / LENDER
Atlantic Trust Mortgage (904) 338-9356 AtlanticTrustMortgage.com
First Coast Mortgage (703) 627-1775 FirstCoastMortgageFunding.com
Future Home Loans (904) 887-7926 future.loans
Movement Mortgage (404) 751-8463 tylertatum.com
Regions Bank - MacDonald Mortgage Team
Ian MacDonald (904) 998-4961 regions.com/mlo/ianmacdonald
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
JoyLights (904) 474-1768 WeBringTheJoy.com
PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Kingfish Pest Control (904) 595-5300 KingfishPest.com
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/ HOME WATCH
Vicky’s Helping Hands (904) 502-9092 vickyshelpinghands.com
REAL ESTATE MEDIA
Real Home Image
Michael Rowlette (904) 930-3756 realhomeimage.com
REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Lens 2 Listing (904) 761-4745 lens2listing.com
The Real Estateographers (904) 770-5262 therealestateographers.com
RENOVATIONS
Renovation Sells (904) 655-2411 renovationsells.com/jax
ROOFING & EXTERIORS
Mighty Dog RoofingJacksonville FLA (904) 867-7859 mightydogroofing.com
SPORTS TEAMS Jacksonville Jaguars (904) 633-3348 Jaguars.com
TITLE COMPANY
Atlantic Coast Title & Escrow (904) 853-5591 atlanticcoasttitleandescrow.com
Cherry Title LLC
Angelique “Chrissy” Kirsch (904) 300-3414 cherrytitle.us
Landmark Title (904) 367-2525
LandmarkTitle.com
Milestone Title Services (904) 716-7285 milestonetitlesvcs.com
Omega National Title Agency, LLC (904) 456-0858
Omeganationaltitle.com
Summit Title of North Florida
JC Palacios (904) 800-3704
Woods, Weidenmiller, Michetti & Rudnick, LLP
Josh Rudnick (239) 325-4070
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Whitacre Wealth Management (410) 961-6548
WhitacreWealth Management.com
PARTNERS In Success
JACKSONVILLE TEAM
Providing closings throughout the state of Florida
Kristin and Brian Lunsford
Jess Wellar Writer
Nick Ingrisani Writer Scott Golmic Photographer
Michele Jerrell Operations Manager
Beauty After the Storm
BY KRISTIN LUNSFORD
They say the only guarantees in life are death and taxes, but here in Florida, I’d argue afternoon storms deserve a spot on that list too. In Northeast Florida, you can practically set your watch by them. The skies darken, thunder rolls in, and just as quickly as they arrive, they’re gone, leaving behind clearer skies and freshly washed streets.
I’ve always been fascinated by weather. As a kid, I dreamed of being a “weather girl”. There’s something thrilling about the energy of a summer storm, especially when you know it won’t last all day. You feel it sweep through, full of noise and drama… and then, it passes.
Some storms are just an inconvenience... wet shoes, traffic delays, frizzy hair. But others are more serious. And while I love the poetic beauty of summer storms, I also recognize that some leave behind real heartbreak. If you’re someone who’s lost much—whether from a literal storm or a personal one—my heart is with you. May you find peace, strength, and support as you walk forward.
Life has a way of mirroring the skies. We all face storms... unexpected diagnoses, broken relationships, financial strain, grief. In the moment, it feels dark and uncertain. But often, when the clouds part, we see things differently. We come out stronger, clearer, more grounded than before.
The rain makes things grow. The storm reminds us we’re not in control. But the clearing skies? They remind us that nothing lasts forever, not even the hardest season.
Here’s to appreciating the storms. For what they teach us. For the beauty they leave behind. And for the hope they point us toward.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
– Vivian Greene
Jake & Abby Lunsford on Ponte Vedra Beach
CRAIG WEEKS CRAIG WEEKS FIRST COAST MORTGAGE
A DYNAMIC CAREER ROOTED IN COMMUNICATION, MENTORSHIP, & PASSION BY
“I have a very boring life, and I think boring is good. I love my life. By boring, I mean it’s very much the same all the time, but I thrive in it, and I love it. I love what I do for my job, I love my family, and I’m excited about where First Coast Mortgage is going.”
