Orlando, FL – Thousands of new residents and businesses have been moving to the Orlando area recently, and they haven’t necessarily been coming from the places you might expect. The latest data indicates that the Florida real estate market is headed in a new direction.
Central Florida is experiencing a notable influx of homeowners and business owners from the Miami area. New data and industry reports show a rising trend of Miami residents migrating to the Orlando metro in 2024 and early 2025, seeking relief from higher costs, exposure to climate risks, and other challenges in South Florida. Orlando’s more affordable housing and booming economy are drawing thousands of new arrivals, reshaping the Florida real estate markets in both regions.
The shifting demographics have attracted the attention of real estate firms, such as Apex Capital Realty of Miami, which recently announced expansion into the Central Florida Market.
“We are thrilled to expand our footprint into Central Florida and welcome KP Capehart to the APEX Capital Realty team. “KP’s experience is invaluable as we establish our presence in this market. His commitment to success aligns perfectly with our core values, and we are confident he will play a key role in our continued growth.” – Miguel Pinto, Broker/Founder of APEX Capital Realty.
Pinto said the company expects to do well in the region, touting a portfolio of over $2 billion in closed transactions and more than 30 million square feet sold and leased since inception.
What’s Behind The Move?
Recent migration statistics highlight the flow of people from Miami/Fort Lauderdale to Orlando. Census surveys indicate that South Florida has been one of the greatest domestic sources of new Orlando residents in recent years. Moving company data underscores the trend: Orlando climbed to No. 3 among U.S. long-distance move destinations in 2023 (up from No. 9 in 2022). In total, more than 100,000 people moved into Orange County (Orlando’s county) from 2017 to 2021, with about half coming from elsewhere in Florida – a large share presumably from the Miami area.
Even in late 2024, Miami was still ranking as a top origin for Orlando-bound homebuyers, behind only Dallas and Los Angeles, according to Redfin user search data. The broader picture shows Florida’s population boom continuing, though at a moderated pace. Statewide, 940,000 people moved into Florida in 2023 and 510,000 left, yielding a net gain of 430,000. Many of those newcomers chose Orlando over South Florida, contributing to Orlando’s status as one of America’s fastest-growing metro areas.
Why Relocate? Cost, Climate and Opportunity
Lower living costs are a major draw pulling Miamians to Central Florida. Housing in Orlando is markedly cheaper: the average home price in Orlando is around $395,000, versus about $500,000 in Miami. “When it comes to people who can’t get a starter home in South Florida, they’re coming to Orlando,” said Orlando Realtor Freddie Smith, noting you can still find houses in the mid-$300,000s around Orlando, compared to $700,000 for a comparable home in Miami’s market. Overall cost-of-living calculators show a salary stretches further in Orlando than in Miami, especially due to housing and insurance differences.
Climate and insurance concerns also factor into the migration. Miami’s coastal location brings heightened risk of hurricanes, flooding and rising seas, along with spiking home insurance premiums. After a series of storms and an insurance crisis in Florida, some homeowners are seeking higher ground. “By the time a hurricane reaches us, they lose steam,” said Courtney Moody, a real estate agent in Ocala (just north of Orlando), who has helped an influx of South Floridians looking for “peace and security” inland. She recently worked with a couple from Miami who bought a home near Orlando to escape coastal storm risks and soaring insurance bills. Statewide in 2023, the high cost of housing and insurance was the top motivator for those moving out of Florida, and many Miami-area residents have chosen to relocate within Florida rather than leave the state entirely.
Another appeal is Central Florida’s business environment and quality of life. Orlando has cultivated a reputation as a business-friendly hub with a diversifying economy (tech, defense, hospitality and more). In fact, a 2024 WalletHub study ranked Orlando as the #1 large U.S. city to start a business, citing its fast growth in small enterprises and relatively lower costs; Miami also ranked high at #5. Entrepreneurs from South Florida are increasingly eyeing Orlando for expansion or relocation, attracted by cheaper office space, a growing talent pool, and the absence of state income tax (a benefit statewide). Additionally, Central Florida offers a different pace and lifestyle – many families cite Orlando’s suburban communities, schools, and theme-park entertainment options as positives compared to the dense urban environment of Miami.
As Orlando continues to attract new residents and businesses, firms like APEX Capital Realty are positioning themselves to play a crucial role in shaping the region’s commercial landscape, further solidifying Orlando’s status as Florida’s next major growth hub.
