New data shows supply falling behind demand across rental and for-sale markets, with shortages concentrated in major metro areas.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is short an estimated 66,000 owner-occupied homes and more than 55,000 rental units, according to a new statewide housing supply model developed by Florida State University’s DeVoe L. Moore Institute.

The model, created with Reason Foundation and the Florida Policy Project, analyzes housing surpluses and shortages across all 67 counties and aims to give local leaders a clearer picture of affordability pressures and potential solutions.

The analysis found:

• Florida has 10,082,356 housing units, with 8,550,911 occupied.
• Owners occupy 5,756,809 of these housing units and 2,794,102 are rental units.
• The state faces a shortage of approximately 120,800 units

Some of the most severe shortages are concentrated in Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.

“There are a few counties in Florida that have particularly pronounced cumulative housing shortages. Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida, has the highest estimated shortage in Florida, at just over 12,700 units. Broward has the next highest shortage (10,233 units), followed by Hillsborough (8,360) and Duval (6,941),” the institute said.

Researchers point to several factors limiting new construction:

• Lengthy permitting timelines
• Zoning rules that favor low-density development
• Limited use of flexible alternatives such as accessory dwelling units and duplexes
• Local political disputes over new projects also add delays and costs.

An interactive map released alongside the report allows users to explore local trends, compare supply conditions over time and identify areas where policy changes could increase housing inventory.

“Our goal is to empower residents and elected officials to work toward solutions that expand supply, reduce costs and preserve community character,” Florida Policy Project founder and former state Sen. Jeff Brandes added. “We believe this tool will provide decision makers and Florida citizens real, live data so they will make the tough decisions to propel Florida as the leader in housing affordability.”

Researchers say expanding housing options and streamlining development processes could help ease price pressure in high-demand markets.

Source: FSU

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