Craig Weeks grew up in the small town of Florence, Alabama, nestled in the heart of the Quad Cities region. Known for its rich musical heritage — think Muscle Shoals and the legendary recording studios that hosted acts like The Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd — Florence offered a humble but culturally vibrant backdrop for Craig’s early life.
He attended a local college where he double majored in economics and finance, a decision that would set the foundation for a dynamic and evolving career. After graduation, he stepped into the banking world through a management trainee program in Tupelo, Mississippi. The bank’s leadership quickly took note of his analytical mindset and asked him to take on a struggling department — mortgage lending. That assignment, back in 1987, would spark a lifelong passion.
“When I was assigned to the mortgage side, I absolutely loved being part of the process to get people into homes. It gave me purpose. I felt like I was doing something that was truly adding value to the world — and I still feel that today.”
Craig immersed himself in mortgage lending, and over five years in Tupelo, he gained hands-on experience in every aspect of the business. His career then led him to Birmingham, where he shifted into capital markets. That role, like many in Craig’s career, was shaped by change. When the company was acquired, he transitioned to Compass Bank. It was there that he encountered a pivotal opportunity.
A smaller institution in North Georgia, United Community Banks, was facing serious challenges with their mortgage
NICK INGRISANI
operations. Craig conducted a review and presented his recommendations. Impressed by his insights, the bank’s president invited him to come on board and lead the overhaul himself. Craig and his wife, Tammy, packed up and moved to Blairsville, Georgia — a tiny mountain town with a mortgage operation in need of transformation.
After five years there, the desire for a new chapter brought Craig and his family to Jacksonville, Florida. He joined Barnett Bank’s mortgage team, only to experience more corporate transitions as the bank was acquired — first by Nations Bank, then by Bank of America. The changes pushed Craig to the wholesale side of the business, working as an account manager calling on banks and mortgage companies across the Southeast.
Eventually, one of his clients in Ocala invited him to work directly for their firm, and he worked there for five years before taking a job at Engle Homes’ in-house mortgage company as a loan originator. Five years later, the 2008 financial crisis reshaped the landscape. From there, he pivoted to Wells Fargo, which already had a joint venture with Engle Homes before its closing, then to Jet Home Loans, the in-house lender for Dream Finders Homes in Jacksonville.
It was there that Craig met Jason Kindler and Aaron Bacus, who would go on to found First Coast Mortgage. They brought Craig on as their sixth employee — and he’s been with them ever since. Today, Craig’s role has grown well beyond originating loans.
Craig is especially excited about their new 12-month mentorship program that was just launched in April 2025. Drawing on his decades of experience to help others succeed, this new initiative is designed to support newly licensed loan officers with tailored, hands-on guidance — covering everything from technical knowledge to real-world problem-solving. He works alongside Jason, who provides sales training, while
“IT GAVE ME PURPOSE.”
Craig mentors participants through the full mortgage process.
Craig’s hobbies include landscape photography and growing peppers.
The program reflects Craig’s belief that with the right support, anyone can thrive in this industry — regardless of their starting point. His approach is practical and personal, grounded in communication, empathy, and a deep understanding of how to help clients and colleagues alike navigate complex terrain.
“We believe there’s an untapped market to provide support in the mortgage lending industry. We’re taking loan officers from all gamuts of experience and providing them with support, sales training, and technical training. I was thrilled that Jason and Aaron created a custom position for me to be able to do this. I make sure they’re going through all the steps and thinking about all the options to ensure they end up providing the best execution for their borrower.”
The love of teaching runs in Craig’s family — his mother was an educator, and her influence can be seen in his thoughtful, step-by-step approach to
mentoring. Whether he’s walking a client through the home loan process or helping a new loan officer gain confidence, Craig takes pride in making the complex simple.
