Florida Thrives, and Cape Coral Will Too

At Rezny Wealth Management, we always look at the big picture when it comes to your financial future. Recently, headlines have painted a rough picture of Cape Coral, with some calling it the worst housing market in the country. While we understand the concern, it’s important not to believe everything you read in a headline. Markets go up and down—it’s part of the natural cycle—and Cape Coral has been through tough times before and bounced back strong.

Let’s start with the good news. Florida was just named the strongest state economy in the country for the third year in a row, according to CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business study. Out of 445 possible points, Florida earned a score of 363—higher than any other state. This ranking was based on things like job growth, gross domestic product (GDP), fiscal strength, housing, and how many big companies are based in the state.

In 2024, Florida’s economy grew by 3.6%, and jobs increased by 1.4%. Florida holds a AAA credit rating, meaning it’s seen as a safe and stable place for investment. Major companies like CSX, Carnival, and Lennar are headquartered here, and Florida continues to lead the country in new businesses being started. On top of that, while Florida is a big player in international trade, only a small portion of that trade is with China. This protects the state from some of the risks other places face with tariffs and trade conflicts.

Now, let’s talk about Cape Coral. It’s true that the city is facing a tough housing market right now. There are thousands of homes for sale, many of them sitting empty or in foreclosure. Prices have dropped by about 11% in the Cape Coral–Fort Myers area, and over half of all listings have had price cuts. Nearly 8% of homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth, and foreclosures have increased by almost 50% just from April to May.

A lot of this has been caused by rising home insurance, property taxes, and damage from recent hurricane seasons. Investors who bought homes to rent out on Airbnb are also having trouble selling them at a profit. These problems are real, but they are not permanent.

In fact, Cape Coral has been here before. The city went through a major housing crash years ago, but it recovered and became one of the most sought-after places to buy a home in the entire country. That’s how real estate works—it has ups and downs. While we never ignore warning signs, we also don’t panic over short-term changes. Housing markets always rise and fall, and Cape Coral will rebound again.

That’s why we always encourage our clients and followers to look past the dramatic headlines. They’re designed to grab your attention—not always to tell the full story. Florida’s economy is still strong, and the long-term outlook remains positive. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, make your decisions based on facts, history, and expert advice—not just the latest headline.

At Rezny Wealth Management, we’re here to help guide you through every market cycle with confidence and clarity.

General informational content only. Not tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment decisions. Conduct due diligence. All investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal.