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Fort Lauderdale, FL - Fort Lauderdale has emerged as the most active rental market in Florida in 2025, surpassing Miami in apartment search engagement.
According to a new report by Rent Café, an apartment listing platform, renter activity in Fort Lauderdale increased significantly during the first half of 2025, with the city climbing 41 spots compared to the previous year and ranking 20th nationwide.
The ranking is based on apartment availability, listing views, and properties saved as favorites, but does not account for affordability.
Miami ranked 134th nationally and eighth in the state, behind other cities such as Orlando, Tampa, and Tallahassee.
Analysts say Fort Lauderdale’s growth is driven by underdevelopment over the past decades and a concentration of new construction in the southern areas near the Miami border.
Local real estate professionals report that renters are attracted to Fort Lauderdale for larger apartments, waterfront views, and a less crowded lifestyle.
Realtors cite the city’s oceanfront neighborhoods as a key draw.
They anticipate population growth and increasing rental demand over the next five to ten years.
Longtime residents express concerns about rising traffic but acknowledged the economic benefits for tourism and the local housing market.
Nationally, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, and Cincinnati are ranked as the top rental markets in the United States.