“I believe it’s important to set proper expectations, explain the process throughout, and be up front about any speed bumps along the way. It takes the mystery out of it. I think it’s paramount that everyone is kept in the loop throughout the process. By doing that, there aren’t any surprises. Most people don’t like surprises unless it’s winning the lottery.”
Outside of work, Craig is a devoted family man. He’s been married to his wife Tammy since 1987, and together they’ve raised three children and now enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. When he’s not with family, you’ll likely find Craig behind a camera, capturing landscapes and wildlife with the same care and precision he brings to his work.
“I’m about as serious an amateur photographer can be without being a professional.”
Whether he’s training the next generation of mortgage professionals or capturing the perfect image on a quiet trail, Craig is driven by a desire to serve, to connect, and to leave things better than he found them. It’s a mindset that’s carried him through nearly four decades in the industry — and continues to fuel his passion today.
Craig and his wife of 37 years, Tammy.
Craig and Tammy have 3 children.
Jordan MAY
A Business Built on Faith, Family, & Fierce Hustle
BY NICK INGRISANI
Lindsey O’STEEN The Shoreline Group
“We love being there for people in any way we can.”
- LINDSEY
For Lindsey O’Steen and Jordan May, real estate isn’t just a business — it’s a calling rooted in family, friendship, and faith. As co-founders of The Shoreline Group, their partnership has grown from a shared vision to a thriving team known for its integrity, drive, and community spirit.
Jordan entered real estate in 2017, navigating the early years with limited resources and two young kids at home. She hustled and worked as much as she could to build a business quickly, leveraging her background as a CrossFit coach to tap into a loyal client base who already trusted her leadership and dedication.
Lindsey always had a love for real estate and was eager to get into the business while working as a bartender and running a cleaning company. She got her license in 2019 and hit the ground running. Jordan and Lindsey quickly discovered they shared the same values and work ethic. What started as mentorship soon blossomed into a
partnership built on trust, shared goals, and a deep commitment to service.
“We realized quickly that we have the same outlook on life and want the same things. We both have the same faith and put God first. That sparked our friendship. It was a friendship before a business relationship, and everything developed from there,” shares Jordan.
Since they both struggled growing up, they bring a combined grit, grace, and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Their ethos isn’t just about sales — it’s about celebration. From the start, Lindsey and Jordan have prioritized bringing joy into every transaction. They’ve built their brand through intentional relationshipbuilding, genuine appreciation for their clients, and a talent for turning even the most stressful parts of the buying or selling process into something memorable. Social media has become
a powerful tool in their approach, helping them reach new audiences while staying true to their voice and mission.
Perhaps their most cherished tradition is the annual December Gala, a lavish event that brings together past clients, friends, and family. “It’s basically a wedding,” they joke — an evening to say thank you, reflect on the year, and strengthen the community they’ve built. Throughout the year, they host smaller gatherings, reinforcing that the connection doesn’t end when the sale closes.
“We always say — once you work with us, you become family. That’s exactly why we host events throughout
the year: to stay connected with our incredible real estate family and show our appreciation long after closing day,” Jordan explains.
That same spirit of generosity and connection inspired the launch of their second business: JL Staging and Home Design. Officially formed in January 2025, the business has already staged more than a dozen homes and is growing fast. What started as a service for their listings quickly became a sought-after offering by other agents in the area. With the help of their families and their husbands — who can often be found moving furniture or planting signs — they’ve turned their design skills into another thriving venture.
The Shoreline Group also includes a licensed assistant, Paige, who has been with Jordan and Lindsey for five years and is credited as the glue that keeps the operation running smoothly. They recently welcomed a new team member, Ashley, and while they’re open to growing the team further, they’re selective. For them, it’s not about finding the best résumé — it’s about shared values, a strong work ethic, and a heart for service.
