MIAMI, Florida – Florida is emerging as a hotspot for homebuyers seeking leverage in a cooling U.S. housing market, according to a new report from real estate brokerage Redfin. Four Florida metros rank among the top 10 strongest buyer's markets nationwide, where home sellers significantly outnumber buyers, giving purchasers more negotiating power and options. In September 2025, Fort Lauderdale topped the list for Florida with 118.5% more sellers than buyers, followed closely by West Palm Beach at 113%, Miami at 112.2%, and Jacksonville at 96.3%. These figures reflect a broader trend in the Sun Belt, where an influx of new construction and lingering high mortgage rates have tilted the scales in favor of buyers. Nationwide, sellers outnumbered buyers by 36.7%, nearing a record high, as economic uncertainty and elevated home prices continue to deter potential purchasers. "Florida's housing markets, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the state, are seeing a surplus of listings due to new builds and sellers who are finally listing after being locked in by low rates," said a Redfin analyst in the report. However, some sellers are pulling back, frustrated by low demand. In Miami, for instance, the gap between sellers and buyers narrowed from 164.9% a year ago to 112.2% in September, as more homeowners opt to rent out properties rather than sell at reduced prices. Ozzie Linares, a Redfin Premier agent in Miami, highlighted the local standoff: “Miami’s housing market is at a standstill because there are a lot of sellers who don’t want to face the reality that their home is not worth what it was two years ago. Some sellers are just letting their homes sit, and if they don’t get the price they want, pulling their properties off the market and putting them up for rent.” Tampa also remains a buyer's market, though it has shifted slightly away from its stronger position last year. Overall, of the 50 most populous U.S. metros analyzed, 35 were classified as buyer's markets, with Florida and Texas claiming seven of the top 10 spots where sellers outnumber buyers by at least 2-to-1. Redfin's methodology estimates buyers based on proprietary data tracking the time from a first home tour to closing, combined with MLS data on active listings and pending sales. Sellers are counted directly from active MLS listings. For Florida's key markets, the data shows: Fort Lauderdale: 20,028 sellers vs. 9,168 buyers West Palm Beach: 16,843 sellers vs. 7,909 buyers Miami: 20,748 sellers vs. 9,779 buyers Jacksonville: 13,505 sellers vs. 6,879 buyers While Austin, Texas, claims the national top spot with 130% more sellers than buyers, Florida's dominance underscores regional challenges like hurricane risks and insurance costs potentially influencing seller behavior. In contrast, seller's markets are more common in the Midwest and East Coast, with areas like Newark, New Jersey, seeing 41.9% fewer sellers than buyers.