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Is the "Retail Apocalypse" over? Far from it—retail has simply evolved. Oversized, massive department stores have stepped aside for a much more dynamic, community-driven engine. Today, the shopping centers seeing the highest foot traffic and lowest vacancies aren't relying on big-box giants. Instead, they are winning big by curating experiential, necessity-based spaces: boutique fitness, upscale salons, and artisanal cafes. Read our latest blog post to discover how this structural shift is redefining South Florida retail property values and what it means for landlords looking to optimize their spaces.

For decades, business owners operating in the Sunshine State shared a common, frustrating grievance: Florida was the only state in the nation that levied a sales tax on commercial real estate leases. Whether you were renting a boutique on Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue or a corporate office space in Tampa, a percentage of your revenue went straight to the state as a tax on your rent.

That heavy operational burden is officially a thing of the past.

Following a multi-year phaseout, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7031, completely repealing Section 212.031 of the Florida Statutes. This landmark legislation completely eliminated both the state sales tax and all local county discretionary surtaxes on commercial real property leases. For local business owners, this historic tax repeal provides massive financial relief, fundamentally changing the math behind retail leasing and corporate expansion across Florida.

Here is what you need to know about the repeal and how it directly affects your bottom line.

Walk into almost any bustling retail plaza from Palm Beach County down to the Tampa Bay area, and you are bound to notice a significant shift in the tenant mix. Nestled between your favorite local coffee shop and a boutique clothing store, you are increasingly likely to find an urgent care center, a specialized physical therapy clinic, or a modern dental studio.

Welcome to the era of "Medtail"—the strategic intersection of healthcare delivery and traditional retail real estate.

An estimated 20% of leased retail space nationwide is now dedicated to medical operations. As healthcare providers aggressively pursue "retail-like" access strategies to serve expanding populations, landlords have a unique opportunity. Shifting your property management strategy to welcome healthcare tenants is one of the most lucrative ways to future-proof a retail asset.

Here is why retail property owners are actively betting on medical tenants, and what you need to know to capitalize on the trend.

Finding the perfect storefront in a bustling South Florida retail plaza is an exciting milestone. Whether you are eyeing a high-foot-traffic spot in Delray Beach or an up-and-coming corridor in Tampa, location sets the foundation for your business.

However, CoStar Group's national retail analytics highlight that rising operating costs are putting increased pressure on retail margins, driving elevated store closures among value-challenged and independent tenants (Svec, 2026). In this climate, a great location can quickly turn into a financial headache if you don’t carefully vet the lease agreement.

Before signing on the dotted line, ensure you ask your broker and landlord these five critical questions.

• Discover why PBC retail rents are reaching record highs in 2026. Get the Q1 market snapshot on vacancy rates and NNN pricing from Atlantic Commercial Group.