“We’re open to growing the team, but aren’t just looking for anyone. From the start, we wanted everything to be centered on faith and belief in the Lord,” says Lindsey.
“We feel like we’re hard workers because of where we came from and how we struggled, so we don’t want to add anyone to our team who has never struggled. We want people who will get out there and work hard to succeed,” shares Jordan.
It was a friendship before a business relationship, and everything developed from there.” - JORDAN
Their rebrand to The Shoreline Group reflects a desire for greater visibility as local waterfront experts and cohesion as they look toward the future. But one thing won’t change: their commitment to honesty, transparency, and doing right by their clients. Their guiding principles — putting God first, family second, and work third — are more than words. They’re the foundation of everything they do.
Outside of work, both women cherish time on the water with their families,
We’re open to growing the team, but aren’t just looking for anyone. From the start, we wanted everything to be centered on faith and belief in the Lord.”
- LINDSEY
whether boating, dining by the lake, or simply soaking up the sunshine. Jordan is often found at the ball field with her three boys or poolside with the local swim team. Lindsey, a proud mom to two young kids, serves on the board of a local nonprofit that helps families in crisis. Both credit their spouses and parents for providing the behind-the-scenes support that makes their demanding schedules possible.
“We’re so grateful to have family living a few miles from us who we can call on when we’re working late to help us out. Same for our spouses… we’re so grateful to
“We always say — once you work with us, you become family.” - JORDAN
have incredible men in our lives supporting us growing two businesses at the same time. I’m so incredibly grateful for my husband. I truly prayed for a man like him — someone who supports me in everything I do. I couldn’t imagine doing life without him. I feel genuinely blessed to have him as my partner, my rock, and my biggest cheerleader,” Jordan shares.
“My husband, Sean, is my rock and is the glue that holds everything together. One day he could be mowing the lawn for a new listing, the next, moving furniture for a staging job. I would be nowhere without him, and I thank God for bringing us together,” replies Lindsey.
In a business that can be fast-paced and transactional,
Lindsey and Jordan stand out for their heartforward approach. They don’t just sell homes — they build relationships, foster community, and inspire others with their authenticity and drive.
For The Shoreline Group, success isn’t measured in closings — it’s measured in the lives they touch along the way.
The Shoreline Group: Paige, Jordan, Ashley, and Lindsey.
Stephanie Stephanie Getting Lucky With Hard Work HUNTLEY
BY JESS WELLAR
“I received a call from an agent recently that told me they had received multiple offers, but ultimately accepted my client’s offer and that we were now under contract — despite the fact it was for $50,000 less than the highest offer,” Stephanie Huntley begins. “I asked why, and they responded, ‘Because you are the person we want to work with’.”
If there’s one thing Stephanie has learned in her pivot from healthcare to real estate, it’s that relationships matter. It’s not about the price point or even the home itself — it’s about communication and following up with people to show you care.
“I had been doing the same exact job for 18 years,” she explains. “Working in healthcare was a huge blessing for my family while I had small kids and my husband was growing his business, but I became burned out; and I was also feeling ready for a change as the kids became more independent.”
Her husband, Jason, a custom home builder with over 150 homes built in the Beaches and St. Augustine area, had encouraged her for years to get her real estate license. She finally decided to give it a shot in 2021.
What started as a side hustle quickly turned into something bigger. For two years, Stephanie juggled both careers, slowly phasing out of healthcare and into real estate full-time.
“I’ve worked hard and have been incredibly blessed by the support of my family, friends, and my phenomenal brokerage,” she says. “My passion for helping others in healthcare is still fulfilled in real estate.”
From Rookie To Rockstar Stephanie still considers herself a “rookie,” but the numbers say otherwise. In 2024, she closed over $10.5 million in sales across a dozen transactions — and she’s on track to crush those totals by spring of this year.
“I’ve been super blessed that my deals have mostly been within my sphere, especially within the first two years,” she says. “I have a lot of connections through family and friends. That comfort and my clients’ grace allowed me to build confidence and be transparent.”
From
Healing To Homes
For nearly two decades, Stephanie worked as a speech pathologist at Baptist Beaches Hospital. She loved helping people, but after COVID changed the landscape of healthcare, she found herself feeling unfulfilled.
Now, more than two years into full-time real estate, she credits much of her success to her terrific brokers at Fluid Realty, Britt Sanders and Richard McDill.
“Britt and Richard have been my biggest coaches, supporters, the ones who push me. They are the reason I am where I am,” she acknowledges gratefully.
Constant Hustle
Stephanie’s father always told her, “The harder I work, the luckier I get,” and she emphasizes that quote has never felt truer to her than in real estate.
“This business is all about hustle, and that’s my mantra,” she affirms. Whether she’s selling a high-end home or helping a first-time buyer, Stephanie’s approach is the same: she’s all in.
“I am very organized and a great communicator,” she offers. “I really do follow up, and if anything, I overcommunicate! But everyone in our brokerage stands out for being proactive and communicating like this, too.”
That level of service has earned her a reputation as a go-to agent in Jacksonville Beach, and her resilient spirit is another reason other agents want to work with her.
“I don’t give up — and I try my best to keep things in perspective for my clients,” she adds. “After working in a hospital with critically ill patients and families for almost 20 years, I try to bring balance into a stressful situation.”
Redefining Success
For Stephanie, success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about taking a leap outside of her comfort zone, embracing change, and showing her children that they can truly do anything they set their minds to.
But the transition wasn’t all rainbows and roses either. Stephanie still had plenty of doubts and a personal struggle with confidence.
“Making a career change in my 40s was one of my biggest challenges,” she admits. “It took a lot of courage to take the leap and step away from my identity as a speech pathologist. During that transition, I worked nonstop, juggling two careers and family life.”
Now, she’s fully settled into her new career, and she wouldn’t change a thing.
“I love what I do,” she smiles. “Success is working hard and enjoying it!”
Family Fun
When she’s not helping clients, Stephanie’s world revolves around her loved ones. She and Jason have been married for 18 years, and their two children, Libby (15) and Jay (12), keep them moving, as well as their playful Cavapoo puppy, Lucy.
“Our daughter plays basketball, and our son plays competitive golf — so we’re always on the go,” she explains. “Most of our travel these days is around sports, but we truly enjoy that time together. We’re also planning a family trip to Aruba this summer!”
The Huntleys are deeply rooted in Jacksonville, and Stephanie notes she feels blessed to have all of their extended family close by to spend time with often.
And when she needs some serious decompression, she has her regular goto options:
“I work out almost every day at 5 a.m. — a routine I’ve stuck to for over 20 years, and my ultimate sanity saver,” she laughs. “I also love spending time outdoors with family and friends, and, of course, enjoying a great glass of wine!”
Looking Ahead
Stephanie is excited about what’s next. She’s focused on growing as a real estate agent, pushing herself to keep learning, and contributing to the continued success of her boutique brokerage.
“I’ve been with Fluid Realty since day one and look forward to continuing to grow with them,” she affirms. “We have an incredible team, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
While she’s not currently planning to start her own team or pursue her broker’s license, she’s keeping an open mind down the road.
“I’m still very much happy with the huge change that I made,” she concludes. “From being in a hospital 8-12 hours a day to the flexibility of sales — it’s a massive shift. But I’ll never say never.”
THIS BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT HUSTLE, AND THAT’S MY MANTRA.”
Stephanie and her husband, Jason, have two children.
IF YOU COULD SPEND SUMMER ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,
where would it be?
Julia Almstead
eXp Realty
Croatia — My parents are originally from Croatia. They came to America back in 1967 on a work visa through the Catholic Church. They were greeted by an interpreter who explained that there were no more job openings in Michigan at the factory plants they were headed to go work in, so they kept them in NYC to begin life in America! My Mom only took be back to Croatia one time when I was very young and I haven’t been back since. Both my parents have now passed on and recently to my surprise, I learned that our family’s estate in Croatia awarded myself and my brother my Dad’s family’s farmhouse and farm, along with one other cousin. I’m so excited and can’t wait to get back to Croatia! I would like to go next Summer and stay for 2 months. I am looking forward to learning more of our family history. Both my parents grew up on farms and lived in the same village, just a small hill apart!
Débora McCarty
Watson Realty Corp.
okonomiyaki) would be the perfect reset, and Japan’s bullettrain network would put Kyoto’s Gion Festival, Hokkaido’s lavender fields, and Okinawa’s coral reefs within weekend reach. A summer here would blend innovation, tradition, and effortless side trips — giving me one passport stamp yet the feel of visiting 150-plus countries.
Angela “Gigi” Urbanski Real Broker
If I could spend summer anywhere, I’d go back in time with my grandmother — sitting side by side as she taught me to crochet, learning how to make her homemade Italian dishes, dancing in the kitchen to Italian inspired songs, going through the countless photo albums of family trips, wedding, and serving others at the assisted living home she adored. Those slow, meaningful days shaped me more than I realized.
If I could spend the summer anywhere, I’d set up camp in Osaka, Japan, where Expo 2025 (13 April – 13 October) is transforming Yumeshima Island into a living laboratory for its theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and its three forward-looking sub-themes — Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, Connecting Lives. With more than 158 participating countries and seven international bodies, the exposition lets you sample global culture, tech, and cuisine in a single loop — anchored by architect Sou Fujimoto’s recordbreaking “Grand Ring,” now officially the world’s largest wooden structure. After wandering those pavilions all day, Osaka’s famously friendly, food-centric energy (think late-night
that I feel I wouldn’t be able to experience anywhere else in the world. I love Europe very much and plan to spend many summers there with my future husband.
Angelique “Chrissy” Kirsch Cherry Title LLC
If I could spend the summer anywhere, it would be on a nice, long camping road trip with my husband through every state in the US. We try to get away as often as we can to different mountain areas in the U.S. There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of birds, breathing in the crisp air, and being completely unplugged from the world. It’s peaceful, grounding, and gives us time to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy nature together.
Jackie Darby Century 21 Miller Elite
I would love to go somewhere in Europe like Italy or Greece, where the waters are stunning and a little cooler than here in NE Florida.
Jeff Riber Pursuit Real Estate
Blue Ridge Mountains — Not too far from home and with a bit of elevation it’s bearably hot!
Erica Harding Engel & Völkers First Coast
Mind you, I have never even spent the night in an RV, so that may perhaps be an error on my part… Truly, I can’t imagine a more majestic tribute to summer than seeing America in all its natural glory. The way architecture changes with the landscape can bring fresh perspective, and I always enjoy that.
Cici Anderson Bellagio Italy
It’s much cooler than Florida, but you can still be out on a boat on the water or sipping a incredible Lemoncello spritz. I was there last summer and I wish I could live there every summer.
Dana Hancock RE/MAX Specialists
On the Southern Coast of Italy, wandering from village to village and on a boat exploring!
Shelley Morgan Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners 2 places — Sedona in order to cool off and always PVB beaches! How lucky are we to live here!
Nikki-Lyn Holm
The Coastal Home Group
The Amalfi coast of Italy!
Sherri Nelson STA Realty
ICELAND! Not just because it’s hot here in Florida, but because that’s the warmest it gets there and it’s on my bucket list! I would love to see all the wonders and beautiful countryside there, swim in a lagoon...and the people are so nice.
Although a Summer in Europe is also a dream — I’d choose to spend the summer traveling around the US checking the box for places we’ve never been! We have always talked about renting an RV with the kids and checking out national parks, new sights and cities and unplugging from our normal routine. I think it would be really cool experiencing the beauty of nature as a family — hiking, sightseeing and making memories that will last a lifetime! It’s on our bucket list!
Allison Chance
Anchored Real Estate Group Italy for sure! The views are incredible and the food is so fresh and delicious!
Delaney Henderson Momentum Realty
If I could spend my summer anywhere in the world, the one place I would choose is Europe, because there are so many opportunities to see different cultures, countries, and experiences in such a short period of time
Ashley Horvatincic Florida Network Realty
On the sea in Croatia! Favorite spot to explore with over 1,100 islands and crystal clear water!
Jenny Jones
Bridge City Real Estate Co.
I would spend the summer traveling the country visiting national parks in an RV!
If I could spend summer anywhere, it would be the Amalfi Coast, no question. My son owns a villa there, and I’ve got my own special suite. Sunshine, pasta, ocean views, and just enough Wi-Fi to keep a few deals moving while I pretend to relax. Heaven.
Katie Hughes Johnson
RE/MAX Specialists PV
I absolutely love Tuscany, Italy. It is a beautiful area and would be wonderful to have a month to explore!
From the Desk of the President:
The Voice for Real Estate in Florida says, “Eliminate Florida’s Commercial Lease Tax”
BY TIM WEISHEYER, 2025 PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA REALTORS®
Florida is one of the best places on earth to form, start and run a business and Florida REALTORS® continues our push to make it even better. As the only state in the nation levying a sales tax on commercial leases, we have been hard at work chipping away at the reduction, and ultimate elimination, of this onerous tax on businesses and consumers.
I often talk about the symbiotic nature of the real estate market and how economic development drives commercial real estate and commercial real estate is directly linked to the success of residential real estate. So, for us, eliminating this tax is paramount to ensuring Florida’s real estate ecosystem is positioned for long-term success and economic expansion.
The commercial lease/sales tax, commonly referred to as the “Business Rent Tax (BRT)”, was originally 6% across Florida with additional local surtaxes layered on top of it. In total, this tax costs businesses and consumers billions of dollars annually and places Florida at a competitive disadvantage when competing with other states for business growth, corporate relocation, attracting new industries and expanding our workforce — all vital to our economy and our member’s success.
Our efforts are paying off in big ways… As of June 1, 2024, we have been successful in partnering with the Florida legislature to have the state sales tax on commercial leases lowered from 6.0% to 2.0% and we are currently working with lawmakers on additional cuts along with a phase out of the tax entirely in the coming years.
As we continue to advance this important conversation in Tallahassee, we welcome your support and partnership locally. Stay engaged, share the work your association is doing with
your customers and clients and share some of the key benefits outlined below on your social media channels to further position yourself, as a REALTOR®, as a voice for positive change in Florida. When we speak as one voice, our message is heard and our impact is enhanced.
Some of the benefits of the elimination of sales tax on commercial leases:
• Enhanced Economic Competitiveness: Florida is the only state in the U.S. that imposes this type of tax. Critics argue this puts Florida businesses at a distinct disadvantage when competing with companies in other states that do not have this added operational cost. Eliminating it could make Florida an even more attractive destination for new businesses and expansions.
• Relief for Small Businesses: The tax is an additional operating expense that can be particularly burdensome for startups and smaller businesses with tighter margins. Reducing or eliminating this tax directly lowers their overhead, freeing up capital that can be reinvested into the business for growth, hiring, or innovation.
• Stimulating Economic Growth and Job Creation: Florida REALTORS® Chief Economist Brad O’Connor shares “that the money saved by businesses from a reduced or eliminated commercial lease tax would be channeled back into the economy.” Further “In a competitive landscape for corporate relocations and expansions, the commercial lease tax can be a deterrent. Its removal would strengthen Florida’s appeal as a business-friendly state.”
Florida REALTORS® commends the state legislature for the efforts to bring this tax from a high of 6% to its now 2% but hope to see further reductions. We will continue to advocate for a strong Florida economy and an attractive landscape for businesses to move Florida.
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